Your Old Garage Door Could Put Your Family in Danger

What happens when your garage door stops working? More often than not, it's a matter of the springs failing. In this guide, we’ll delve into the details of garage door spring repair, a domain best left to the professionals but important for homeowners to understand.

Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?

Understanding the root cause of spring failure is the first step in ensuring you don’t end up with a sudden, unwelcome surprise in your garage. The garage door springs break because of wear and tear. Each time you open and close the door, the springs contract and expand. Over time, this repetitive action can lead to metal fatigue, resulting in a sudden snap or crack. Variables like climate, how frequently the door is used, and even the quality of the spring itself can affect its lifespan. The torsion spring, which is wound very tightly to store energy when the door is closed, bears most of the door’s weight during operation. Extension springs, typically located above the horizontal tracks, expand and contract as the door is operated, offering supplemental lifting power.

Signs of a Broken Spring

A broken garage door spring is not subtle. It is one of the few malfunctions that is quite loud and impossible to ignore. A sharp sound akin to a firecracker or gunshot is often reported. Other signs include difficulty opening or closing the door and a visible gap in the spring. Do not attempt to operate your garage door if you suspect a broken spring. The door will be extremely heavy and could collapse, potentially causing significant injury or damage.

DIY or Professional Repair?

Garage door spring repair is often touted as a DIY repair job, and while it is technically feasible for homeowners with sufficient skill, the risks often outweigh the savings. Especially when you consider the potential damages a runaway garage door can inflict. Professional garage door technicians are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and special equipment required to safely and effectively replace or repair a garage door spring. They also provide valuable warranties on their service and the parts they install.

Whether you opt for professional repair or take a proactive approach to maintenance, understanding the importance of garage door springs is crucial for all homeowners. It’s an often-underappreciated mechanism that holds the key to the reliable operation of one of your home’s most significant features. As with all aspects of homeownership, vigilance and timely intervention can save you a lot of frustration and potentially, a door’s worth of damage.

Learn more about garage door repair options near you today.