Garage Door Springs Issues

Most homeowners do not know much about their garage door springs. You are likely no different. There are, however, some things that you should definitely know about when it comes to your garage door if you wish to remain safe. Knowing about your garage door springs and the condition that they are in will not only keep you safe but it will keep your garage door functioning properly.

Why Your Springs are Necessary

Garage door springs are constructed of strong, durable metal. They lift the door and keep it in place without it coming down on top of your vehicle. While the garage door opener is what actually operates the garage door, it is the springs that hold the door up and safely closes it. Garage door springs are offered in torsion or extension. The technician installs the torsion springs horizontally just above the garage door. Your extension springs are installed parallel. Both types have a specific life cycle. This is the amount of times you are able to open and lower the door. Torsion springs have approximately 10,000 cycles. These are really built to last, which is evidenced by the amount of cycles. Older homes usually have extension springs and these usually last even longer than the torsion springs. When you are not receiving regular maintenance on your springs or having them replaced when necessary, your springs will become weak and this could result in them falling down. This is something that you would want to avoid at all cost.

Checking Your Springs

While we do not recommend that you physically check your springs, there are some things that we feel are safe enough for the average homeowner to do. In order to check your garage door springs, lower your door and disconnect the automatic garage door opener. This can be done by pulling the release lever down. You may not know where this is but you can always consult your owner’s manual to find out exactly where your release lever is located on your garage door. When the opener is disconnected, go ahead and try to open and close your garage door, manually. When the door opens without a lot of effort, this means that there doesn’t appear to be any problems with your garage door. You likely are in good shape but it would be advisable for you to do this several times a year just to be on the safe side. Just note that if you do experience any type of challenge opening and closing your garage door manually, you may have weak or worn springs that need replacing or balancing.

DIY Spring Replacement and Repairs

DIY projects are sure to save you a couple of dollars but when it comes to replacing or repairing your garage door springs, this may not be worth it. Springs are tightly wound with tension. If the springs are not carefully handled then there is a chance that the spring could break and cause you or someone else great harm. Not only could the springs cause you great harm it could also cause damages to your vehicle if they snap. Again, we wouldn’t recommend that you attempt to change the springs or repair them yourself. This is a job that is best left in the hands of those who have received the necessary training and have experience. A professional garage door repair technician will know the necessary precautions to take when performing any type of work on your garage door, regardless what it might be. Pay strict attention to your garage door when you are opening and closing it so that you are not caught off guard when you arrive home one day and find your garage door on the ground.