What is a Garage Door Spring?
A garage door spring is a vital component of any garage door system. It is responsible for the lifting and lowering of the door when activated. Without the spring, a garage door would simply not work. There are two main types of garage door springs; torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are those which are mounted horizontally above the garage door and are responsible for the lifting and lowering of the door when activated. Extension springs are those which are mounted on the sides of the garage door and are responsible for the raising and lowering of the door when activated.
What Causes a Garage Door Spring to Break?
Garage door springs are under a great deal of tension and must be maintained regularly. If the springs are not regularly inspected, lubricated and maintained then they can easily become worn and weakened, causing them to break. Other causes of a garage door spring breaking can be due to a sudden change in temperature, such as when the weather suddenly changes from hot to cold, or due to a sudden change in pressure, such as when a vehicle drives over the garage door. Finally, a garage door spring can break if it is overloaded, such as when an attempt is made to open the door with too much force.
What to Do When Garage Door Spring Breaks?
If a garage door spring breaks, the first step is to ensure that the area is safe. This means ensuring that the door is not open and that no one is standing in the way of the door. Once the area is safe, the next step is to inspect the springs and determine the best course of action. In some cases, the springs may be able to be replaced without the need for professional help, but in most cases it is advisable to call a professional garage door service to come and repair or replace the springs.
Pros & Cons of Replacing Garage Door Spring
The primary benefit of replacing a garage door spring is that it can help to improve the safety and security of the garage. When the springs are in good condition, they will be able to properly lift and lower the garage door, thus preventing it from coming down too hard. In addition, properly maintained springs will also reduce the amount of wear and tear on the door, thus prolonging its life. On the other hand, replacing a broken spring can be expensive and time consuming, and it is often necessary to call a professional for assistance.