It is no surprise that a poorly maintained home impacts its original value. Since a home is a valuable investment, any defect in your home may push buyers away. Maintenance and repair are essential to prevent value depreciation.
For this reason, you must consider several home improvement ideas before selling your house, including garage door spring repair. If you want to learn more about property facelift tips and tricks, contact a reliable real estate agent for help with insightful information. This blog will elaborate on when, why, and how to repair garage door springs to maintain your property value.
- How Does Garage Door Spring Repair Add Value to Your Home?
- Signs of Failing Garage Door Springs
- When is the Right Time to Call a Professional?
- Step-by-Step Garage Door Spring Repair Process
How Does Garage Door Spring Repair Add Value to Your Home?
A well-functioning garage door determines the efficiency and safety of your home, which, in turn, maintains its value. All its components must be in the proper condition for a garage door to operate efficiently. A garage door spring is one of the many essential components of a garage door. Any defect in the spring will disrupt the functionality of the entire garage door system. Therefore, garage door spring repair is integral to home-value-boosting renovations and upgrading your property.
Signs of Failing Garage Door Springs
Garage door spring failure leads to various issues with your garage door. It will cause inconveniences in your daily routine and pose safety risks. As a homeowner, you should notice the signs of spring failure. Therefore, you can do the necessary repairs or trendy remodeling tweaks at the right time. Here are some common signs of damage you may notice when your garage door spring fails to function correctly:
1.Loose Cables
Garage door springs are connected to the cables, and this alignment helps the door move up and down smoothly. The wires and springs typically work together to distribute the door’s weight evenly. Due to this alignment, if the spring breaks, the cable will slip out of its place and loosen.
2.Heavy Garage Door
If you notice that the door feels heavier than usual, it may be a sign of faulty springs. The extension springs of the garage door system are designed to support the door’s weight. The support fails when the springs are broken or damaged, making the door heavier.
3.Visible Gaps in Spring
The garage door torsion springs are tightly coiled. When they break, you will notice a visible gap between the coils, varying from a few millimeters to several inches. Besides the gaps, you will also observe a loud sound near the garage door when the springs snap.
4.Tilted Garage Door
Damage to the extension spring of your garage door may cause the door to tilt in one direction. The springs on both sides of the garage door system are designed to support the door with equal tension. If any spring fails to work, the torsion applied on either side of the door will vary, causing it to tilt in one direction.
5.Garage Door Shuts Quickly
You may notice your garage door falling quickly and crashing into the ground. This sudden movement may happen because of the faulty springs. Since the springs lose the ability to support the door’s weight, the door may fall too quickly, posing a threat of serious injury.
6.Visible Wear and Trear of the Spring
Over time, garage door springs tend to wear out. Rust on the springs and the stretched-out appearance of the metal coils indicate that the springs require repair. However, the signs of wear and tear are only sometimes obvious and need a professional inspection. We suggest you look for an established garage door repair company, as inexperienced contractors can do more damage than good.
When is the Right Time to Call a Professional?
You may have incredible garage renovation ideas. Still, if you are not a trained professional, do not try to repair the garage door springs alone! The torsion springs in your garage door system are sophisticated components that support the door with tremendous force. Any accidental mishap while working with the springs may cause severe physical injury. So, it is always recommended to call for professional help whenever you notice any signs of damage, as illustrated above.
However, sometimes, the signs of damage may not be identifiable. In such a case, call a garage door expert for an inspection. Generally, it is advisable to have your garage door inspected by a reliable expert at least once every six months. Regular inspections will protect the springs from severe damage and save you money. Home renovation tricks done in time are indeed lucrative.
Step-by-Step Garage Door Spring Repair Process
The garage door spring repair process generally involves two essential steps. First, the faulty spring should be carefully removed from its place. A new spring will be installed after the old spring has been removed.
Steps for Removing the Defective Spring
Here are some of the basic steps for removing the defective spring from the garage door system:
Step 1: Unplug the Garage Door Opener and Clamp the Door
Unplug the opener before you begin removing the spring. Then, clamp the door to the track by using pliers or a C-clamp. Clamping will secure the door in its place even when you remove the spring.
Step 2: Loosen the Set Screws Using a Winding Bar
Reach the spring using a ladder, and wear protective gear before working on the spring. Place a winding bar into the hole on the winding cone, and use a wrench to loosen the set screws on the spring.
Step 3: Unwind the Spring
Insert two winding bars into the holes on the winding cones. Hold the winding bars and rotate the spring ¼ turn each time to unwind the spring.
Step 4: Remove the Nuts and Bolts
Remove the nuts and bolts from the garage door spring cone using a wrench. After removing the nuts and bolts, carefully slide the spring toward the end bracket.
Step 5: Remove the Spring
Secure the torsion tube using pliers or a C-clamp. Loosen the cable drum screws using a wrench. Now, disconnect the cables and remove the spring and cable drum from the torsion tube.
Steps for Installing the New Spring
Here are some of the steps for installing the new spring in your garage door system:
Step 1: Slide the Spring Through the Tube
Slide the new spring through the torsion tube, facing it towards the center bracket. Insert the cable drum and torsion bar into the bearing bracket.
Step 2: Install the Spring and Center Bearing
Insert the spring onto the bar, pressing the bearing into the starting cone. Connect the stationary cones and center brackets using nuts and bolts. Then, remove the clamp from the bracket.
Step 3: Insert the Cables
Insert the cable between the doorjamb and the roller and slip it through the cable slot. Secure the torsion tube in its place using locking pliers. Wind the cable and secure it by tightening the screws.
Step 4: Secure the Spring Using Winding Bars
Insert two winding bars in the winding cone holes. Rotate the winding bars a little at a time and secure the spring in its place.
Step 5: Stretch the Spring and Tighten the Set Screw
After you thoroughly wind the spring, stretch the spring using a winding bar and a hammer. Stretch the spring about ¼ inch away from the center. Then, tighten the set screws using your finger until they’re entirely secured to the torsion tube.
Step 6: Lubricate the Spring
Take the lubricating spray and spray it generously throughout the spring. Place a protective layer behind the spring to protect the garage door from lubricating spray. Lubricate both springs and wipe off the excess lubricant using a clean cloth!
Step 7: Remove the Clamp and Reconnect the Opener
Lastly, reconnect the opener to the power source and remove the clamp from the garage door. Test the newly installed spring by opening and closing the garage door.
Conclusion
Though apparently a minor aspect, keeping your garage in excellent shape is among the top five home improvements with the biggest impact on your house. And it starts with mending the springs. Why wouldn’t you address any sign of decay to prevent more substantial damage? After all, you wouldn’t let roof disrepair get out of hand, either.
Garage door spring repair helps maintain your property’s value and improves home security. You must ensure your garage door does not experience a significant breakdown! For this purpose, regularly inspect the garage door springs by an expert. Every little detail matters when it comes to your home. So, take no chances and contact a garage door professional as soon as possible.
