Garage door springs are an integral part of a functioning garage door system. With them, the door would be lighter to open and close manually. They come in two varieties: torsion springs and extension springs.
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally along the top of the door frame and counterbalance its weight as it opens and closes. Torsion springs unwind when you lift or lower your garage door and wind up around a metal shaft, depending on how far you move it. This type of spring is known for being very strong and durable.
Extension springs, on the other hand, are typically mounted beside each side of the top section of your garage door track. As the name implies, they extend and contract as the door opens and closes, thereby assisting in lifting or lowering your garage door.
When either of these types of springs wears out, they can cause your garage door to become too heavy or unbalanced. Checking them regularly is highly recommended to identify any issues early on and avoid costly repair bills. The average life expectancy for spring is around ten thousand cycles which may equate to approximately five years of use, depending on how often you open and close your door.
Detecting a Broken Garage Spring Door:
Paying attention to the signs of a broken garage door spring is important to identify problems early on and avoid costly repair bills. One of the most obvious indications that you have a broken spring is if your garage door suddenly becomes too heavy or unbalanced. Generally, it should be easy enough to open and close manually, but if it feels like you are using more effort than usual, it could mean that one or both of your springs has gone bad.
Another indication is an unusual noise from the springs when you move the door up or down. This may sound like a creaking or rattling noise and can occur because the springs are either overstretched or worn out.
If you notice that your garage door doesn’t open or close all the way, this could be a sign of a broken spring. The springs are responsible for providing enough tension to the cables connected to your door, so if one or both are faulty, this can cause it to stop midway when you try to open or close it.
Finally, look at your springs directly and see if they look worn out or corroded. If there is significant wear and tear, it is likely time for a replacement. This should only be done by an experienced professional, as it can be dangerous if not done correctly.
Once you notice that your garage spring door has suffered damage, the only option is to replace it. Here’s a step-by-step process for replacing your garage door spring.
Step 1: Prepare the area – Before replacing your garage door spring, ensure that you have plenty of space for working and that no objects obstruct your way. Clear out any clutter or furniture around the area to ensure that nothing gets in your way when replacing the springs.
Step 2: Disengage safety features – The first step is to disengage the tension on the existing springs by unplugging them from their mounts or releasing them from the cable system. If done correctly, this should reduce any risk of being injured during the process. Ensure that these components are securely stored away, so they aren’t damaged or lost while you work on replacing the springs.
Step 3: Remove and replace the springs – Once the safety features are disengaged, it’s time to remove the old springs and replace them with new ones. You should exercise caution when handling the springs as they can become very dangerous if mishandled. Ensure you have a secure grip on both sides of the spring before attempting to lift or loosen it from its mountings.
Step 4: Adjust tension – After placing the new garage door spring in place, adjust its tension according to the manufacturer’s instructions so that it is not too tight or loose. This will ensure that your door operates smoothly without any issues.
Step 5: Test for functionality – Before reconnecting the safety features, test the door to ensure it operates as intended. Open and close the door several times to see if you experience any issues or irregularities. You can reconnect the safety features if everything seems to be in working order.
Step 6: Finish up – After completing all these steps, your garage door spring should be functioning properly. Make sure that everything is securely fastened so your door will work safely and efficiently.
Following this step-by-step process, you can easily replace your garage door springs without needing to hire a professional or spend money on expensive repairs. Remember to exercise caution when handling components and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safety purposes. Your garage door should last many years with proper care and maintenance.
