How quickly can you respond to an emergency call?

We offer 24/7 emergency service throughout the Mountlake Terrace area and surrounding communities. In most cases, we can have a certified technician at your location within 1-2 hours of your call. For non-emergency service, we typically offer same-day or next-day appointments based on availability. Our fully-stocked service vehicles ensure we can handle most repairs in a single visit, minimizing wait time and inconvenience to you.

What types of garage doors do you repair and install?

We service and install all types of residential and commercial garage doors, including steel, wood, aluminum, composite, and fiberglass doors. We work with all major brands and can handle single-car, double-car, and custom-sized doors. Our expertise covers traditional raised-panel doors, modern contemporary designs, carriage-house styles, and more. Whether you need a simple repair or a complete custom installation, our certified technicians have the skills and experience to deliver quality results.

Do you offer warranties on your work?

Yes, we stand behind our work with comprehensive warranties. All labor is covered by our 1-year workmanship warranty, meaning if any issue arises from our work within that period, we'll fix it at no additional cost. Parts warranties vary by manufacturer but typically range from 1 to lifetime coverage depending on the component. Springs, for example, come with warranties based on their rated cycle life. We always use quality parts that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications, and we're happy to explain the warranty coverage for any specific repair or installation before we begin work.

5 Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement

2025-01-28 6 min read

Garage door springs are one of the most critical components of your garage door system. They counterbalance the weight of the door, making it possible to open and close smoothly. However, these springs don't last forever, and ignoring the warning signs can lead to a complete failure.or worse, a dangerous situation.

Why Garage Door Springs Fail

Most residential garage doors use either torsion springs (mounted above the door) or extension springs (mounted on the sides). Both types are under constant tension and have a limited lifespan, typically measured in cycles. One cycle equals one complete open-and-close operation.

The average torsion spring lasts about 10,000 cycles, which translates to roughly 7-10 years of normal use. Extension springs generally have a shorter lifespan. Factors like temperature fluctuations, humidity, and lack of maintenance can accelerate wear.

Sign #1: The Door Feels Heavier Than Usual

One of the first signs of failing springs is a door that feels noticeably heavier when you try to lift it manually. Disconnect your opener and try lifting the door by hand. If it feels like you're lifting the full weight of the door, your springs are likely losing their tension.

A properly balanced door should stay in place when lifted halfway and feel relatively light. If your door slams down or requires significant effort to lift, it's time to call a professional.

Sign #2: Visible Gaps in the Spring

Take a moment to inspect your springs visually. Healthy torsion springs are tightly wound with no gaps between the coils. If you notice a visible gap.typically 2-3 inches.this means the spring has broken.

A broken spring may still allow the door to function if you have two springs, but operating the door with a broken spring puts extreme stress on the remaining spring and the opener, potentially causing additional damage.

Sign #3: The Door Opens Unevenly

If your garage door appears crooked when opening or closing, or one side rises faster than the other, it could indicate that one spring is weaker than the other. This uneven operation puts extra stress on the entire system.

Extension spring systems with one weak or broken spring will cause the door to tilt to one side. Torsion spring systems may also show uneven operation if springs have different tension levels.

Sign #4: Loud Noises During Operation

While some noise is normal, sudden loud banging or squealing sounds can indicate spring problems. A spring that's about to fail may produce squeaking sounds as metal rubs against metal due to worn or dry components.

If you hear a loud bang from your garage, it might be a spring that has just broken. The release of tension creates a startling noise that many homeowners describe as sounding like a gunshot or firecracker.

Sign #5: The Door Won't Stay Open

A garage door that won't stay open when you release it manually is a clear sign of spring problems. The springs should provide enough counterbalance to hold the door in place at any position.

If the door slowly closes on its own or slams shut, the springs no longer have sufficient tension. This is both an inconvenience and a safety hazard, especially if you're working under the door.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If you've noticed any of these warning signs, it's important to act quickly:

1. Stop using the door if a spring has broken to prevent further damage 2. Don't attempt DIY repairs, garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury 3. Call a professional for an inspection and safe replacement

At Garage Door Mountlake Terrace, our certified technicians can assess your spring system and provide a complete replacement using high-quality springs that exceed industry standards. We also offer spring upgrades that can significantly extend the lifespan of your system.

Prevention Tips

To maximize the life of your garage door springs:

- Schedule annual maintenance to keep springs lubricated and catch problems early - Balance the door, an unbalanced door puts extra stress on springs - Consider high-cycle springs if you use your garage door frequently - Install a quality opener that doesn't strain the spring system

Don't wait for a complete failure. If you've noticed any of these signs, contact us today for a professional inspection and get peace of mind knowing your garage door is safe and reliable.

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