Garage door springs are one of the most critical components of your garage door system. They handle the weight of the door, allowing it to open and close smoothly. However, these springs are also one of the most dangerous parts to replace or repair on your own. Whether it’s a broken torsion spring or an old extension spring, the risks of doing it yourself far outweigh the benefits. In this article, we’ll cover the key reasons why hiring a professional to install or replace your garage door springs is a smart decision.
Expertise and Experience
When it comes to garage door springs, not all springs are the same. A professional technician brings invaluable expertise and experience to the table, ensuring the job gets done right the first time.
Knowledge of Different Spring Types
Garage doors generally rely on either torsion springs or extension springs. Each type has its own set of requirements and installation methods. For instance, torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door and provide torque to lift the door. Extension springs, on the other hand, run along the sides of the door and stretch as the door moves.
Without knowing the right type for your door, installing the wrong spring can damage the entire system. A professional knows exactly what type of spring your door requires, ensuring a proper fit and function.
Correct Installation Techniques
Installing a garage door spring isn’t as simple as popping it into place. There’s tension involved, and a small mistake can lead to bigger issues. A professional is trained to use the correct installation techniques, including balancing the door and adjusting the tension. These are not tasks most homeowners are familiar with.
For example, let’s say you attempt a DIY installation and don’t properly adjust the spring tension. This could cause the door to not open fully or slam shut unexpectedly, creating a major hazard.
Identifying Underlying Issues
During the spring installation process, professionals can also identify other potential issues with your garage door system. They might notice a worn cable, bent track, or another component that’s about to fail. Spotting these issues early can save you from a much more expensive repair down the road.
Safety First
One of the most compelling reasons to have a pro install your garage door spring is safety. Garage door springs are under immense pressure, and mishandling them can result in serious injuries.
High Risk of Injury with DIY
Garage door springs are designed to handle the weight of the door, which can weigh several hundred pounds. When a spring breaks or needs replacing, it’s under tremendous tension. If a spring were to snap or release suddenly, it can cause significant injuries such as cuts, broken bones, or worse.
In fact, there are countless stories of homeowners attempting DIY spring replacements and ending up in the emergency room. The risk simply isn’t worth it.
Professionals Use Proper Tools and Safety Gear
A professional technician not only knows how to handle the spring safely but also has access to the specialized tools needed for the job. These tools help release and install the spring in a controlled manner, minimizing the risk of accidents.
For instance, using a standard wrench to remove a torsion spring could result in the tool slipping under pressure. A professional will use a torsion spring winding bar to carefully adjust the tension and ensure a smooth, safe installation.
Safety Inspections During Installation
Beyond installing the spring itself, a pro will often conduct a full safety inspection of your garage door system. This includes checking the safety sensors, examining the cables, and testing the door’s balance to make sure everything is working correctly.
These inspections give you peace of mind that your garage door is functioning safely and reliably.
Cost-Efficiency
At first glance, hiring a professional might seem more expensive than a DIY job. However, when you consider the risks, potential mistakes, and long-term costs, it’s actually a more cost-effective option.
Avoid Expensive Mistakes
If you attempt to replace the garage door spring yourself and make a mistake, you could end up damaging the door or other parts of the system. For example, if the spring isn’t properly aligned or tensioned, the garage door opener could strain to lift the door, leading to motor damage.
These kinds of mistakes can turn a simple spring replacement into a much bigger, more expensive repair.
Warranty and Guarantees
When you hire a professional, you’re not just paying for the installation. You’re also getting a warranty and guarantee on the work. Most reputable companies, like Action Door Services, will offer warranties on both parts and labor. This means if something goes wrong with the spring down the line, you’re covered.
DIY jobs typically don’t come with any guarantees, so if something breaks, you’re back to square one.
Time-Saving
We all lead busy lives, and spending hours trying to fix a garage door spring may not be the best use of your time.
Quick Diagnosis and Installation
A professional can quickly diagnose the problem and determine whether your garage door spring needs repair or replacement. Because they’ve done this so many times before, they can usually complete the job in a fraction of the time it would take a homeowner.
A job that might take you a full weekend of frustration can be handled by a pro in an hour or two.
Reduce Downtime
Let’s face it—having a broken garage door is incredibly inconvenient. Whether you use it to park your car or store important items, you need the door to function as soon as possible. Hiring a professional ensures your door is back up and running quickly, reducing the amount of time you have to deal with the inconvenience.
Long-Term Performance
A garage door spring isn’t something you want to replace frequently. When installed properly by a professional, the spring can last for many years, providing reliable and consistent performance.
Longevity of Professionally Installed Springs
A spring that is correctly installed and balanced will last much longer than one that was installed incorrectly. A professional ensures that the spring is set up for maximum longevity, meaning fewer replacements down the line.
Consistent, Reliable Operation
We’ve all experienced a garage door that doesn’t quite work right. Maybe it opens halfway and then stalls, or maybe it slams down when it closes. These issues are often caused by improper spring tension or misaligned components.
When a pro installs your garage door spring, they make sure everything is aligned and functioning as it should. This means your garage door will open and close smoothly, reducing wear and tear on the system and making your day-to-day life easier.
Local Expertise: Action Door Services in Las Vegas, NV
If you’re in Las Vegas and need a garage door spring replaced, Action Door Services is the local expert you can trust. With years of experience in the garage door industry, our team is equipped to handle any spring replacement quickly, safely, and efficiently.
We take pride in our trained technicians, quality parts, and exceptional customer service. Plus, we offer warranties on all our work, so you can feel confident in your investment.