QA

Question: How To Replace Garage Door Spring And Cable

Can I replace garage door spring myself?

So faced with a broken garage door spring, the question is, can you fix it yourself? You absolutely can replace a garage door spring, but the type of springs you have may influence your decision. If you’re uncomfortable with any part of the process, simply leave the job to a garage door professional.

How much does it cost to replace garage door cables?

Garage door cables cost around $15 each and $30 for the pair. We recommend getting cables installed or replaced by a professional door company, so you would include the service/installation fee. The total amount you should spend on replacing cables should be in the range of $90 to $115.

How long does it take to replace garage door springs?

Replacing garage door springs takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the type and size of the garage door and number of springs. Old garage doors with several failing parts take up to two hours to replace. A garage door spring tune-up takes 10 to 15 minutes per door.

Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?

As professionals in the industry, we advise you do not attempt to open your garage door if the spring is broken. Extension springs on either side of the door, along the rails, help counterbalance the weight of the door as it is raised or lowered. Torsion springs across the top of the door help do the heavy lifting.

How do I lift my garage door with a broken cable?

How to Open a Garage Door with a Broken Cable? The first step is making sure that all the cables and springs are intact. You will want to locate the emergency cord. You then pull on the cord until you feel the lever locking into position. You should now be able to lift the garage door and then bring it down.

What causes garage door cables to break?

Wear and tear is the most common cause of cable failure. However, water or moisture near the bottom or sides of the door, corrosion, damaged pulley bearings, or improper track alignment can strain or degrade the cables. If you have a snapped or frayed cable, do not use your garage door.

How often should you replace garage door cables?

Depending on the cycle count of your garage door and how often you use your garage, cables should last 8-15 years. You can extend the life of your garage door cables by keeping up with a regular maintenance schedule.

How long should garage door cables last?

Like all garage door parts, the lifespan of cables depends on cycles. High cycle cables will last 10-15,000 cycles of opening you garage door. This translates into 8-15 years depending on how frequently you use your garage door. However, you can extend this lifespan with annual maintenance.

Do I need to replace both springs on my garage door?

When replacing tension springs, it is recommended that both springs be replaced and matched because the older, unbroken spring will have lost some of its tension from years of use. Replacing both springs helps to balance the door so that it opens smoothly with equal force being applied to each side of the door.

How much should it cost to replace springs on garage door?

The cost to replace garage door springs ranges in between $180 to $350 for an expert to do the job satisfactorily. The cost includes the torsion and extension springs’ cost ($10 to $100), labor cost (in between $40 to $70) depending on region and a company. The price for replacing may vary based on the types of door.

Is installing a garage door difficult?

Installing a garage door isn’t as simple as installing a regular door. Not only can it be difficult but it can also be dangerous. Aside from being easier to install, manual garage doors are easier to fix (because they don’t have many parts), and they’re often more secure as well.

How many springs should a garage door have?

As a rule of thumb, a single garage door takes one torsion spring. A double-wide garage door takes two springs. However, if you have an exceptionally heavy single door, you may need two torsion springs. It is easy to tell whether you have one or two springs.

How do you close a garage door with a broken spring?

Lift the door until it is completely raised along the horizontal rails. If the door is too heavy, discontinue your attempt to lift the door and call a repair service immediately. Some companies, like ours, are able to provide same-day repair services. To close the door, carefully pull the door down slowly.

What happens if a garage door cable breaks?

A broken cable causes extra tension to transfer to the other cable, placing tremendous strain on it. This can make the garage door lift unevenly, causing it to become crooked and unbalanced. Therefore, if your garage door is squeaking, shaking or operating strangely, this could mean a cable has snapped.

Is it hard to replace garage door spring?

Extension springs are generally considered much easier to replace. You can completely remove and replace the springs on your door without dealing with any amount of dangerous tension. Once you open the door, the springs will lose most of their tension and should be safe to work with.

What is the difference between extension springs and torsion springs?

Extension springs fully expand and contract when operating an overhead door. Torsion springs turn. Torsion springs are sturdier and last longer. Torsion springs do cost more, but generally last between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles, whereas extension springs last up to 10,000 cycles.