A broken garage door spring can be incredibly frustrating. Suddenly, all your plans for the day are put on hold as you try to figure out what’s wrong. Trying to fix it yourself can be difficult and time-consuming, so it is best to call a professional.
These springs are under much tension, and when they break, it can be quite dramatic. For example, there may be a loud bang, and the spring will likely appear separated. It is a sure sign that the spring above the garage door has broken.
Torsion springs are responsible for lifting the door, and the door will not move when broken. Therefore, it is important to avoid trying to lift the door by hand as it can be very heavy (150-250 pounds or more). Doing so without the spring can lead to injury.
Types of Garage Door Springs
Extension Spring
Extension springs are one of the most important components of a garage door system. They provide the counterbalance that allows the door to be easily opened and closed.
Torsion Spring
The torsion spring is a vital component of many door systems. It is a tightly wound spring that helps to counterbalance the door’s weight. The spring is usually horizontally on a steel shaft and has cable drums at both ends. It is usually mounted to the header wall above the garage door.
The Most Common Reasons for Garage Door Spring Break
When you hear strange noises from your garage door, or it becomes difficult to lift using the emergency rope, the spring has likely broken. It will require a garage door spring replacement. Several things can cause the spring to break, such as rust, wear and tear, or lack of maintenance.
Wear and Tear
You cannot expect garage door springs to last forever. They suffer deterioration, just like any equipment with moving parts. And because you open and close the door multiple times daily, that wear and tear add up quickly.
Most garage doors are rated for around 10,000 cycles. So it is not necessarily a question of age, but rather how often the door is used. Once you surpass that number of cycles, you will need to replace the springs as they lose effectiveness.
Rust
Rust is the enemy of garage door springs. Over time, rust can build up on the springs and reduce their lifespan significantly. Rust also lessens surface friction as the springs move from the front to back and back to front. It eventually weakens the coil on the door and causes faster wear and tear. You can fix this problem by contacting garage door spring repair experts who know the best anti-rust solutions. It could prevent rust from taking over the spring and causing further damage.
Improper Maintenance
The average garage door does not require much maintenance. However, you can prolong the life of your garage door springs by regularly maintaining them. It involves checking them yearly and taking care of potential issues before they become big problems. Something as simple as rust prevention can go a long way in preserving your springs. To check the balance of the doors:
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- Change the door to manual mode, and pull the emergency release cable (it has a red handle).
- Adjust the door until it is halfway open and then release it. The springs should be in good working order, and keep the door completely still. However, saggy doors or doors that fall may mean that the springs are starting to wear and need to be adjusted or replaced.
Garage Door Repair Near Me
What to do when your garage door’s spring breaks? Do not panic! It is an issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. But it is nothing that the experts cannot handle. So give Titan Garage Doors Quad Cities a call today. We will be able to provide you with free estimates on both the installation and maintenance of your garage door.
