Why do garage doors use springs – an article that gives you an idea on garage door springs. Garage Door Restore is in Perth Western Australia
GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS
Welcome to the section dedicated to garage door springs. If you’ve found your way here, you likely fall into one of two categories:
- You’re a garage door technician who is familiar with the intricacies of garage door springs, or…
- You are a homeowner experiencing issues with your garage door’s spring.
If you’re a technician looking to purchase replacement springs, you can visit our online shop.
For homeowners facing problems with their garage door springs, it’s crucial not to attempt to open or close your garage door. Doing so could lead to further damage and expensive repairs. Keep reading to learn the best approach to addressing a broken garage door spring, which often necessitates the expertise of a professional technician.
WHAT ARE GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS?
Garage door springs are among the largest and most powerful springs a homeowner will encounter. They play a vital role in the functionality of your garage door. When they break, the garage door becomes inoperable.
These springs help by counterbalancing the weight of the garage door, making it easier for the motor to lift. The springs don’t open the door themselves but reduce the weight the motor has to lift. Without the springs, the motor would be unable to lift the heavy door, which can weigh over 100kg for a standard double-garage door.
If you’ve ever manually opened your garage door, you’ve likely noticed it feels much lighter than its actual weight. This is due to the springs bearing most of the load. A properly tensioned garage door spring will support about 80% of the door’s weight.
However, garage door springs do break over time. Recognizing when a spring has snapped is crucial for homeowners.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SPRING BREAKS?
When a garage door spring breaks, it releases its tension suddenly and with a loud bang. This noise is hard to miss if you’re home. However, if no one is home, identifying the source of the problem can be challenging.
A broken spring means the motor will attempt to lift the full weight of the door, which it isn’t designed to do. This can burn out the motor, leading to a costly replacement ranging from $400 to $1,500, depending on the make and model.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A BROKEN GARAGE DOOR SPRING
To check if your garage door spring is broken, look at the springs from inside the garage. Sectional garage door springs run parallel to the door’s panels above it, while tilt door springs are on either side, stretching from the bottom corners to the hinge arms. These springs should appear as continuous, unbroken pieces.
Roller doors also have springs, but these are concealed within the door’s cylinder. Roller door springs, often referred to as ‘high cycle’ springs, are generally more durable than those in sectional or tilt doors and less likely to break.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR GARAGE DOOR SPRING BREAKS
If your garage door spring breaks, follow these steps:
- Leave the door as it is. Do not try to open or close it.
- Ensure the door remains clear. If the door is open, make sure nothing passes beneath it.
- Contact a professional. Call a local garage door company or technician to handle the repair.
A technician will secure the door and replace the broken spring. Most springs break while the door is opening, causing the door to fall back with great force. It’s safest to leave the door closed until a technician can address the issue.
If the door is open, do not attempt to close it. The door could fall due to the lack of tension from the spring. Keep everyone and everything away from the door until a professional arrives.
PREVENTING GARAGE DOOR SPRING BREAKAGE
To avoid spring breakage, follow these three tips:
- Regular Servicing: Have your garage door serviced every 12-18 months to ensure all parts are functioning correctly and are well-lubricated.
- Visual Inspections: Regularly inspect the springs for signs of rust or wear.
- Check Tension: Ensure the springs are properly tensioned to support the door’s weight without overburdening the motor.
HOW TO TEST GARAGE DOOR SPRING TENSION
To test the tension of your garage door springs, follow these steps:
- Close your garage door.
- Disengage the door from the motor to put it in manual mode.
- Lift the door to chest height and let go.
- A properly tensioned spring will hold the door in place. If the door falls, the spring is under-tensioned. If it rises, the spring is over-tensioned.
CAN YOU RE-TENSION A GARAGE DOOR SPRING YOURSELF?
Re-tensioning a garage door spring is dangerous due to the high tension they are under. This job should be performed by a trained garage door technician to avoid serious injury. The springs store significant elastic power to bear the door’s weight, and improper handling can release this energy suddenly and violently.
In summary, if you suspect your garage door spring is broken or need to check its tension, it’s safest to contact a professional technician. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent unexpected breakages and ensure your garage door functions smoothly.
For all your garage door needs, including spring replacements, visit Garage Door Restore. Our team of experts is here to ensure your garage door operates safely and efficiently.
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