Identifying Garage Door Spring Issues

Centennial Garage Door RepairGarage door springs can end up being problematic at any given time, but you can typically predict that they are about to start falling apart. While all springs are made to last a certain number of cycles (most can last thousands) they can end up becoming damaged due to harsh weather conditions, wear and tear, or just as a result of not being properly maintained. Centennial Garage Door Repair wants to make it a point to tell customers (not just in Centennial, CO but all over the country) that this part of the garage door is incredibly important. So if you notice that your springs are in need of some upkeep, don’t put it on hold. Failing to fix springs when they need to be repaired or replaced can end up leading to the door falling down. Springs are so important because they take care of the heavy lifting required by your garage door. Garage doors can weigh hundreds of pounds. Knowing this information, it’s safe to say that you want your extension and torsion springs to always be working properly!

What Can Go Wrong?

  • The garage door can become imbalanced
  • Rollers can come off track
  • Door can get jammed or crooked
  • Garage door cables can snap off or become detached
  • The garage door can crash or fall down without any warning
  • The garage door opener might make noise as though it is working, but the garage door will not budge

If you are sure you have a broken spring, or one that is about to snap, it is best to call in a professional as soon as possible. You will know that your spring has already snapped if you heard a very loud sound in your garage. If you are able to see a gap in your torsion spring, this also indicates a problem.

Springs Can Last Quite Some Time!

Perhaps your springs look to be in great shape, and you keep them oiled appropriately. But maybe you know that your garage door has likely been lifted at this point thousands of cycles. Some springs can last for more than 20,000 cycles – in terms of years, average tends to be anywhere from 7 to 20, depending on the type of springs you purchased (high cycle will last the longest).

What can you do to make sure your springs last as long as they possibly can? Have a look at some tips which have been provided by experts. They are sure to help you to keep yours in good condition:

  • Check the tension if you know how to do so
  • Schedule annual inspections with an expert you can count on
  • Keep parts clean and oiled
  • Ensure parts are replaced as needed – it certainly helps to stay up to date on your inspections so you can know when it’s time to replace a part.

What Causes Springs to Fall Apart?

Bear in mind that most springs will last at least 7 years, but there are certainly things that can cause them to fall apart sooner. If you open and close your garage door more than the average person, then the wear and tear will end up causing them to not last their expected lifespan.

Weather can also end up taking a toll on springs. If you live in a place that gets so cold that it snows throughout the winter, then you might notice the springs fall apart sooner than they would if you lived in a place like Georgia or Florida, where winters are mild in comparison to the rest of the country.

Garage door springs can also be affected by problems with regards to alignment. Is your garage door out of balance? If so, don’t keep using it until you have fixed it. Using it will only put more pressure on your springs. When they work harder than they are supposed to, they can end up falling apart faster. Obviously, no one wants this scenario to ever happen.

You will know that your springs are damaged beyond repair if the door comes falling down. Of course, it’s best to completely prevent this from happening, because it will only end up costing you a great deal of money. Fixing springs before they cause other problems is ideal. Most local garage door repair companies make themselves available to assist customers at all hours – they provide this 24/7 emergency service knowing that something like a snapped spring needs to be dealt with right away.

Go With An Expert!

Find an experienced garage door repair expert that can fix your springs, or keep them maintained so they last for as long as they possibly can. Bear in mind that even if you normally enjoy tackling do it yourself jobs, this isn’t one that just anyone can do. You might have a knack for following directions and for getting things done correctly, but dealing with the springs is a different ball game, especially if you happen to be attempting to replace them. There is so much weight involved, and so much tension, that you could end up getting hurt. This is not to mention that if you make even a small error, someone could get hurt the next time they step under your garage door. When it comes to replacement, you will need to have measurements handy. These are easily obtained by an expert who works on garage doors every single day.

Just remember to call Centennial Garage Door Repair if you happen to be located in this part of Colorado. If you are located somewhere else, then pulling out your Yellow Book or doing an online search will reveal plenty of options that are close to you. You’ll want to check for licensing and insurance; 24/7 emergency availability (even if you don’t need it at the moment, who knows when you eventually might?); and great reviews. Remember, springs are dangerous when they are falling apart, so only do what you are completely comfortable and experienced doing!

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