Garage Door Problems? It Might Be Time to Spring into Action

One of the most important parts of a garage door opener are the garage springs. These critical components of a garage door opener not only keep your garage door opening and functioning smoothly, but they also maintain overall safety in your garage. That is why you should pay close attention to the condition of your garage springs and call in a professional if you need garage spring replacements or other garage hardware replacements. Here are some facts about garage springs and the risks posed by not having a professional evaluate and, if necessary, replace them.

What Are Garage Springs?

Garage springs are central to the overall functioning of your garage door opener. These springs provide the necessary force and resistance to withstand the pull of gravity when your door opens and closes. If garage springs are not working properly, the electric opener might struggle to lift and lower the garage door. Essentially, functioning garage springs can make the weight of a 100- to 200-pound garage door feel more like 10 to 20 pounds, which is how both you and your garage door opener are able to open and close such a heavy object.

What Are the Different Types of Garage Springs?

There are two types of garage springs: extension springs and torsion springs. Extension springs are long and thin, running along the garage door’s tracks. There are three main types of extension springs:

• Open-looped
• Double-looped
• Clipped-end

Torsion springs are wide and placed on a metal shaft above the opening to the garage door. There is a drum at the end of that shaft, enabling the springs to be wound to a particular level of torsion. There are four primary types of torsion springs:

• Standard
• Early-set
• Steel rolling-door
• Torque-master

Why Is Fixing Garage Springs Yourself So Dangerous?

Even if you are good with tools and handiwork, it is always advised to steer clear of doing anything with the garage springs yourself. For one, they cannot be repaired; they can only be replaced. The most you can do as a homeowner is potentially apply some lubricant to the springs if they squeak; otherwise, you will want to solicit the assistance of a professional. Working on garage springs is very dangerous and can result in the following hazards:

• Garage doors falling
• Openers activating accidentally/unexpectedly
• Both minor and severe cuts from rusted metal depending on the situation
• Flying metal and other materials due to the tension that can build up in the springs

Torsion springs are particularly dangerous to replace yourself because of the massive power and force behind them.

Contact a Chicago-Area Garage Spring Expert

If you suspect issues with your garage springs or garage door opener, reach out to a Downers Grove garage hardware replacement professional at 630-852-8485. Blue Sky Builders, Inc. has been replacing parts in garages for decades and knows exactly how to safely and effectively replace garage springs, cables, and hardware. In addition to possessing the proper expertise, Blue Sky Builders, Inc. also has all the high-quality yet affordable parts necessary to get your garage back up and running.

Sources:

https://www.thespruce.com/garage-door-springs-1398149

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/replace-a-garage-door-spring/

https://www.thespruce.com/replacing-garage-door-springs-1398158