You're running late for work, and as you press the button to open your garage door, it doesn't budge. Frustrating, right? Well, the culprit behind this inconvenience could very well be a broken garage door spring. These components of your garage door's operation are often overlooked until they fail, causing a cascade of problems.
In this blog, we'll explore the signs of a broken garage door spring and when you need to contact professionals in Coral Springs for garage door repair.
Understanding Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are the silent powerhouses behind your garage door's effortless movement. When it’s in the closed position, these springs are initially wound or stretched. As you activate your garage door opener, these springs contract and move cables and pulleys to open the garage door.
There are two primary types of garage door springs:
Torsion Springs: These springs are mounted above the garage door and wound with high tension. When the door is closed, torsion springs store energy; when it's time to open, they release that energy to lift it.
Extension Springs: Extension springs are located on either side of the door tracks. They stretch and contract as the door moves, providing the force needed to lift and lower the door. Unlike torsion springs, extension springs don't store as much energy when the door is closed.
The Role of Garage Door Springs
Now that we know the types of garage door springs, let's explore why they’re so important:
Balancing Act
Garage door springs are all about balance. They counteract the force of gravity on your heavy garage door, making it easy to open and close manually or with the assistance of a garage door opener.
Smooth Operation
The springs ensure your garage door moves smoothly and doesn't crash down when you close it. This process not only prevents damage to the door but also enhances safety.
Reduced Strain
Without springs, your garage door opener would have to work much harder, potentially shortening its lifespan. Springs reduce the strain on the opener and lead to increased longevity.
Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?
By recognizing the causes, you can take steps to prolong the lifespan of your springs and prevent unexpected failures.
Wear and Tear
Over time, the continuous cycle of stretching and contracting as your garage door is opened and closed causes gradual wear on the springs. This wear weakens the springs' structure and reduces their ability to hold tension.
Temperature Fluctuations
Extreme temperature fluctuations can also contribute to garage door spring failures. In areas with significant temperature variations between seasons, the metal components of the springs can expand and contract. The constant expansion and contraction can lead to metal fatigue, making the springs more susceptible to breaking.
Poor Maintenance
Neglecting regular maintenance is another factor that can lead to garage door spring issues. Like any mechanical component, springs require attention to ensure they function correctly. Lack of lubrication, rust buildup, or neglect can all accelerate spring deterioration.
Incorrect Spring Selection
Choosing the wrong type or size of garage door spring for your door can put unnecessary stress on the springs. If the springs are too weak for your heavy garage door, they may wear out prematurely. When they are too strong, they can cause excessive strain on other components of your garage door system.
Rust and Corrosion
Rust and corrosion can compromise the integrity of garage door springs. Moisture exposure, especially in humid environments, can form rust on the springs' surface. Rust weakens the metal and can lead to cracks and fractures.
Lack of Safety Cables
Garage door springs sometimes break without warning due to a lack of safety cables. Safety cables are a feature that prevents the spring from flying across the garage if it breaks. Without safety cables, a broken spring can pose a significant risk to anyone in the vicinity.
Recognizing Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
Sagging or Crooked Door
One of the most apparent visual signs of a broken garage door spring is when your door appears to be sagging on one side or is crooked when closed. When a spring breaks, the door's balance is disrupted, causing it to tilt to one side.
Cable Issues
Examine the cables on both sides of your garage door for loose or hanging pieces. Damaged or slack cables often result from a broken spring, as they are directly connected to the spring system.
Loud Noise
One of the most distinctive signs of a broken garage door spring is a loud "snap" or "bang" sound during the operation of your garage door. This noise occurs when a spring suddenly breaks under tension.
However, not all broken springs produce such a loud noise. Sometimes, the sound can be less dramatic but still noticeable. Please pay attention to any unusual or excessive noise during the door's operation.
Difficulty Opening and Closing
If your garage door feels heavier than usual and you struggle to lift it manually or with your garage door opener, it may be due to a broken spring. The springs' role is to counteract the door’s weight, making it easy to open and close. When a spring breaks, this balance is disrupted, and the door can become significantly heavier.
Door Reversal
Modern garage doors have safety features that automatically reverse the door if it encounters an obstruction while closing. If your garage door starts reversing unexpectedly or refuses to close, the safety system may detect an imbalance caused by a broken spring, triggering the reversal mechanism to prevent accidents.
By keeping an eye out for these visual, audible, operational, and safety-related signs, you can spot potential problems with your garage door springs early on.
Looking for Quality Coral Springs Garage Door Repair Services?
If you're facing issues with your garage door springs or require any garage door services, don't hesitate to contact Florida Garage Door Company. We specialize in garage door repairs, installation, and maintenance. Reach out to us today for expert assistance!
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