Like many people, your garage is likely your biggest storage space. While most garages also have a secondary use as a workshop or automobile maintenance space, it’s usually only about 200 square feet or so. That’s not much real estate for all of your stuff. Fortunately, if something goes wrong with your door, the solutions are usually pretty simple. You see, most doors are pretty simple in terms of mechanics. They consist of just two panels and some springs – the garage door tension spring that is. These springs provide the necessary force to lift the heavy door while keeping it from slamming shut again once opened. Tension springs tend to be one of the first components to fail in a door system. In this article, we will explain how they work and how you can recognize when they need changing.
How Does Garage Door Tension Springs Work
Tension springs work to lift the door by stretching and contracting as the door opens and closes. They are connected to the track that runs along the top of the door. There are two types of tension springs: those with a single leg and those with a double leg. Both types are designed to transfer their force to the door via a hook. Where the two types differ is the length of the hook. Double-leg springs tend to have a longer hook that can be used on heavier doors. Single-leg springs are typically used on lighter doors. The door is balanced when the weight of the door is counteracted by the force of the tension springs. If the springs are broken, the door will be out of balance and will not stay shut.
What to Look for When Your Tension Springs are Broken
A garage door has a broken spring – If the spring has broken, you will notice that one side of the door sags more than the other. Broken springs are also easy to spot because the door will usually bang against the opening.
The door is not closing properly – Your door might be misaligned or not closing fully because the torsion spring is broken or under tension.
A door is difficult to lift – If the spring is not broken, but the door is difficult to lift, the spring is either broken or under tension.
The door is hard to open – If the door is hard to open, the spring is either broken or under tension.
How to Change Your Garage Door Tension Spring
If you’ve confirmed that you have a broken or under-tension spring, you should replace the spring. You may be able to do so without having to call a professional unless you are unable to reach the springs. First, you will need to lower the door. There are two ways to do this. If you have an electric door, simply press the button for “Close” or “Close and Lock”. If you have a manual door, you will have to lower the door by hand by pulling down the rope.
Then, you need to remove the broken spring using either a pair of pliers or a spring removal tool. Ensure you remove both pieces of the broken spring and any rust or debris that may have collected along the track. Next, replace the broken spring with a new spring. You may need to use a spring spacer if the new spring is shorter than the old one.
Connect with Us in Burnsville, MN, to Install or Repair the Tension Springs!
If you’ve installed the new springs or have had the pros do it, you may be wondering when to change the springs. New springs will have a certain amount of “break-in” time. You may need to replace the springs after 2 or 3 years if they are under constant tension. Johnsons Mobile Garage Door Repair can help you with all types of door issues. If you’ve got a broken spring, we can come to help you out. We’re a full-service door company with technicians who can handle all kinds of jobs, from installation to repair. If you’re not sure what your needs are, just give us a call. We’ll be happy to discuss your situation, provide an estimate, and help with all your garage door needs.
We Have the Expertise in Spring Services!
If you’re having issues with your door and you’re not sure what’s wrong, give Johnsons Mobile Garage Door Repair a call. With our 24-hour service, we’ll be able to come out and help you get your door back up and running. If you’ve got broken springs, we can help you replace those. Springs are a common issue with garage doors, and they can be easy to fix when you have the right tools. If you have questions about your garage door, or you just need a tune-up, we can help you with all of that as well as garage door springs, garage door extension springs and door torsion springs. Our technicians are happy to sit down and talk to you about your door and what you can do to keep it running smoothly for years to come.