Garage doors are perfect until they start causing issues. They can suddenly become the bane of your existence and unless you know the ins and outs of an overhead door, it’s hard to know which garage door parts need repair. One important component of the garage door that you should pay attention to is the springs. Considered the mothership of the operation, garage door springs are literally responsible for the heavy lifting. Wondering if your garage door springs need repair? That’s something you can test yourself. It’s definitely a dangerous repair job, one that’s definitely not DIY, but here’s a few tricks you can try to see if it’s time to call a professional.
Safety First
The first thing you need to do is release the safety release on your garage door opener. DO NOT release it when your door is raised, even partially. Make sure the door is completely closed and sitting on the ground. If your springs are broken, the door can come crashing down. Weighing in around 200 pounds, that can be extremely dangerous to children and pets.
Once you’ve completely closed the door and released disconnected the automatic opener by pulling on the rope above the garage door, raise the door manually a little. Does it stay up or fall to the ground? If the door falls with the full force of gravity, your spring is shot. If it stays up but one side sags, your spring is likely out of adjustment and your door is unbalanced. When the door remains in the air indefinitely on a completely horizontal line, your spring is likely in great shape.
Visual Inspection
Take a look at your garage door springs. Do you notice any rust, fraying, or damaged areas? If so, you should call a professional for an inspection. Rust is the first sign that your garage door springs are in need of immediate repair. Bonus tip: time to maintain your garage door springs and to extend the lifespan of your overhead door, periodically apply lubricant to moving parts. Doing so can lead to smoother operation, resulting in better traction and less abnormal door movement, such as vibration. Be sure to use a lubricant specifically made for garage doors, as other all-purpose oils and lubricants can actually lead to more rust.
Always Call a Professional for Garage Door Spring Repair
Never attempt to garage door spring repair yourself under any circumstances. The most you should do is participate in routine inspections for rust and other signs of decay to make sure all garage door parts are in working order. These springs are under incredible tension. If they should suddenly break, they can cause serious bodily injury. The added benefit of working with a garage door repair company is that you can receive expert advice. While speaking with your company, ask them about any upgrades they recommend to ensure future repairs happen infrequently. When it comes to garage door springs, many companies will recommend installing an extra set of springs. Doing so will cost more than a simple repair or replacement but the benefit is that now two springs will work with the opener and trolley to life the door. This can mean less wear and tear and a smoother operation that’s less taxing on the door. A repair company can also inspect other garage door parts, such as your rollers and hinges. A professional garage door service has both the tools and the expertise to do the job safely and effectively.