Top 5 Reasons Why Garage Door Springs Break
When your garage door won’t open, this could be due to several issues. The most common is a garage door spring failure. Here’s why you may need garage door spring replacement, Austin!
What NOT To Do
Like any spring, your garage door springs are under tension. When that tension is unexpectedly released, it could violently fly off and break a window or cause an injury.
For your safety, it’s not recommended that you attempt garage door torsion spring replacement or extension spring replacement on your own. Reach out to the pros for garage door service in Austin and we’ll ensure a safe and seamless repair.
“Springs are made of steel and highly durable, but they will all eventually fail. The trick to keeping them in good working order as long as possible is to care for them properly.”
Source: Pexels.com
Torsion Springs Vs Extension Springs
Depending on the type of garage door you have and the age of the equipment, the spring type will vary. Two general categories classify the types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs equally distribute the force or energy of weight being transferred by the garage door operation. These springs are installed on the metal shaft above the door and consist of between one and four springs per garage door.
There are several types of torsion springs that all function slightly differently:
- Early set torsion springs
- Standard torsion springs
- Rolling Door torsion springs
- Torque Master springs
Consult your local garage door maintenance provider for which type your garage has or should have.
Extension Springs
An extension spring system typically uses two springs that run horizontally along the overhead tracks. This type of spring, similar to the type found in click pens, stores, and releases energy through compression and extension.
When the door is closed or opened, the weight is distributed horizontally and each spring bears independent tension. Extension springs are generally classified into three types:
- Clipped ends
- Double-looped ends
- Open-looped ends
All extension springs are color-coded by manufacturers. Before attempting a replacement, check with a local service provider to avoid installing the wrong type or to expertly take over.
Common Reasons Why Garage Door Springs Break
When it comes to garage door spring replacement, our team has seen it all. Here are the most common reasons why Austin homeowners are looking for “reliable garage door service near me.”
#1 Regular Wear and Tear
If only one person leaves the garage every day, this is four times that your garage door springs into action. If you have two or more drivers who park their vehicles inside, that number multiplies each day.
On busy days full of errands and appointments, the number just goes up. Most homeowners don’t consider the strain this puts on their garage mechanisms. While they’re made to last, if yours sees excess use, you may be looking at more frequent garage door spring replacement.
Austin garage door services that are regularly scheduled help with preventative maintenance.
#2 Rust Issues
This is another common issue with garage door springs. Once rust begins to form, it will corrode the steel and create friction on the coil. The springs will grow weak and break easily, dramatically decreasing their shelf life.
This is more common in humid or wet climates but you can also take measures to prevent rust build-up. Frequently spray lubricant on the springs to keep your equipment lasting as long as possible.
#3 Poor Upkeep
Springs are made of steel and highly durable, but they will all eventually fail. The trick to keeping them in good working order as long as possible is to care for them properly.
It takes far less hassle to treat and maintain garage door springs than it does to repair or replace them. Or worse, the entire garage door due to other damage caused by broken springs.
#4 Imbalanced Load
If the weight of your garage door is imbalanced, this can cause additional strain on one spring over the other. The spring that bears more weight can become improperly stretched out and eventually break.
Check the balance of weight distribution at least once per year, especially in colder months. This will ensure the springs are bearing the weight equally and prevent potential breakage.
#5 Cold Weather
This is when springs fail most of the time due to how steel interacts with cold temperatures. When cold, steel becomes brittle and will break more easily. The higher the quality of steel, the less frequently you’ll have to replace them.
What You Should Do: Call The Garage Door Spring Replacement Austin Homeowners Trust
If your garage won’t open and you believe it’s due to a broken or stretched spring, consult the professional technicians at Austin’s Greater Garage Doors before attempting a potentially dangerous DIY repair. Scheduling regular maintenance and balance checks will also prevent spring repairs and potential damage before it happens. Call us today!
