Garage door spring repair in Austin

Springs counterbalance the door so it can be lifted by hand or by a small opener. When one breaks, the door gets very heavy and may not open. The door industry association calls springs arguably the most important and most dangerous part of a garage door.

Torsion vs extension springs

Torsion springs sit on a bar above the door and twist to lift it. Extension springs run beside the tracks and stretch.

Extension springs should have a safety cable running through each spring. The industry says that if you have extension springs without safety cables, you should ask for a safety inspection.

Why springs wear out in Austin

Springs wear out with use. The industry's spring data sheet lists extreme heat or cold and frequent rain among conditions that shorten spring life, and says to keep the door closed where possible. Camp Mabry averaged 29 days a year at 100°F or more from 1991 to 2020, and fell to 7°F in February 2021.

If a spring breaks

• Don't force the door or keep pressing the opener
• Keep people, pets and cars clear of the door
• Don't loosen the bottom brackets; the industry says they are under extreme tension

What to ask for

Ask for the spring type and size and a written quote before work starts. On doors with two springs, the industry advises replacing both, even if only one broke.