2024-01-15 6 min read
Your garage door spring is one of the most critical components of your garage door system. It bears the enormous weight of the door and makes it possible to open and close smoothly. However, springs don't last forever, and knowing when to replace them can save you from inconvenient breakdowns and potential safety hazards.
Garage door springs come in two main types: torsion springs, which are mounted above the door, and extension springs, which run along the horizontal tracks on either side. Both types are under extreme tension and should only be handled by trained professionals.
One of the most obvious signs of spring failure is visible damage. Look for gaps in the spring coils, rust, or signs of stretching. A healthy torsion spring should have tightly wound coils with no visible gaps. If you notice any separation between the coils, it's time to call a professional.
When one spring is weaker than the other, or if a spring on one side has failed, your garage door may open unevenly. You'll notice one side rising faster than the other, causing the door to appear crooked. This puts additional stress on your opener and other components.
If you've heard a loud bang coming from your garage that sounds like a firecracker or gunshot, it's likely a spring that has broken. The sound is caused by the spring unwinding rapidly when it snaps. After this happens, your door will likely be very heavy and difficult to open.
A properly functioning spring system counterbalances the weight of your garage door. If your door won't stay open when you lift it halfway, or if it slams down quickly, your springs may be losing their tension and need replacement.
Try disconnecting your opener and manually lifting the door. A properly balanced door should be relatively easy to lift and should stay in place when you let go about halfway up. If the door feels extremely heavy or falls down immediately, your springs are likely failing.
Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. Never attempt to replace springs yourself. Professional technicians have the tools, training, and experience to safely replace springs and ensure your door operates correctly.
At Garage Door Kent, our certified technicians can quickly diagnose spring issues and provide same-day replacement service. We use high-quality springs rated for 10,000+ cycles and back all our work with a comprehensive warranty.
Regular inspection and timely replacement of garage door springs is essential for safe, reliable operation. If you notice any of these warning signs, don't wait for a complete failure. Contact us at (253) 600-3094 for a free inspection and quote.