When something in your house needs minor repairs, chances are your resident DIY enthusiast runs for their toolbox to fix the problem. However, trying to fix your own garage door can be very dangerous. Aside from a few very minor repairs, DIY garage door work is simply not worth the risk.
Your garage door is a surprisingly dangerous appliance if not functioning correctly. Even professional repair technicians have to handle the job with care. While performing the repairs yourself may seem tempting, there are quite a few reasons why you may just make things worse.
Remember those safety stickers on your door that warn you that the motor could crush you? Safety sensors are there to protect you from the motor. But what happens if those sensors stop working or the motor ignores them? Your already very strong motor could cause serious damage if you can’t stop it. Insulation can only make the door heavier and more dangerous. When the garage door is already malfunctioning, you can’t control what will happen or the damage your door could cause.
Parts Aren’t Readily Available
For an electrical or plumbing project, almost everything you need is in the hardware store. Garage door supplies are harder to find for anyone who isn’t a professional technician. And considering the damage your door could do if anything stopped working or wasn’t repaired properly, you can’t afford to substitute with makeshift motor parts.
Pro Tip: DIY is often promoted as a cheaper way to get repairs done. The truth, however, is that you can often end up spending more on DIY supplies than on professional work. Save yourself time and money with an experienced technician.
Springs Can Seriously Injure You
Garage door springs are massive coils of metal under tremendous pressure as they raise and lower the door. Even professionals have to be careful to not let the springs snap loose. A broken spring can cause serious damage to your garage or, worse, serious injury to you or a loved one. Avoid this risk entirely by skipping the DIY and calling in a professional to fix a broken spring.
Guarantee of Quality Repairs
A certified technician has spent years training and studying garage door mechanics. They can easily bring your door back to functioning safely and save you money and time while they’re at it. Don’t be tempted to attempt DIY and potentially make things worse.
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Functioning springs are essential to your garage door performance. Broken garage door springs are dangerous and need to be immediately repaired by a professional. It’s important to know how your door system works in order to maintain a working garage door and prevent damages.
Your garage door will either be running smoothly, or it won’t. A garage door that’s struggling to open and close means it’s time to take a look at your springs and resolve the issue.
Types of Springs and How They Work
There are two types of garage door springs; torsion and extension. Torsion springs run parallel to the length of the door, working in a coiling and uncoiling motion. Extension springs run perpendicular to the length of the door and work to lift or drop the door by stretching and contracting. You’ll notice that extension springs need replacing when they look loose. Other signs of wear and tear include the door opening slowly or hanging askew.
How Springs Become Damaged
The average garage door springs last for about 10,000 cycles. The average spring life is 7-9 years but in some cases, with the garage door being used much more frequently they may only last 4-6 years. Be sure to purchase your springs from a reputable company and get a warranty on them, as there should be no reason for them to give out in any less than 4 years. Springs must be re-balanced a couple of years after installing, to ensure they are in the right position.
When to Hire a Professional
A professional is required for replacing broken springs. Yourgarage door service technician will replace both springs at the same time to keep them lasting longer and keep the door functioning in case one does break again. Garage door spring replacements are affordable and a quick fix when done by a reputable professional.
Pro Tip: Do not try to fix your garage door springs on your own! It is too dangerous to be considered a DIY project.
Conclusion
Keep an eye on your garage door springs and be aware of any damages that can occur. Make sure they are always up-to-date, even if they seem to be working just fine. Join the conversation for more information on our garage door services.
Keeping an eye on your garage door’s performance is the easiest way to make sure that everything is operating as it should. If your door is more noisy than usual or has been getting stuck opened or closed it is a sign that you need to contact your local garage door professional to take a look at your garage door springs.
More Noise Than Usual
A balanced garage door should be relatively quiet when traveling up or down the door tracks. If your garage door is making excessive creaking, grinding, or squeaking noises when opening or closing, your springs may be strained and most likely need to be replaced.
Door Won’t Lift or Get Stuck
Garage door springs are designed so you can lift the door manually if needed. If you are unable to lift your door, it means the springs are no longer doing their job and need to be replaced. Similarly, if you try to open your garage and it only goes up about 6 inches before stopping, your garage door opener’s force adjustment has been activated and is indicating that your garage door springs need attention.
Door is Crooked
A crooked door is often due to a damaged extension spring or cable. These springs are mounted on either side of the door and pull independently. If one of these breaks, that side won’t typically move and the door will either go up unevenly or get stuck in the tracks.
ProTip: Always look to make sure the left and right sides of your garage door are correctly aligned. If they seem off-kilter, this could be a sign that your springs need adjustment or repair.
Slow Moving Door
If you notice that your garage door is moving a lot slower than usual, this is an indicator that something is wrong. If a spring is broken, the weight of the garage door may prevent the motor from reaching its usual speed.
Garage Door Spring Repair
Garage door springs are tightly wound and are under a lot of tension, so trying to replace them yourself can be dangerous. If you see any signs that your door needs spring repairs, it is important that you contact a professional for help rather than attempting to do it on your own.
If you think your garage door might be unbalanced, join the conversation to learn more about whether your garage door springs need an adjustment or possible replacement.
For over 30 years the Hodges family has been serving The Woodlands community.
We are now located at 27493 Hanna Rd in Oak Ridge for your convenience. Feel free to stop by and make an appointment or give Justin Hodges call at 832-928-4407
We look forward to helping you with all you garage door needs
Updating Your garage door don’t have to cost a fortune- But it will make your curb appeal better
Don’t forget it also takes maintenance & upkeep just as a car
Call Justin Hodges Today
832-928-4407
Most people don’t think about their garage door when it comes to “updating” their home. But in reality, the garage door is usually the first thing a person see’s when coming to your home or even driving by. It is approximately 112 square feet of the home. Not to mention basically a moving wall. It takes maintenance and most people fail to do this until it is to late and then you have a garage door that is falling out of the opening, your springs break, or it is simply making a lot of noise. Then it cost more to repair at that time. A garage door is like a car, it needs a little TLC every now and then in order to function and a lot of us use it as our front door now, why not take care of the garage door and make it last a long time without pricey repairs. If you want to add curb appeal we can help with that also. There are accessories for your garage door !
Why Choose The Woodlands Garage Door Service?
We are Local– we never leave The Woodlands unless it’s an emergency
We are Insured– For your protection & ours
We are Affordable– Getting your garage door repaired or serviced should not cost a fortune
We Offer Free Estimates in The Woodlands– We will gladly come by & talk to you about your garage door needs and help you figure out the best approach to your situation
When we give you a price- That is what you pay there is no hidden fees or taxes
Justin Hodges has proudly served The Woodlands Community for over 30 years
