Garage door springs play a critical role in the smooth functioning of your garage door. As these springs become worn out due to age, they can lose their resiliency, causing the door to become heavier to pull-up and putting extra strain on the garage door opener. Failing springs not only affect the door’s operation but also pose safety risks. This blog highlights the signs of aging garage door springs, safety considerations, and when to seek professional assistance to ensure optimal performance and safety.
1. Signs of Failing Springs
Aging garage door springs gradually lose their ability to support the door’s weight effectively. While new springs make it easy to lift the door with as little as 10 pounds of force, aging springs may require significantly more force, especially for heavy garage doors weighing 200 pounds or more. One telltale sign of failing springs is the audible strain on the electric door opener as it tries to lift the door.
As these springs age, they lose their resiliency and ability to support the door’s weight effectively. When springs start to fail, you may notice that the garage door feels heavier to lift or that your automatic garage door opener strains as it attempts to lift the door. These signs indicate that the springs is broken and needs to be fixed to restore smooth and efficient door operation.
2. The Dangers of Broken Springs
Aging springs can break suddenly and cause the garage door to slam shut with considerable force. The breaking of a fully-loaded spring often produces a loud noise akin to a gunshot. When one spring breaks, the door becomes very heavy, making manual operation difficult, and automatic openers may fail to lift the door at all. A garage door with broken springs can be a safety hazard for anyone near the door when it slams shut unexpectedly.
3. Full Replacement of Springs
When fixing broken garage doors and dealing with aging or broken springs, it is essential to replace both springs at the same time. Even if only one spring shows signs of wear and damage, replacing both ensures balanced tension and prevents further issues. Replacing both springs simultaneously ensures that both springs have a similar level of wear and tear, promoting consistent door performance.
4. Safety Considerations
Handling broken springs requires utmost caution; broken springs can be extremely dangerous and should be left to the hands of professionals. If you suspect a broken spring and have a garage door opener, avoid disconnecting the opener while the door is open. The door can come crashing down under its weight, leading to potentially dangerous situations. To prevent accidents,secure the door track on both sides to prevent movement, unplug the garage door opener, and seek professional assistance for repairs.
5. When to Call a Professional
While it is possible to replace garage door springs on your own and you might be tempted to attempt a DIY stance, it is highly recommended to seek professional assistance. Garage door springs are under high tension, making DIY replacement dangerous for inexperienced individuals. Hiring a professional ensures a safe and proper installation of new springs. Additionally, if the springs have worn out, it may be a good time to evaluate the garage door opener’s condition and consider a replacement if necessary.
Regular garage door repair and tune-up maintenance and prompt attention to failing springs are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of your garage door. Aging springs can lead to increased strain on the garage door opener and potential hazards if they break suddenly. Always treat broken springs with caution and seek professional assistance for replacements. The team at Fort Lee Garage Doors is available to provide expert advice and quality garage door services. Contact their garage door experts today for a free estimate and keep your garage door functioning smoothly and safely.
Remember, your garage door is a significant part of your property’s security, and its proper functioning is vital for your family’s safety. Entrust the task of garage door spring replacement to professionals who possess the expertise and experience to handle it effectively. By doing so, you can have peace of mind knowing that your garage door operates smoothly, securely, and efficiently for years to come.