Titan Garage Doors NE received a call from a homeowner in Bellevue, NE, to replace the broken spring on their garage door. One of their springs had snapped and left them with a massive, double garage door that could not be opened or closed without first manually opening it. Our technicians noted that the broken spring was heavily corroded, and if they had not come when they did, the other spring would have likely snapped as well. In addition to garage door spring replacement, they also taught the homeowner some essential maintenance tips to keep their door in good working condition.
Garage door springs are under much tension because they are responsible for supporting the door's weight. Since there is much tension on these springs, your opener has a much simpler job lifting the massive door. If the springs break, gravity can cause the large door to fall to the ground,
Types of Garage Door Springs
Garage doors have different types of springs, and there is a significant difference in how to replace them. There are two main types of springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Looking at your garage door, you can quickly tell what kind of springs you have.
Extension springs are long springs that run perpendicular to the door's side tracks. They are in the air, long and thin. On the other hand, torsion springs are larger springs that rest next to the door opening on a metal rod.
Both extension and torsion springs operate similarly, using the weight and gravity of the door to tense up and load when the door closes, giving you a reserve of energy to raise the door as it is being opened. When the door descends, tension springs are twisted, and as they untwist oppositely, they release energy. The energy is stored outward and returns to the center in extension springs.
Why Garage Door Spring Breaks?
Wear and Tear
Although most garage door springs are designed for 10,000 cycles, wear and tear is still the leading cause of spring failure. Over time, repeated use of the garage door can damage the springs, causing them to break. Even simply opening and closing the door a few times each day can add up and cause problems. If you notice your garage door springs beginning to show signs of wear, it is essential to have them checked out by a professional before they fail.
Rust
The spring's lifespan will be drastically shortened if any rust, from whatever source, develops on it. The coils encounter more resistance as they vibrate as a result of rust. Additionally, because of corrosion on the spring itself, the coils of the spring will weaken and fail more quickly. Spraying the spring with a silicone-based lubricant three to four times a year can prolong its life and keep it well-lubricated.
Improper Care
Although garage door springs are designed to last a long time, they will eventually need to be replaced. Routine maintenance can help extend the life of your springs and give you advance notice if they are beginning to fail. This way, you can avoid the hassle and potential damage when a spring breaks suddenly. At least once per season, especially in the winter when most springs fail, check the garage door balance. Additionally, lubricate the spring with white lithium grease a few times a year.
Should You Replace Your Springs?
Whether you are looking for a project or not, your degree of confidence, the type of door springs you have, and other factors will all play a role. If you have extension springs and have some DIY experience, it is possible that you can handle everything on your own. But for many of us, it is just not worth the bother to change the springs on our own garage doors.
When a garage door spring replacement is needed, homeowners should turn to a professional, such as Titan Garage Doors NE. Our knowledgeable technicians are qualified to assess the current garage door and determine what is needed to improve it. The replacement garage door spring will then be ordered and correctly installed by our technicians. We strive to meet the industry standards for quality and can complete any garage door spring installation and repair.
With over ten years in the business, we have established a long-standing dedication that is obvious in the happy customers we have served in Lincoln and Omaha, NE. Call us today for more information about our garage door services.
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