How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally serviced at least once a year. During a preventive maintenance visit, our technicians will lubricate all moving parts, check spring tension, inspect cables and hardware, test safety features, and make any necessary adjustments. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your garage door by many years and help prevent costly emergency repairs. Read our seasonal maintenance guide for tips you can do yourself.

What are signs that my garage door springs need replacement?

There are several warning signs: the door feels heavier than usual, visible gaps in spring coils, the door opens unevenly, a loud bang from the garage, or the door opens only a few inches. If you notice any of these signs, avoid using the door and call a professional immediately. Learn more in our spring replacement guide. Our spring replacement service handles both torsion and extension springs safely.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard garage door installation typically takes 3-5 hours. A simple replacement can be completed in as little as 3 hours. If we need to change the track configuration or install a new opener, the installation may take a full day. We always provide a time estimate during your free consultation. Contact us to schedule yours.

Do you offer emergency garage door repair services?

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency garage door repair services throughout Somerville, Cambridge, Medford, and the Greater Boston area. We understand that a broken garage door can be a major inconvenience and security concern. Call our emergency line at 857-367-2748 and we'll dispatch a technician as quickly as possible. See all our service areas.

What brands of garage doors do you install?

We install garage doors from all major manufacturers, including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, and more. We also install smart garage door openers from LiftMaster, Chamberlain, and Genie — learn more in our smart opener guide. During your free consultation, we'll recommend the best options for your home. Schedule a consultation today.

How much does a new garage door cost?

The cost varies based on size, material, insulation, and features. A basic single-car steel door starts around $800-1,200 installed, while premium insulated double-car doors range from $2,500-5,000. Check out our guide on choosing the right garage door style and learn about the importance of insulation. We offer free in-home estimates — request one here.

Are your technicians licensed and insured?

Yes, absolutely. All of our technicians are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Our technicians undergo rigorous training and certification. Learn more about our company and our commitment to quality service across all service areas.

What warranty do you offer on repairs and installations?

We stand behind our work with comprehensive warranties. For new garage door installations, we offer a lifetime warranty on labor and workmanship. For repairs, we provide a 90-day warranty on parts and labor. If you experience any issues during the warranty period, call us at 857-367-2748 and we'll make it right at no additional cost.

Understanding Garage Door Spring Replacement

Name: Garage Door Company Somerville
Address: 1 Fitchburg ST C307, Somerville, US
Telephone: 857-367-2748
Price range: $$

2024-01-15 7 min read

# Understanding Garage Door Spring Replacement

Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. These powerful components do the heavy lifting.literally.counterbalancing hundreds of pounds of door weight to make opening and closing smooth and effortless. Understanding how they work and when they need replacement can save you time, money, and potential injury.

Types of Garage Door Springs

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. They work by twisting and storing mechanical energy when the door is closed. When you open the door, this stored energy helps lift the weight.

Advantages of Torsion Springs: - Smoother, more controlled operation, Longer lifespan (15,000-20,000 cycles typically) - Better balance and less wear on opener, Safer failure mode

Extension Springs

Extension springs are mounted on either side of the door, running parallel to the horizontal tracks. They stretch and contract to provide lifting power.

Extension Spring Characteristics: - Less expensive initially, Easier to install, Shorter lifespan (around 10,000 cycles) - More prone to sudden failure, Should always include safety cables

Warning Signs of Spring Problems

Recognizing the signs of spring wear can prevent inconvenient breakdowns and potential safety hazards:

Visual Indicators

- Gaps in the coils: Healthy springs have tightly wound coils. Visible gaps indicate stretching or damage. - Rust and corrosion: Can weaken springs and accelerate wear. - Stretched springs: Extensions that appear longer than usual may be failing.

Operational Signs

- Heavy door: If your door feels heavier than usual, springs may be losing tension. - Crooked lifting: A door that lifts unevenly often indicates one spring is weaker than the other. - Loud bangs: A sudden loud noise from the garage often signals a broken spring. - Jerky movement: Instead of smooth operation, the door moves in fits and starts.

Why Professional Replacement is Essential

Garage door spring replacement is one home repair that should always be left to professionals. Here's why:

Safety Concerns

Garage door springs are under extreme tension. A standard torsion spring holds enough force to seriously injure or even kill if it releases uncontrollably. Professional technicians have the training, tools, and experience to handle these springs safely.

Proper Sizing

Springs must be precisely matched to your door's weight and size. Incorrect springs can cause: - Premature opener failure, Uneven door movement, Safety system malfunctions, Accelerated wear on all components

Warranty Protection

Many garage door component warranties require professional installation. DIY repairs can void these protections.

Complete Assessment

A professional can identify other worn components during spring replacement, preventing future problems. Related parts that may need attention include: - Cables, Drums, Bearings, Rollers, Tracks

What to Expect During Professional Replacement

When you call <a href="/about">Garage Door Company Somerville</a> for <a href="/services#spring-repair">spring replacement</a>, here's the process:

1. Inspection: We assess the entire door system, not just the springs. 2. Recommendation: We explain our findings and recommend appropriate springs. 3. Safe Removal: Using proper tools and techniques, we safely release tension and remove old springs. 4. Precision Installation: New springs are installed and precisely adjusted. 5. Balance Testing: We test the door's balance and adjust as needed. 6. Safety Check: All safety features are tested before we leave.

We serve <a href="/service-areas/somerville">Somerville</a>, <a href="/service-areas/cambridge">Cambridge</a>, <a href="/service-areas/medford">Medford</a>, and all <a href="/service-areas">Greater Boston communities</a>.

Maintenance Tips

Extend your spring life with these simple <a href="/blog/seasonal-garage-door-maintenance-tips">maintenance practices</a>:

- Lubricate springs annually with a garage door-specific lubricant - Listen for changes in how your door sounds - Test balance regularly by disconnecting the opener and lifting manually - Schedule professional tune-ups every 1-2 years

Conclusion

Your garage door springs work hard every day, making reliable operation possible. Understanding their importance and recognizing warning signs helps you maintain a safe, functional garage door system. When replacement is needed, trust experienced professionals to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. <a href="/contact">Contact us</a> or call <a href="tel:857-367-2748">857-367-2748</a> for prompt service.

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