Garage door springs are one of the most important parts to your garage door’s performance and safety. They are what keeps the tension during use of your garage door and keep it moving at a safe, steady speed.
When garage door springs break, it can be a dangerous affair. Broken springs can allow the garage door to fall unexpectedly. It can also cause improper performance.
We’ll go over all of the signs of worn or damaged springs so you know when you need to get on the schedule for garage door repair.
7 signs of worn or damaged garage door springs
Is your garage door acting funny during operation? The following seven symptoms may mean your garage door springs are in need of replacing.
Garage door doesn’t fully open
Garage door springs bear the most of the weight of your garage door. If your garage door opener senses that the weight isn’t supported properly, newer openers have a safety measure that halts the movement of the door to prevent your opener’s motor from being burnt out or the door from falling.
Regardless of what the root cause is, you definitely need to call for professional garage door repair.
Garage door springs have visible gaps
If a garage door spring has snapped or is about to snap, you can often see a visible gap in the spring. If you have located your spring and see gaps in it, you definitely need to call us to get it replaced.
Your garage door closes erratically
If your garage door opener does not have a sensor that detects excess weight, it may continue to operate when your spring fails. If your garage door drops to the floor or otherwise lowers too quickly, your spring likely needs to be replaced.
Your door opens or closes unevenly
Sometimes, garage doors have two separate kinds of springs – torsion and extension. Torsion springs often run parallel to the floor across the top of the door. Extension springs run perpendicular to the torsion springs and can be on either side of the door. If an extension spring is worn out or broken, the garage door can open or close unevenly.
You have heard the garage door springs snap
Garage door springs can make a loud snap when they fail. Even if the door was not in operation when you hear the snap. If you think you’ve heard your spring snap, don’t wait or try to continue using your garage door. Call us immediately.
Garage door springs are rusty
If your garage door springs look rusted, they at least need inspected by a professional. Most likely, they’ll need replaced.
Garage door operation is noisy
When garage door springs are on their last legs, operating your door will likely come with lots of unnecessary noise. Common noises attributable to overworn springs have been described as groans, popping, and squealing. These noises don’t always mean the springs have failed or are about to fail. However, uncommonly loud garage door operation definitely calls for professional intervention.
In conclusion
If you are experiencing any of these signs when using your garage door, you need to have a professional garage door service worker inspect your door and garage door springs. Until a pro says differently, do not attempt to use your door. If a spring fails and a loved one or pet is under the door, the door can fall on them. You may also cause further damage and repair costs if the spring fails and the door hits the floor.
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