Garage Door Spring Repair: When to Tackle it Yourself vs Calling a Pro

The springs that help lift and balance your heavy garage door are, not surprisingly, one of the most commonly replaced components.

Over many opening cycles, springs can stretch and weaken to the point repair or replacement is needed. But tackling this job yourself requires skill and tools – is it better to DIY or hire Garage Door Spring Repair in Franklin?

Know Your Limits

Garage door springs under high tension can cause serious injury if they slip or explode off the drum. Only attempt repairs if you’re very mechanically savvy and feel completely comfortable working with springs under pressure. Most experts recommend always calling in a pro for torsion spring replacement given the safety risks involved.

If springs are only slightly stretched but still lifting the door fairly well, you may be able to get away with wrapping a cable a few extra times to take up slack. But any springs that are weakened or stretched out too far generally need to be completely replaced.

Inspect for Common Issues

Before deciding self-repair is the best route, thoroughly inspect springs and identify the specific problem. Are only one or two coils broken, or is the spring broken in several places? Are the cables unwinding or seized? Minor issues may be a DIY job, but a general failure would overwhelm most non-professional skill sets.

Also consider spring type – torsion springs inside the garage pose higher risks than extension springs outside above the door. Check for corrosion or broken mounting points that a pro could tackle more safely. Have knowledge and tools needed on hand before diving into any repair work.

Garage Door Spring Repair in Franklin can ably manage either type of spring replacement safely. While DIY springs save money, a pro provides peace of mind that the job meets code and won’t cause future issues stemming from poor installation.

Do It Right & Prevent Callbacks

If opting for a DIY garage door spring repair, take all necessary safety precautions. Wear proper eye and hand protection when working with springs under high tension. Use torque wrenches for tightening and only unwind springs a quarter turn at a time to reduce risk in case of slippage.

Follow manufacturer instructions for installation carefully. Correct spring size and proper winding ensures balance and years of smooth operation. Hire help if needed, and test functionality before use. An improperly adjusted spring can fail prematurely and cause future costlier repairs.

While garage door spring repair seems doable as a DIY project, the risks often outweigh rewards if something goes wrong mid-job. For peace of mind and warranty, it’s generally safest and most economical over the lifespan of the door to hire Garage Door Spring Repair in Franklin professionals.