Grand Rapids’ humid summers and cold, snowy winters mean you need a functional garage door to protect your home from Michigan’s weather extremes. An important component of your garage door is the springs, which bear the weight of the door every time it opens or closes. Over time, garage door springs can eventually fail, making your garage door inoperable.
Learn how garage door springs in Grand Rapids work, recognize the warning signs of worn-out springs, and know when to call the professionals at M&M Garage Doors to keep your garage door functioning safely and reliably.
Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Repair
A perceptive homeowner can recognize subtle changes in their garage door weeks or months before the garage door springs fail. Learning these warning signs below will keep you ahead:
- The garage door is struggling to open
- The garage door is heavier than usual
- One side of the door hangs lower
- Visual indicators
- Unusual noises
- Aging springs
Torsion vs. Extension Springs: What Grand Rapids Homeowners Should Know
There are two types of garage door springs — torsion and extension — and they each work differently.
Torsion springs
Torsion springs sit coiled above the garage door opening on a metal shaft and work by twisting and storing energy as the door closes, and then releasing that energy to help lift the door when it opens. When you need garage door torsion spring repair, the M&M technician will work with springs under significant tension, which requires specialized tools and training for safety.
Extension springs
Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on either side of your door. They stretch and contract as the door opens and closes. These are more common on older and lighter garage doors. A proper garage door extension spring repair involves installing safety cables through the center of the springs to contain them in the event of a snap.
Why Timely Garage Door Spring Replacement Matters
When your springs begin to fail, delaying garage door spring replacement may cost you more money in the future. Degrading springs cause more stress on the opener and the garage door motor. Your garage door opener wasn’t designed to lift the full weight of the heavy door without help from properly functioning springs.
Timely replacement also prevents the need for repairs to other garage door components, such as the cables, rollers, or door panels, when the springs inevitably break.
How Broken Springs Affect Garage Door Safety and Performance
A worn-out or broken garage door spring creates a safety hazard. Your door can come crashing down at any point, potentially falling on you or someone else. Safety sensors and auto-reverse functions depend on the door being properly balanced, which requires fully functional springs. When springs snap, they can do so forcefully, creating a risk for anyone standing or walking nearby.
Most garage door openers are designed to handle only about 10 to 15 pounds of lifting force, and the springs are actually doing the heavy lifting.
Professional vs. DIY Spring Repair in Grand Rapids
If you notice your springs failing and you search online for “garage door spring repair near me,” you’ll most likely find many DIY repair tips. However, garage door coil spring replacement is one of the most hazardous garage door repairs. Garage door springs carry a huge amount of tension and hundreds of pounds of force. If they snap or slip during removal or installation, they can cause severe injuries.
Professional M&M technicians use specialized tools, including winding bars, clamps, and safety equipment, specifically designed for spring work. Aside from spring removal, spring installations must be sized correctly for your door’s weight, height, and tracking layout. During a service, we also inspect your garage door opener, weather stripping, and door balance. For safety and peace of mind, it’s best to leave garage door spring repair to the professionals.
Routine Maintenance Tips To Extend the Life of Your Springs
Proper garage door maintenance for springs helps significantly extend their lifespan. Here are some home maintenance tips to extend the life of your springs:
- Every three to four months, use a silicone-based or lithium-based garage door lubricant on the springs.
- Periodically examine your springs for signs of rust, gaps between coils, or stretching.
- Keep the garage door clean and dry.
- Test the garage door balance manually every few months.
Comprehensive Garage Door Services Beyond Springs
M&M Garage Doors technicians are trained to handle every aspect of garage door installation, repair, and maintenance. We service and install all types of garage door openers and accessories, repair and replace damaged panels, broken cables, worn rollers, bent tracks, and malfunctioning safety sensors. We can also upgrade your weather sealing to improve energy distribution and protect your garage from Michigan’s extreme weather changes..
Custom Garage Doors and Spring Compatibility
Custom garage doors from M&M come in various weights and sizes depending on the materials used and the design features you choose. For example, a heavy wood door requires different springs than a lightweight aluminum door. We stock a wide range of spring options, from standard-cycle to extra-heavy-duty springs to fit any garage door design.
Why Grand Rapids Homeowners Choose M&M Garage Doors
M&M has built a reputation for reliable garage door servicing in Grand Rapids. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Licensed, insured technicians
- Honest and transparent pricing
- Comprehensive warranties on parts
- Free estimates
- Financing options
Schedule Your Garage Door Spring Service Today
Don’t wait for a dangerous and costly situation with your garage door. If you notice some of the warning signs your springs need servicing or replacement, contact M&M Garage Doors to schedule a garage door spring inspection today!
