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Let us start by saying, as a homeowner, you are not expected to know much about your garage door functionality and its parts. We can tell you with certainty that there are certain things that need to remain in good condition if you wish to continue using your garage. One of the things that you should always make sure is in good condition are your garage door springs. If you watch DIY videos about repairing your garage door springs, it is unlikely that they are painting a complete picture. What they usually leave out is the danger that can ensue if you lack the necessary experience to fix the problem with your springs. It is definitely a problem if your springs are weak and worn.
The springs are made of metal and they are the ones that handle all the lifting. They need to be very strong to hold the weight of a garage door. The garage door opener operates the door but it is the springs that hold the door so that you can move in and out without incident. Springs come in torsion and extension.
A garage door expert will install your torsion springs horizontally above the top of the garage door. Extension springs are installed parallel the horizontal tracks. Both types of springs have a certain life cycle. The torsion springs usually have 10,000 cycles. This type is built to last. However, the extension springs can be found on older homes and they usually last longer than torsion springs. They are made of hardened steel and can withstand a lot of use. If you are not taking care of your springs, they can snap and bring your door falling down. All it takes is one bad spring to bring your door down. They can become problematic if they are not being serviced regularly.
We commend those who enjoy DIY projects. However, we wouldn’t recommend servicing your springs a DIY project. If you need springs repaired or installed, this should be done by someone with the experience to handle the job. Working with springs can prove dangerous because they hold a lot of tension. If the tension is not handled correctly, the tension could seriously hurt you or damage something. If you’re garage door spring happens to break while you are attempting to make the repairs or install them, it could actually cost your life. This is just how serious handling your springs can be. The spring could hit you, your car or someone else and can be serious. We don’t believe taking such chances is worth it. However, if you are determined to evaluate the springs of your door to make sure they are in good condition, perhaps you can do the following.
This is an easy way to check your springs. Put your garage door down and then disconnect your garage door opener. You can accomplish this by pulling down on the release lever. If you don’t know where this is, you can always consult the owner’s manual. Now that the garage door is disconnected from the garage door opener, try to lift and lower the door manually. If it moves slow and doesn’t require much effort to lower or lift, you are probably in good shape. Your springs are fine. However, if you are having a difficult time raising the door and lowering it again, the springs may need balancing.
Try to open your garage door. Does it quickly fall down and make a loud sound when it falls down? Did you notice the last time you opened your door? Did it come off the ground 6 to 8 inches and then stop suddenly? Did you notice that your garage door began to slowly open and then suddenly it suddenly sped up and starting going up faster? Are you noticing a loud sound when you work your garage door? When a homeowner hears this loud sound, they may think it’s someone breaking into their home but in actuality it is that their spring has just broken. You may not notice the problem until you try to leave the next day and notice your garage door lying on the ground.
Does your garage door go up and down at a slight slant? If you have a broken extension spring, it will cause this to occur because they are pulling away from each other. If one happens to break, the other one will work hard to make up for the other one.
Does your garage door jerk as it is going up? Again, this means one spring has broken and the other spring is using the added weight to get the door to open.
Did you try to lower your garage door but instead of it going down, it falls down? This is because the garage door opener is compensating for an imbalanced door because of a broken spring.
If you have noticed any of the aforementioned issues, it may be time to call on the services of a bonded, licensed garage door technician in Sicklerville, NJ at Garage Door Repair Sicklerville. A professional technician will provide you with a thorough inspection of your springs. Once they have identified the problem, along with your help, they should be allowed to resolve the issue right away. Using a garage door that is experiencing problems with the springs can create additional problems. It is never a good idea to go on using your garage as long as there is a problem with your springs.
You don’t have to avoid getting the help you need just to save a buck or two. Just call around or work with a reputable service provider to get the help you need for your springs. You just need to find the right garage door service. This may require you to remain diligent in your efforts but your safety is certainly worth it.
