Tension for garage door

[The Lazy Destroyer]

I've got a garage door that I insulated with the Owens Corning kit. The weight of the insulation is now too much for the springs so the door does not open easily, without propping it open with something. I don't think the springs were really set correctly before because even before I added the insulation it was always hard to keep the door up, but now its impossible without some type of prop.

The door is huge. 12' or 14' tall probably. Any ideas what to expect to pay to get this fixed, I assume it's a spring tension problem? They are torsion springs and no automatic garage door opener. Located in Georgia.

I'll probably be calling around but just curious what I should expect. Anything I need to know before talking to anyone about getting this done? I'd like to add an automatic opener eventually but not just yet.

Thanks!

 

[alecmcmahon]

It prob. varies by state, but around here in NJ, i'd expect to get hit for 200-300 dollars.

Might be something you can do on your own with a little reading, it might be an easy adjust depending on how your torsion spring adjustments are setup.

But please remember that it can be a dangerous job that you can get hurt, these springs are under alot of tension.

 

[kbs2244]

Sounds like a typical re-tensioning job.
The kicker is the height of the springs.
That may call for a bit of a premium.

 

[Gary S]

I always do it myself, but I have lots of common sense and some mechanical ability. If you aren't comfortable doing it, then hire it done.
As far as price, you have to make some calls. Prices other people paid in other places mean nothing.

 

[nate379]

Just crank the springs a few more turns.

Oh you can do like me and follow the Wayne Dalton directons. Undo the clamp holding the door down and it damn near flew off the back of the tracks.

They said 16 turns in the book, ended up needing 6 or 7!

 

[trbomax]

Not all tortion springs are the same. Heavier doors have springs with either larger wire dia or more coils.To get another 200# lift with your springs MAY exceed the design limit of them,increasing the chance of failure. Before doing this , I would consult the door mfg,ask them if the spring will handle another 200#, and if so,how many more turns should it take. They are not rocket science to adjust,do it with the door up,use two bars about 18" long that fit properly in the winder holes,and think about what you are doing.

 

[The Lazy Destroyer]

Thanks for the replies. I would probably be more willing to do it myself but at the height of the springs (15' or so?) I'd probably prefer someone else do it unless I have to. Plus I don't have a ladder that will comfortably get me that high (yet). I'll call around today and see what the going rate is. I'm always leery on calling contractors about pricing when I'm not sure what all is involved.

Thanks!

 

[scott37300]

I don't have a ladder that will comfortably get me that high (yet).
Thanks!

Now this is where I would say, "It's going to cost ***.** to have someone come out and do the job which only takes a few minutes to do, I can get a new ladder for less than ***.** so instead of giving someone else my money I will get the new ladder in order to do the job myself and have the ladder to use whenever I need it." That is the reasoning behind almost all of my tools and the reason why I have so many, including about a dozen different ladders and a few different styles of scaffolding. If I can buy the tools to do it for the same price or cheaper or even a little more than paying someone else to do it than I will get the tools. And the next time it needs to be done it will be a LOT cheaper than calling someone else, plus you learn something new.

But like already mentioned torsion springs are very very dangerous if not respected. They are simple to adjust, but you have to respect them or they will bite you hard. With a little homework and some mechanical skill and common sense most homeowners should be able to adjust them with no problems.

 

[The Lazy Destroyer]

Yea after I posted that I thought "maybe it's time to get one", especially since I plan on doing a ceiling in my garage as well.

 

[nate379]

Yup. I love how they are exaggerated to be a people killer. Well I'm sure people have died while changing a light bulb as well... some people just have the ability to even screw up a *********.

But like already mentioned torsion springs are very very dangerous if not respected. They are simple to adjust, but you have to respect them or they will bite you hard. With a little homework and some mechanical skill and common sense most homeowners should be able to adjust them with no problems.