.
Dealing With Broken Garage Door Springs: A Safety Guide
A. Introduction
Garage door springs are an important part of the overall garage door system. They help to support the weight of the door and also make it easier to open by providing balance and counterbalancing the weight of the door. When a spring breaks, the door may become unbalanced and can become very dangerous. It’s important to understand the risks associated with dealing with broken garage door springs and to follow the safety tips outlined in this guide.
B. Types of Garage Door Springs
There are two main types of garage door springs: extension springs and torsion springs. Extension springs are located on the sides of the garage door and are attached to the horizontal track. They are used for lighter doors that weigh up to 300 pounds. Torsion springs are located at the top of the garage door and are attached to the header above the door. These are used for heavier doors that weigh up to 500 pounds.
C. Risks of Dealing With Broken Garage Door Springs
One of the biggest risks of dealing with broken garage door springs is the risk of the door suddenly falling. If the springs are not properly adjusted or replaced, the door may become unbalanced and could come crashing down. Additionally, broken springs can cause other parts of the door to fail, such as the track or the opener motor.
D. Safety Tips for Dealing With Broken Garage Door Springs
If you need to replace or adjust broken garage door springs, there are a few safety tips you should follow in order to prevent injury or damage to your property. First, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You should use a socket wrench, a pair of pliers, and adjustable wrenches. Second, make sure you use eye protection and work gloves when dealing with the springs. Third, be sure to keep your hands away from the springs and never attempt to adjust them while they are under tension. Finally, if you are not sure how to safely replace or adjust the springs, contact a professional.
E. Replacing Garage Door Springs
If the door is no longer opening and closing smoothly, the springs may need to be replaced. Before replacing the springs, make sure you know the weight of the door and the type of springs you need to purchase. Measure the existing springs and then purchase the same type of springs in the same size and length. Once you have the new springs, you can begin the replacement process.
1. Removing the Old Springs
To remove the old springs, use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the springs in place. Then, use a pair of pliers to remove the springs from the track and the header.
2. Installing the New Springs
Once the old springs have been removed, you can begin to install the new springs. Start by attaching the springs to the header and the track. Make sure you use an adjustable wrench to make sure the springs are tight. Then, use the socket wrench to attach the bolts to secure the springs in place.
3. Adjusting the Springs
Once the new springs are installed, you can begin to adjust them. This is done by loosening or tightening the bolts on the springs. Make sure you use an adjustable wrench to make sure the bolts are not too loose or too tight. Once the springs have been properly adjusted, you can test the door to make sure it is opening and closing smoothly.
F. Troubleshooting Common Problems With Garage Door Springs
If you are having issues with your garage door springs, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. First, make sure the springs are properly adjusted. If they are too loose or too tight, the door may become unbalanced and can become dangerous. Second, check the track for any debris or obstructions that may be preventing the door from opening and closing smoothly. Third, make sure the opener motor is working properly and that it is properly connected to the springs. Finally, if all else fails, contact a professional for assistance.
G. Summary
Garage door springs are an important part of the overall garage door system. When they break, the door can become unbalanced and can become a safety hazard. It’s important to understand the risks associated with dealing with broken garage door springs and to follow the safety tips outlined in this guide. If you need to replace or adjust broken garage door springs, make sure you have the right tools for the job and contact a professional for assistance if you are not sure how to safely do the job.
H. FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to replace a broken garage door spring?
A: The cost of replacing a broken garage door spring will depend on the type of spring used and the size of the door. Generally speaking, replacing a single spring can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, while replacing both springs can cost anywhere from $100 to $400.
Q: How do I know when to replace my garage door springs?
A: Generally speaking, garage door springs should be replaced every 5-7 years. However, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that the springs may need to be replaced sooner, such as the door becoming unbalanced or not opening and closing smoothly. Additionally, if you hear a loud popping noise when the door is opening or closing, this could be a sign that the springs need to be replaced.
Q: Can I replace my own garage door springs?
A: While it is possible to replace your own garage door springs, it’s important to understand the risks involved. If the springs are not properly adjusted or replaced, the door may become unbalanced and could come crashing down. Additionally, improper installation of the springs can cause other parts of the door to fail, such as the track or the opener motor. Therefore, it’s usually best to contact a professional for assistance.
Q: What safety precautions should I take when dealing with broken garage door springs?
A: When dealing with broken garage door springs, it’s important to take the proper safety precautions. Make sure you use eye protection and work gloves when dealing with the springs and keep your hands away from them. Additionally, never attempt to adjust the springs while they are under tension. If you are not sure how to safely replace or adjust the springs, contact a professional for assistance.
Q: How do I adjust the tension on my garage door springs?
A: To adjust the tension on your garage door springs, use an adjustable wrench to tighten or loosen the bolts on the springs. Make sure the bolts are not too loose or too tight. Additionally, when adjusting the tension, make sure the door is balanced and that it is opening and closing smoothly.
Q: What causes a garage door spring to break?
A: The most common cause of a broken garage door spring is wear and tear. Over time, the springs will become weak and may eventually break. Additionally, if the door is not properly adjusted or maintained, the springs may break prematurely.
Q: Are torsion and extension garage door springs interchangeable?
A: No. Torsion and extension springs are not interchangeable. Torsion springs are used for heavier doors that weigh up to 500 pounds, while extension springs are used for lighter doors that weigh up to 300 pounds.
For an extra layer of safety, be sure to consider the safety measures outlined in the “Safety Measures to Consider During Garage Door Installation” blog post before installing your garage door.
Take the first step to getting a new garage door installation in Cape Coral by reading Garage Doors Cape Coral: A Comprehensive Guide. Get the inside scoop on everything you need to know before you buy with this helpful guide. Learn more by clicking new garage door installation Cape Coral today!
If you’re unsure of how to fix a broken garage door spring, learning how to troubleshoot a malfunctioning garage door opener can provide valuable insight into the problem. To that end, How to Troubleshoot a Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener is an excellent resource for further exploration.
