The Ultimate Guide to Garage Door Spring Repair in Coquitlam

A broken garage door spring is one of the most common—and dangerous—garage door problems a homeowner can face. When this essential component fails, your garage door can become a serious safety risk. At Versatile Door, we specialize in garage door repair in Coquitlam and understand the critical role springs play. This guide will help you understand why these springs are so important, how to spot a problem, and why professional repair is your safest option.

The Importance of Garage Door Springs 

Garage door springs are not just an accessory; they are the heart of your door’s lifting system. These high-tension springs, which can be either torsion springs (mounted horizontally above the door opening) or extension springs (running parallel to the tracks), act as a counterbalance. They bear the majority of the door’s weight, making it feel lightweight and easy to lift.  Without working springs, the garage door opener would have to lift the entire weight of the door on its own, which it is not designed to do. This would quickly burn out the motor and cause irreversible damage to the opener.

Signs of a Broken or Failing Spring 

Knowing the signs of a failing spring can help you avoid a complete breakdown and a potential accident. The most obvious sign is a loud, sudden bang that sounds like a firecracker or gunshot. This is the sound of the spring snapping under immense pressure. Other signs include:

• The door is heavy or won’t open at all: The door may feel incredibly heavy to lift by hand. If your opener is trying to lift it, you’ll hear a strained sound.
• The door closes too quickly: A failing spring can cause the door to slam shut, which is extremely dangerous.
• A visible gap in the spring: For a torsion spring, you’ll see a clear separation in the coils. For extension springs, you may notice that they are stretched or unhooked.
•  Uneven lifting: The door may lift crookedly, with one side moving up faster than the other.

The Dangers of DIY Spring Repair 

While the internet is full of DIY tutorials, attempting to repair a garage door spring yourself is incredibly dangerous. Garage door springs are under extreme tension. If mishandled, they can release this force with explosive power, leading to severe injury or even death. The risks include:

•  Sudden release of tension: The spring can snap and strike a person with enough force to break bones, cause a concussion, or worse.
• Property damage: The door itself can slam down with incredible force, damaging the door, the opener, or even a vehicle.
•  Incorrect installation: Even if you avoid injury, improper installation can lead to an unbalanced door, which puts more strain on your opener and shortens the lifespan of the entire system.

This is a job for a trained professional with the right tools and expertise.

The Professional Spring Replacement Process 

When you call a professional for garage door repair in Coquitlam, you’re not just getting a repair; you’re getting a guarantee of safety and quality. The process for professional spring replacement typically includes:

• Safety First: The technician will first secure the door and release any remaining tension to prevent accidents.
• Spring Assessment: They will determine the correct type and size of spring needed for your specific door’s weight and dimensions. Using the wrong size spring will cause the door to be unbalanced.
• Removal and Installation: The old spring is safely removed, and a new, high-quality spring is installed.
• Balancing and Testing: The technician will adjust the spring tension to properly balance the door, ensuring it opens and closes smoothly and with minimal effort. They will test the entire system to confirm it works perfectly before they leave.

Don’t risk injury. For expert garage door spring repair in Coquitlam, trust the professionals at Versatile Door. With our experience, we ensure the job is done safely, correctly, and efficiently.