As a local Raleigh-based garage door company, our technicians often get questions about the different parts of a garage door, and one of the most critical components is the garage door spring.
A garage door spring is a heavy-duty coil that plays a crucial role in the operation of your garage door. It counterbalances the door’s weight, making it easier to open and close, whether manually or with an automatic garage door opener.
There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs.
- Torsion springs are mounted above the door on a metal shaft. They work by twisting or “torsion” when the door is lowered, storing energy that helps lift the door when it’s time to open it.
- Extension springs are parallel to the tracks on either side of the door. These springs extend and contract as the door opens and closes, providing the necessary force to lift the door.
The garage door would be heavy and difficult to operate without these springs. However, because garage door springs are under a lot of tension, they can be dangerous to handle without proper knowledge and tools. That’s why it’s always best to call a professional if your garage door springs need repair or replacement.
In Raleigh’s varying climate, regular maintenance and inspections of your garage door springs are essential to ensure smooth operation and safety.
Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Changing
- Visible Wear and Tear: Over time, garage door springs can show signs of wear, such as rust, coil gaps, or a visibly stretched spring. If you notice any of these, it’s a sign that the springs are nearing the end of their lifespan.
- Door Doesn’t Stay Open: If your garage door starts to fall when partially opened or won’t stay up when fully opened, it’s likely a sign that the springs are weakening and no longer providing the necessary counterbalance.
- Heavy or Uneven Door: If your garage door feels heavier than usual when you try to lift it manually or open it unevenly (one side higher than the other), this could indicate a broken or weakened spring.
- Loud Noises: A loud bang from your garage could indicate a spring has broken. When a spring snaps, it releases a lot of energy all at once, causing a noise that’s hard to miss.
- Slower or Jerky Movement: If your garage door opens more slowly than usual or moves in a jerky manner, it could be due to a failing spring. The springs are essential for smooth operation, so any issues will be reflected in the door’s movement.
If you notice any of the signs above, addressing the issue promptly is crucial. Using a garage door with faulty springs can lead to further damage to the door and opener, and more importantly, it can be a safety hazard. Given the risks involved, it is advisable to contact one of our garage door technicians, who can safely inspect, repair, or replace the springs.
Changing Garage Door Springs – NOT A DIY Project
Changing garage door springs presents several challenges and potential dangers, which is why fixing the springs is often best left to professionals and not a DIY project.
- High Tension: Garage door springs, especially torsion springs, are under immense tension. This tension is necessary to counterbalance the door’s weight but makes the springs dangerous to handle. A sudden release of this tension can cause serious injury if the spring snaps or isn’t properly secured during replacement.
- Complex Installation: Properly installing a garage door spring requires precise measurements and adjustments. If the spring is not installed correctly, it can lead to an unbalanced door, premature wear on other components, or a door that doesn’t open or close properly.
- Specialized Tools: Changing garage door springs requires specific tools, such as winding bars for torsion springs. Using the wrong tools can increase the risk of injury and damage to the door.
- Safety Hazards: In addition to the risk of injury from the spring, mishandling other components like cables and brackets during the replacement process can also pose hazards. Improperly installed springs can lead to the door suddenly falling or not staying open, creating a potential safety issue.
RJ Garage Door Service is here to help with garage door spring issues in the Raleigh area. We have the experience and tools to handle the job safely and efficiently, ensuring your garage door operates smoothly and safely. Contact us if you think your garage door springs are causing issues.
