OT: Garage Door Springs

[JC]

Ok, so the ultimate goal is a garage that has some sound proofing so that when I do the major work on my house (i.e. foundation) that I can temporarily have the dogs in there so as not to upset my one dog hating and sort of volatile neighbor.

I am starting with the safety fixes first on an unfinished 1920s single car garage with almost everything all original.

The electrical upgrade was a snap thanks to the “Contractors I Would Recommend Thread”.

Next, is the dangerously old garage door springs. I know they dont make my spring anymore and have been advised to consult a professional for safety/warranty reasons. A professional group came out today and told me that I should get a new garage door because the hardware for the new springs is about the same price. (All in this would be about 550 and the door would not match my 1920s home).

I have my doubts about new hardware and springs being in the $500 range. (Standard springs at HD are about 18 a pop and I need two. I have not found independent pricing on the new hardware yet).

Anyone else had this done recently? Any tips you can share?

[Hobie]

I would agree that the $500 ‘special’ won’t match the 1920 style. They do make deluxe wood looking metal sectional doors which would look correct but are much more$

Is your existing door a single flat door (1 piece)? Does it open straight? Are the hinges bent? Is it hard to lift? Will it stay in the up position or close a couple of inches?

Springs are easy to replace. Just measure the gauge ( wire diameter ) and the length. Prop the door open with a ladder to unload the spring tension. Get a friend to help you unhook the bottom of the spring by pulling down. Replace with new. Done. By the way, all springs now have a wire extending through the center to prevent a broken spring from flying.

Actually, if you door is still in good shape you could fish a wire rope through the existing spring to make a loop and clamp the ends together to safety tie the spring.

If the hinges are bent or not secure then you will probably be easier to hire a door company. Parts are not that much if you want to diy but remember the door is heavy and unwieldy.

If they do not make your spring now, I’m sure you can find an equivalent. Even on-line. With the gauge and length (maybe counting the turns too) they can look up the tension and match. It’s not rocket science 😉

[JC]

Thanks Hobie.

As it turns out, I’m a dork. The hardware I need to replace was a little hard to find online, but it IS at Home Depot and is only $99 and the newer (and safer) springs are like $18 each. (Yay!) Now, I just need to find someone to help me put this in properly.

Hopefully, I can find someone who can assist for less than what was quoted earlier today. (I’m hoping labor does not have to be in the $350 range, but we shall see). Thanks again. 🙂

[svelte]

I just dropped about 4 grand this year on new garage doors and openers. My garage is just shy of Taj Mahal so I went all out. Chamberlain DC openers, custom painted doors, etc.

I am simply stunned by the openers – they are sooo quiet that I can sneak in the house without even the dog knowing I’m home! And they slow down to a crawl just before reaching the fully open or closed position. nice touch!

I’ve got custom lighting, sheet rock, texture and paint throughout the garage…just have to decide whether I’m gonna epoxy the floor or not. I did it before on a prior home and it got quite slick when wet – don’t want wifey to break an ankle in her high heels. If I can live with the stray stain, I’m leaning towards leaving the floor au natural this time.

Everything in the garage is on rollers too – when it comes time to clean the floor I just roll everything out and bring in the hose for a quick power wash.

[sdrealtor]

Where is the house? I may have someone

[JC]

Hi sdrealtor,

Awesome. I am near Balboa Park.

[Coronita]

I have a suggestion. Why not just use duct tape and tape the spring. Or tell the tenant to park outside???

🙂

I’m kidding…Really, I’m kidding…

[Author]

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