Ever thought about What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks? Garage door springs are key for your door’s smooth and safe use. They handle the door’s heavy weight. If a spring breaks, it releases stored energy unpredictably. This can cause problems and safety risks.
Issues like sagging doors and falls are common. There’s also a risk of damage to your property. These problems are serious.
Key Takeaways
- Garage door springs manage the heavy weight of the door, enabling smooth operation.
- Broken springs release stored energy, leading to dangerous and unpredictable outcomes.
- Sagging doors, potential falls, and property damage are common risks.
- Always close damaged garage doors and avoid walking directly under them.
- Seek professional garage door spring repair services to handle high-tension springs safely.
- Regular maintenance, especially in extreme climates like Orlando, FL, can prevent rust and extend spring life.
Introduction to Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are key to your garage door’s smooth operation. Torsion and extension springs help lift the door’s heavy weight. Over time, these springs wear out and need to be replaced.
Moisture, force, and extreme temperatures can weaken the springs. Regular checks can spot when a spring needs fixing. This prevents sudden breakdowns.
Emerald Garage Door Services focuses on safety and quality. Each team member is thoroughly checked and uses only guaranteed parts. Keeping up with maintenance can save you money and keep your garage safe and efficient.
Common Causes of Garage Door Spring Breakage
Knowing why garage door springs break helps us keep them working well. Several things can wear them down. By being aware and taking steps, we can make our springs last longer.
Improper Maintenance
Not taking care of your garage door can lead to spring breakage. Not using enough lubricant and skipping checks are big mistakes. Using the right grease regularly is a key tip to keep springs in good shape.
Wear and Tear
Every time you open or close your garage, the springs wear out. They usually last about 10,000 times. If you don’t replace them when needed, they can break suddenly. So, it’s important to keep an eye on them and replace them before they reach their limit.
Rust and Corrosion
Rust and corrosion are big problems, especially in damp places. When springs get rusty, they lose their strength and can break early. To fight this, use anti-rust sprays and keep your garage dry.
Sudden Impact or Force
Crashing into your garage door or hitting it with something can break the springs right away. Make sure the path is clear and handle the door carefully to avoid damage.
Improper Installation
Putting springs in wrong can also cause problems. Using the wrong size or type can weaken the door. It’s best to have a pro install them and check them often to avoid these issues.
Extreme Temperature Changes
Big changes in temperature can harm the metal springs too. Both very hot and very cold make them weak. Regular checks and adjustments during the seasons can help keep your springs working well all year.
What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks?
A broken garage door spring can be startling and dangerous. You might hear a loud bang as the spring loses tension. Then, the garage door might move unevenly or not open at all because it’s too heavy.
Immediate Effects
A broken garage door spring can cause a big shock. The door might slam shut suddenly, which is very risky if something or someone is in the way. You’ll see the door hanging crookedly and find it hard to lift it by hand. It’s best to get a pro to check it out right away.
Operational Issues
A broken spring makes the garage door not work right. It stops the door from moving properly, which can cause more damage if you try to open it. Fixing it fast is key to avoid more problems and extra costs.
Safety Risks
Broken garage door springs are very dangerous. They can cause injuries from falling doors or flying parts, and also damage your property. James Balfe from Emerald Garage Door Services says it’s not safe to try to fix it yourself. He recommends getting a professional to handle the repairs.
Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
Spotting a broken garage door spring early can prevent damage and keep you safe. Knowing the signs is key to fixing it quickly. Here are some common signs of a broken spring.
Loud Noise
A loud crash or bang noise often means a garage door spring has broken. This sound comes from the spring’s tension release. It’s a clear sign you need to check and fix it right away.
Visible Gaps in the Spring
Seeing gaps in the garage door springs means the spring has snapped. These gaps show where the spring broke. It’s a clear sign you need to replace the spring to keep your door working and safe.
Garage Door Movements
Odd garage door movements, like it falling fast or bending, are warning signs. If the door moves strangely, it means the spring isn’t doing its job. These signs mean you need a pro to fix it fast.
Loose Cables
Loose or dangling cables around the garage door are another sign of a broken spring. These cables should be tight, but if they’re loose, it means the spring is broken. Don’t ignore this sign to avoid bigger problems.
In places like Orlando, FL, Emerald Garage Door Services can help. Led by James Balfe, they offer top-notch spring replacement. Their team is licensed, insured, and uses the right tools to ensure your safety and satisfaction.