Your garage door might seem like just a nicety — up and down at the touch of a button. But behind the smooth motion is a complex set of parts cooperating, and holding it all together are the garage door springs.
These springs do all the hard work every time you open or close your garage door spring repair, and when they malfunction, things can turn awfully wrong. Understanding how they work can assist you in detecting faults early and knowing what to do when they go wrong.
The Role of Garage Door Springs
Garage doors are much heavier than most would imagine. The average residential door weighs between 150 and 300 pounds — sometimes more depending on the larger models. The springs are what counteract that weight so it can be easily lifted.
There are two main kinds of garage door springs:
1. Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are installed horizontally over the garage door opening. When the door goes down, the springs wind up and store mechanical energy. When you lift the door, that stored energy is unleashed, assisting in lifting the door with little effort on the opener or your arms if you’re lifting manually.
2. Extension Springs
They are mounted on both sides of the door parallel to the rails. They extend when closing the door and retract when opening the door. While cheaper, extension springs have shorter lives and are more prone to safety issues if they are not properly maintained or attached with safety cables.
Both of these springs are under a huge amount of tension, so when one does break, it looks like something exploded in your garage — and why home repair of a garage door spring repair is always not possible.
What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Fails?
A failed spring is not just annoying — it’s risky. Here’s what typically happens:
1. The Door Becomes Extremely Heavy
Without a functioning spring to assist in bearing the load, your garage door spring repair can suddenly become almost impossible to open. Automatic openers are not designed to do all the heavy lifting themselves and can fail or become damaged trying to open the door.
2. The Door May Slam Shut
If the spring explodes while the door is already open or in movement, it will land with a loud crash all of a sudden. This is a very serious safety risk for whatever (or whomever) the door might happen to be obstructing.
3. Excessive Noise
Most people hear a very loud bang when a spring breaks. The sound is jarring and causes people to wonder if something has tipped over or even an explosion, but it’s just the spring unwinding in a violent way.
4. Gaps or Damage Visible to the Eye
You might have a gap evident in the torsion spring or part of a broken-off extension spring. If you do have any of the above, never attempt to open or fix the door. Now is the time to call the professionals.
Why Garage Door Spring Repair Should Never Be Done Without the Experts
It is dangerous to attempt to replace or repair a garage door spring repair yourself. Energy in such springs can cause you serious injury or even death when mishandled.
Instead, always hire certified experts who know how to tackle garage door spring repair safely. At Best Garage Door Inc, we handle the diagnosis and replacement of faulty springs, ensuring safety and functionality in your garage door.
Warning Signs Prior to a Spring Breaks
While some spring malfunctions are sudden, warning signs typically precede them. Preparing ahead can avoid being left with a jammed door:
- The door is jerky or heavier when you open or close it
- Squeaking or grinding noise
- The door won’t stay open on its own
- One side of the door is higher or lower than the other
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to arrange an inspection by a professional garage door technician.
Preventing Sudden Failure through Regular Maintenance
Similar to your car, your garage door system will also benefit from routine maintenance. This includes:
- Oiling moving parts, especially springs and rollers
- Checking spring tension and alignment
- Replacing worn components before they fail
At Best Garage Door Inc, we offer comprehensive maintenance services that can diagnose issues early on — saving you money on repairs and potential damage.
How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last
The lifespan of an average garage door spring is calculated in cycles — a single opening and a single closing equals a cycle. Typical springs have a rating of around 10,000 cycles, which will last anywhere from 7 to 12 years depending on how much use the door gets.
If you use your garage as the main entrance to your home, you may cycle faster, cutting down the life of your spring. In this case, go for high-cycle springs rated at 20,000 or more.
What to Do If a Spring Breaks
If you believe your spring has broken:
- Stop using the door immediately.
- don’t attempt to manually lift the door or with the opener.
- Call a professional for garage door spring repair.
Our professionals at Best Garage Door Inc. quickly arrive, are fully equipped, and can typically repair or replace faulty springs the same day. We put in high-quality, long-lasting springs and offer warranties to give you peace of mind.
Conclusion
Garage door springs are a critical component of your door’s safe and easy operation. When they fail, it’s not only infuriating, it is dangerous. Knowing how they work and what warning signs to look for can save you from having to make those dreaded emergency repairs.
