Should You Change Your Garage Door Springs?
Of all the components of your garage door, the springs are one of the most reliable. The springs can break, but they have a long lifespan, which means that the need for repairs is less than other parts of the door. When the springs break though, it is not just a mechanical issue, but a safety issue. If your springs are damaged, here is what you need to know.
What Happens When the Springs Break?
Whenever the springs are broken, the garage door will simply stop working. The springs are strategically placed to help with opening and closing the door. Since the door is heavy, it can place a lot of tension on the springs. The springs are designed to withstand the tension, but over time, they begin to experience wear and tear. When this happens, they break.
The break does not have to occur with all of the springs. It can be just one. When just one is broken, the garage door will still attempt to open, but the springs can struggle under the weight. At this point, it becomes a safety issue because the door can slam back down at any moment if the remaining spring is unable to support the door or breaks.
It is important to note that the spring can cause issues even if they are not broken. If the springs are out of balance, the door will stop opening and closing smoothly. Even if you attempt to operate the door manually, it will not open and close as it should.
What Can You Do?
Some homeowners choose to repair the springs themselves. If you do, you need to be aware of the potential for danger. Without the proper technique and safety precautions, you could be seriously hurt while attempting to change the springs.
The springs are under considerable tension. If the springs slip or snap, you could be hurt by them. Depending on the spring, you will have to remove the extension or torsion spring. The torsion spring is above the garage door opening and is more difficult to remove than the extension. However, both should be handled by a professional who understands how to safely remove the parts.
A professional contractor, like Raynor Door Company, can assess the springs and determine if they are the issue and change them, if necessary. He or she can also perform maintenance on the other components of your garage door to ensure they are operational.
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