Amidst this COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners have had a bit more time to dedicate to do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. The benefits include saving money on projects that can sometimes become expensive when hiring a professional.
Although there is much that you can maintain and even repair on your own, there are some projects that can be dangerous if you don’t have the proper equipment. Replacing the torsion spring on a garage door is one of those dangerous projects.
What is The Purpose of The Torsion Spring?
A garage door has many parts that function together to provide you with the ease of entering and exiting your home. Probably the most vital part is the torsion spring, which you don’t want to confuse with the extension springs.
A garage door torsion spring is thicker than the extension springs. Since garage doors can easily weigh more than 150 pounds, depending on their size, the torsion springs are necessary for opening and closing.
How Does The Torsion Spring Work?
The torsion springs are in the center at the top part of the garage door. When the garage door is closed, the torsion spring tightens and stores mechanical energy. When the door opens, that energy is released and lifts it with minimal effort.
Is it Time to Replace Your Torsion Spring?
As with any spring, the more it’s used, the more it wears out, and the less effective it will be. The standard life expectancy of a torsion spring is about 10,000 cycles, but some springs can be up to 20,000 cycles. A cycle refers to the turn of the coil, which equals the door going up and down once.
It’s recommended to start thinking about replacing your torsion spring after five years. The lifespan will depend on how much you open and close your garage door. For example, if you exit and enter your garage once each per day, the torsion spring can last about 13 years.
Do you have any clue how much you use your garage door? Think about having it replaced if you’ve had your garage door anywhere between five and ten years.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace The Torsion Spring?
The torsion spring itself can cost between $30 and $100. In most cases, a garage door will have two torsion springs, which you should replace. Hiring a professional will range between $75 and $150 for each spring, depending on the company and your location.
Should You Replace The Torsion Springs Yourself?
Due to the amount of mechanical energy that the torsion springs store, it’s highly recommended to replace them before they break. Some of the dangers of the torsion spring breaking include:
- Damage to your home and other property.
- Serious injury to someone that might be present.
The amount of tension that the torsion springs operate with requires specialized tools to replace them safely.
Having Trouble With Your Garage Door?
There are many common causes of why your garage door has difficulties working. If you believe it’s your torsion springs, let the experts at The Doorman Service Co, Inc protect you by getting the job done for you the right way.
Contact us by calling or filling out our online form!