Common Garage Door Issues: What to Do When the Garage Door Spring Broke
A garage door is a vital part of home security and convenience, but what happens when the garage door spring broke? In this article, we’ll dive into the causes of spring failure, the warning signs, and how to handle the situation when it occurs.
The Role of Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs bear the brunt of the door’s weight, making it possible to lift and lower it with ease. Without the springs, the door becomes extremely heavy and nearly impossible to lift. There are two primary types of springs:
Torsion springs, which are mounted above the door, twist to support the door’s weight.
Extension springs, located on the sides of the door, stretch and compress to help the door open and close.
Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?
Springs undergo significant stress each time you open and close the garage door. Over time, this wear and tear lead to failure. Common causes include:
Age: Most garage door springs last around 7-10 years or 10,000 cycles. Once they reach their limit, they are likely to break.
Rust: Springs that aren’t properly maintained can rust, leading to weaker coils that break more easily.
Improper maintenance: Failure to lubricate springs regularly can cause them to wear out faster.
Symptoms of a Broken Garage Door Spring
A garage door spring broke if you experience the following:
Door feels heavy: Without the spring's support, the door becomes difficult to lift.
Door doesn’t open all the way: If the door stalls partway, it may indicate a broken spring.
Snapping noise: A loud noise like a gunshot often signals the spring breaking.
What to Do When the Garage Door Spring Breaks
Dealing with a broken garage door spring requires caution. Follow these steps:
Don’t use the door: Stop operating the door to avoid additional damage or injuries.
Call a professional: Attempting to fix a broken spring on your own is dangerous. A professional technician has the tools and expertise to handle the repair safely.
Replace both springs: If one spring broke, the other is likely nearing the end of its life. Replacing both at the same time ensures balanced tension and smoother operation.
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