Garage doors are probably the most used part of a home, and one of the most important aspects of their proper functioning is the garage door spring. Unfortunately, many homeowners are not fully informed of the purpose of these springs or how to diagnose a problem when it occurs. A bad spring not only makes using a garage a bit inconvenient but also poses a lot of danger. Garage door spring repair is one of the most important aspects of garage door maintenance, and having at least some knowledge of it is important.
In this article, you will learn about the different types of garage door springs, the signs of spring failure, the importance of timely repair, and why it is usually best to hire a professional.
What Are Garage Door Springs?
Garage door springs are meant to hold the weight of the door so that it is easy to open and close the door. The springs handle most of the weight in whichever way you choose to open the garage door, either by pulling a handle or using a remote control. In the absence of well-working springs, your garage door will be hefty to operate it, not to mention that it may be nearly impossible to operate.
There are two main types of garage door springs:
1. Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are normally located on a beam above the door and they utilize the factor of torque to raise the garage door. When the door is closed the torsion springs start to wind up so that they accumulate some energy. When the door is opened the springs then expand and discharge this energy which assist to lift the door. Torsion springs are relatively stronger and have a longer life expectancy compared to their companion, thus common in most modern garage doors.
- Pros: Torsion springs are more uniform and balanced and enable one to have better control as he or she lifts the door. They also last longer than extension springs and making them ideal for garage door systems.
- Cons: Torsion springs are very strong and long-lasting, but because of their high tension, they are difficult to repair or replace and are, therefore, dangerous for do-it-yourself projects.
2. Extension Springs
Extension springs are normally fitted on the right and left sides of the garage door. They pull as the door closes to store energy to lift the door whenever it is opened. These springs are often used in older garage door models as well as doors that are less expensive in terms of setup.
- Pros: Extension springs are cheaper to buy and sometimes more can be done to install them.
- Cons: These types of springs last shorter than torsion springs, and when they get damaged, they make the door out of balance and, therefore, cause the door to be jumpy during operations and other parts of the garage door system wear.
Common Signs of Garage Door Spring Failure
As much as garage door springs are crucial, it is crucial for any homeowner to be able to identify when the springs are likely to give up. It is important to address these signs at an early stage so as to reduce the extent of the damage to the garage door system and possibly prevent the occurrence of risky situations. Here are some common signs that indicate your springs may need repair or replacement:
1. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close Properly
This is one of the most apparent ways through which one can tell that spring has failed; a garage door that can barely open or close. That means that if the door seems to be much heavier when opened by pulling the handle, or, the door is only opened halfway before jamming, then the springs are most probably the cause. At times, the extent of the problem is that a spring has broken, which will make it impossible to open the garage door at all.
2. Identified Visible Gaps in the Springs
However, if you try to look closely at your garage door springs and find out that there are spaces on the coils or even a crack on the spring, then it is evident that the spring is broken. The torsion spring should look tightly wound while the extension spring should have no gaps in between the coils. It implies that the spring is broken and cannot be able to lift the door anymore, which is why repair is required as soon as possible.
3. Loud Noises During Operation
This is usually accompanied by a loud bang or snap sound, especially when one is opening or closing the garage door, and can be a result of a breaking spring. As the springs are able to hold a lot of tension, whenever one of them snaps, it makes a loud and startling noise. However, even if you still hear this sound and the garage door operates normally after this sound, the spring will need to be adjusted or reconstructed; otherwise, it will continue to be damaged.
4. Stiff or Delayed Door Movement
A good garage door should function with ease; that is, when it is being pulled up or down, there should be no delay at all. In some cases, you might find the door difficult to open or close fully, or it will be jerking during operations – this could be an indication that your springs are worn out. Swaying or tilting suggests that the springs are not holding the door weight evenly anymore, putting more stress on the motor and other parts.
5. The Door Closes Too Quickly
Most garage doors are designed in such a manner that they close at a slow rate to avoid any occurrence of an accident. If the door is slamming shut or closes too fast it may be an indication that the springs do not offer adequate resistance to the weight of the door. This is a rather dangerous thing when it comes to the safety of children and pets in the home.
Why Timely Spring Repair is Important
Garage door springs are under lots of tension every time the door is opened or closed and, therefore, end up wearing out with time. It’s crucial to address spring issues as soon as they are identified for several reasons:
1. Prevent Further Damage
If the springs are worn out or broken, they exert pressure on the other parts of the garage door system, including the cables, tracks, and motor. If the springs of a garage door are damaged, it is recommended not to continue using the door since it might need major repairs or the door itself will require replacement.
2. Ensure Safety
When the garage door spring is not functioning properly then it becomes a safety issue for your garage. If the springs are totally out of order, the door may drop at any time, posing a threat to your life or that of your car. Regular services maintain that your door is in good working condition and will not cause any accidents.
3. How to Get Your Garage Door System to Last Longer
If you resolve the problems that are associated with spring during the spring season, then the other parts will be least used, and this will lead to an increased life expectancy for the garage door system. It is worth mentioning that your garage door can serve you up to 30-40 years if properly maintained.
DIY Spring Repair: Why It’s Not Recommended
Some homeowners may feel the urge of carrying out the repair of the garage door springs on their own, but this is not wise to do so. Garage door springs are very powerful as they are meant to balance the weight of the door and therefore one can easily get injured while dealing with them. In the same manner, regular replacement of springs without the correct equipment and knowledge may result to more harm to the door.
This is important because one can easily damage the springs during installation and also ends up with an unbalanced door that is difficult to operate. It is best that the professionals do it themselves because they have the tools, skills, time and ability to do it in the most efficient and safe manner.
How Experts Garage Doors Can Help
At Experts Garage Doors, we know how much you value your garage door and we have a focus on our spring repair and replacement services. Our team of professionals understands the kind of springs that your garage door needs and how to fit them in the right manner without causing hazards.
When you work with us, you can expect:
- Fast and Reliable Service: It is especially annoying when the garage door is not properly functioning, so we ensure we fix the springs as soon as possible.
- Expert Technicians: Our technicians are professionals who understand all the different garage door systems, which will allow them to repair your spring in the right manner.
- Quality Parts: All of our springs and other materials are of the highest quality, ensuring the long-lasting durability of our machines.
Conclusion
Garage door springs are key components that make your garage door functional and secure. That is why, knowing the principles of spring repair, homeowners will be able to detect problems in time and avoid severe and potentially hazardous failures. If you see some signs of spring wear, it is advisable that you take it to a professional for repair work to be done.
At Experts Garage Doors, we are here to assist you in ensuring that your garage door continues to be functional and safe. Call us now for an inspection or repair or any other related services to ensure your garage door is in proper working condition.