The smooth open-and-shut functioning of residential garage doors is dependent on their spring system. Constant wear-and-tear of these springs with every use means issues will occur one day or another. Therefore, it is good to have a thorough understanding of springs to understand when an issue has occurred and what you need to do about it. Below, we have listed five major spring issues that require immediate attention.
Spring breakage:
A spring that has broken is one of the easiest things to identify in a garage door. If a spring has broken, it is ideal to replace all springs to prevent sudden breakdowns. You might feel tempted to make a DIY repair – but it is counterintuitive in the long run, and it is always better to hire professionals to make the replacement.
Ill-fitting spring:
While a broken spring is a major cause of someone needing garage door repair, springs need not need to break to cause issues. If the spring size is not aligned with the size and/or shape of the door, it can cause issues as well. For instance, if you see signs such as the door slamming shut near the point of closing, or the garage door getting randomly stuck while opening or closing, there is a high chance that one or more springs are of the wrong size. This problem usually occurs if the installation is a DIY job or has been done by companies that aren’t very reputable.
Extension springs:
Extension springs are a part of several garage doors these days, especially residential ones. Situated right above the top horizontal tracks, they help provide a counterbalance to the door’s weight and make it feel lighter to operate. Due to their very location and function, and the fact that they literally extend when the door opens or shuts, these springs are prone to breaking after some time. This is why it is always important to install cables that can act as a buffer in case the springs break.
Torsion springs:
Relying on the phenomenon of torque (i.e., the force that makes something turn or twist), a torsion is used for raising and lowering garage doors. Situated right at the garage’s opening, these come in a wide variety of types. Like extension springs, they end up breaking after some time of use. Fresh torsion springs are typically dark in color and fresh-looking, while those that have worn out tend to have rust on them. These should be checked out every once in a while.
Finding the right spring:
Generally, extension springs tend to be cheaper, while torsion springs last longer and are more mechanically qualified to support the weight of something as heavy as a garage door. It is also considered safer, though that does not stop homeowners from choosing extension springs over them.
At Neighborhood Garage Door, we offer top-notch repair services for residential garage doors. We service all kinds of issues – our team of technicians is well-tuned to the intricacies of garage doors and can help with just about any problem in Charlotte, NC.
