Common Reasons for Garage Door Springs
Standard double garage doors are 16-foot movable walls. They are constructed with a complex system: The counterbalance system. A well-balanced counterbalance system supports the weight of the door each time it is raised and lowered.
The counterbalance system includes the springs, cables and drums, and brackets. The springs can be one of two types: torsion or extension. Torsion springs are installed above the garage door, whereas, extension springs are mounted on both sides of the vertical tracks.
After a specific number of cycles, the springs will break, rendering the door nonfunctional until they’ve been replaced by a local garage door professional. They may also break because of rust, damage, or poor maintenance.
Why Do They Break?
Wear and Tear
Wear and tear occurs through normal use. The average life expectancy of a garage door spring is seven years. This is for standard springs, rated for 10,000 cycles and being used regularly four times a day. Their lifespan may either increase or decrease depending on your household’s specific usage. Investing in high cycle springs can maximize life expectancy.
Poor Maintenance
Following a regular maintenance schedule may help prolong longevity and identify problems before they occur. Lubricate the springs using a quality product made specifically for garage doors. You should also check garage door balance once a month.
Close the garage door.
Disengage the garage door from the garage door opener by pulling the manual release rope straight down.
Lift the door halfway up and let go. A balanced door will remain open. If the door closes, it is unbalanced, and professional intervention is required.
Rust
Rust can weaken metal, shortening the lifespan of the spring. The best method for preventing rust is lubrication. Choose a silicone spray or white lithium grease to prevent rust and extend the life expectancy of your torsion or extension springs. Please do not use WD-40 as this is not a true lubricant.
What Now? Torsion and extension springs are under immense tension. This tension provides them with the lifting power they need to open and close the garage door each time you press a button. Their tension is released when they break. It can be very dangerous to replace them without a good knowledge of the mechanics involved. Specialized equipment is also required. Hiring a licensed garage door repair professional is your safest option. Most professionals offer same-day and 24-hour service for broken garage door springs.
