Identifying garage door spring issues
Identifying problems with your garage door springs is much like diagnosing health issues! Is it this, or that? If one body part or garage door piece is damaged, doesn’t it affect the rest? How can you tell if you are having garage door spring problems and how do you know for sure? What if you call for spring repair and the issue turns out to be something else totally different? Where do you search online for answers? Whom do you call for reliable and accurate knowledge? Here at Covington Garage Door Repair Experts we have a solution and here it is; just read these words and then call our local Covington, Georgia shop with any questions that may arise. Our garage door technicians are highly experienced spring technicians that are well-versed in all aspects of both torsion and extension garage door springs. Just give us an accurate description of the problem and we’ll be able to pinpoint the issues; springs or no springs!
Why is pinpointing the problem important?
Sometimes we asked why pinpointing the problem is important. Our answer is simple; know what you are dealing with. Wasting time and money on false diagnostics and wrong testing can eat up your time and your budget. Why not get to the root of the problem and tackle the issue directly? Knowing if your garage door is having spring issues is important and allows for fast and proper repair or replacement of those damaged springs. The faster and sooner that your torsion or extension springs get repaired, the sooner you can operate your garage door safely and regularly, just like before.
Do we even need springs?
Actually, yes! Garage door springs of either kind do the heavy lifting of your wood, steel or aluminum garage door. Sure, your opener system is operated when you open and close your door but it is the springs that do the heavy-duty work! When you think about it, your springs can work reliably and tirelessly for over a decade with no problems whatsoever. Once they start having issues, and show wear or excess use, people often assume that garage door springs are a high maintenance part of your garage door package!
Wait! What about DIY?
Actually, do it yourself spring repair is always a bad idea! Injuries occur every year and there have even been some deaths recorded when people try and repair, install or replace their own garage door springs. Don’t get us wrong; saving money is a good idea but you have to know what you are doing and do it yourself spring service is not something you learn in just a few minutes! It takes proper training, skill, and experience (not to mention tools!) in order to service your own set of springs. Extension springs pack a lot of power and they have been known to suddenly fly through drywall and windshields! Some things are best left to an experienced technician and spring repair is certainly one of them!
Which are which?
Many folks don’t know the difference between the two main types of springs. It helps to know, so here is a simple primer. Let’s start with torsion springs. These are the ones most commonly installed in new residential units. They last longer, are generally safer and have fewer parts (less to go wrong!). A spring’s life is counted in cycles. One cycle is equal to one garage door opening and one closing. Your torsion springs will average about 20,000 cycles in their lifetime. If you have torsion garage door springs, they will be located inside your garage at the top of the door. They rotate and turn instead of expand.
This brings us to extension springs. These are the older models that are attached at the sides of your garage door, on the inside. We label these as older as they used to be the “only game in town” and all homes were outfitted with these. Extension springs are still in use and still installed when requested. They don’t turn when used, as they expand and this is what makes them all the more dangerous when damaged. The life cycle of extension springs is about half of the torsion variety but they are also less expensive to buy.
Signs of spring damage
Does your garage door exhibit any of these symptoms? If so, you’ll know it is due to spring damage.
Your garage door looks tilted and lopsided when either open or closed. This is due to at least one spring being in disrepair.
Your garage door won’t stay up and comes crashing down soon after rising.
Your garage door won’t open at all. You can hear the opener motor running, but no movement from the door itself.
Your raised garage door sways back and forth when touched, even lightly.
You tried to open your garage door and then heard a loud bang or pop sound.
You notice something strange when lifting or lowering your garage door; one side moves up or down faster than the other.
You try and open your garage door but notice that one side is going up normally and the other side seems to be struggling to keep up.
If you notice any or all of these indicators, call for garage door spring service right away! Time is of the essence as the longer you wait and continue to use your garage door, the worse the damage becomes. You can wind up with a cost for full replacement instead of just repair for one or both springs.
Only work with the right garage door repair shop
Not all garage door repair technicians are experienced in proper spring service. Be selective and choose a local shop or crew that is full service. Remember; proper care including installation and repair of your garage door springs will result in many years of safe and dependable service!