Most of us leave our garage doors open and close them at least twice a day, going to and coming from work, errands, school, etc. For a moment, consider how heavy that garage door is and that it is operated primarily by mechanical devices that will wear out over time. One of the main components of the operation is the springs, and that is why we are offering this information on what to do if they break.
Interestingly, it takes as much effort to raise the door as it does to close it, whether you are doing it manually or with an automatic opener. The specially designed springs counteract the weight of the door, which is significant. There are two basic types of springs, torsion springs for balance and extension springs for lift. While torsion springs are higher in cost, they provide greater stability, last longer, and are less prone to breaking.
Test The Springs
The springs provide balance, lift, and resistance in the operation of a garage door. To test their operation, first, move the door to the open position. Pull the lift release cord, usually a red handle that hangs from the apparatus. This allows the door to operate manually. When you pull this cord, the door should move only minimally, if at all. If the door starts to move, it means the springs are unable to hold the door in position. Next, move the door manually to the halfway position. Again, if it won’t hold in position, it means the springs are losing their tension.
Another test is to visually inspect the springs to see if you detect any gaps in the coils. Temperature changes can be a culprit here, and you may not need to have the springs replaced, but merely adjusted.
This is all important because the springs are still working. However, the excessive strain of a door’s weight or slight imbalance will reduce the life span of the lifting mechanism or the automatic opening and closing. If there is friction between the door and tracks, you will notice scraping on the side of the garage, which is not good for the door, mechanism, or exterior of your home.
More importantly, if the springs should suddenly break while the door is open, it will come crashing down, probably destroying the door itself. Should there be anything underneath that door as it descends, like a mower, vehicle, or human being, they will stand little chance of surviving. In fact, if there is even something small, like a tool or a bicycle, the force of the door falling can turn that item into a projectile.
So, if you hear a loud snap, don’t try to stop the door manually. Even if there are other springs, the sudden increased weight will probably cause the others to fail as well. Keep everyone and all pets away from the door and call a professional immediately.
Replacing your own garage door springs is not something the ordinary homeowner should attempt. Since the door itself weighs hundreds of pounds, the springs maintain terrific tension to control that amount of weight. Trying to open one of those springs and having it slip and recoil can be dangerous. The same is true for simply trying to make the adjustments yourself. Always defer to a professional for these services. Contact our team to learn more.
