When to Replace Your Garage Door Springs
Your garage door is one of the hardest working parts of your home, but it’s often a part that gets taken for granted. Many people don’t consider the possibility that their garage door could malfunction or simply fail to work one day. However, like virtually every other mechanical device, it requires maintenance, repairs, and part replacement every once in a while. One of the most essential parts of your garage door is your garage door springs. They carry most of the weight of your door, and aging springs pose a major safety hazard if they aren’t replaced in time. If you live in the Irvine, Mission Viejo, or Costa Mesa areas, turn to All Right Garage Doors when your garage door springs break or you’re in need of garage door repair.
Types of Garage Door Springs
There are two primary types of residential garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are mounted on a metal rod that runs parallel to your garage door, right above it. These springs are tensioned and release energy when pulled in order to lift the garage door. As your garage door closes, these springs wind up and create stored energy to be released next time that the door is opened. Extension springs are two lighter-weight springs positioned by the garage door tracks that run on each side of the door. They expand and contract when your garage door is raised or lowered. Because they are not secured with a metal rod like the torsion spring, extension springs run alongside a safety cable. This safety cable helps contain the spring in the event that it breaks.
Signs That Your Springs Need Replacing
Broken springs can be an extremely dangerous hazard. Being near a spring under such great tension when it breaks can result in severe injury or property damage. If this occurs when your garage door is open, it can be even more dangerous since your garage door will likely fall with immense force. That’s why it’s imperative that you have your garage door springs replaced as soon as you notice any signs of failing springs.
The average lifespan of a garage door spring is six to 10 years. As your garage door spring starts to age, your garage door will start to require more force to lift it, since the springs are unable to do this job as effectively. If you hear your electric door opener begin to strain as it attempts to lift the door, this can be one sign that it’s time to replace your garage door springs. Another sign that it’s time to replace your garage door springs is if one spring breaks and you hear an extremely loud noise that might resemble a gunshot. Broken springs will cause your garage door to slam shut with full force, which can cause severe injury or death if someone is in the way at the time. If you suspect that your springs are need of replacement, it’s alway advised that you have a professional come out to check them. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Given the amount of weight and force that your garage door springs hold, it’s never a good idea to try replacing these parts on your own. Always call in a garage door repair professional to get the job done right and at minimal risk. Whether you’re in Irvine, Mission Viejo, Costa Mesa, or any other part of Orange County, All Right Garage Doors is the family-owned service you can trust for quality garage door repairs and exceptional customer service. Give us a call today at (714) 726-2225 and ask about our spring repair special with a lifetime warranty.
