As far as garage door parts in Treasure Valley, ID go, there are some that homeowners should never try fixing or replacing on their own. A garage door spring is one such part. In fact, when it comes to do-it-yourself garage door projects, spring door replacement is one of the most dangerous—this job should only be handled by a professional.
What exactly is the purpose of the springs? When installed correctly and kept in good shape, springs help the garage door to open smoothly and easily. Every time the garage door goes up or down, the springs make sure the door is light enough for the garage door opener to function properly.
If you have an automatic garage door, there’ll come a time when the springs will need to be replaced, whether due to damage or normal wear and tear. However, it’s recommended that you not try to fix or replace the springs yourself. Let’s find out about the dangers of broken garage door springs:
- Uncoil and release:
Like other types of springs, garage door springs carry a significant amount of tension. Not replacing a broken spring immediately and still using the door can, without warning, release built-up power tension at an unexpected time and send the spring flying in any direction. - System failure and collapse:
When one spring breaks and is not replaced, the chances that the other spring will break increases. It’s likely that the second spring will eventually break due to the added stress of having to take on the duties of the spring that is already broken. With both springs broken, the chance of a total collapse and full system failure skyrockets.
Why DIY spring replacement is dangerous
You might be tempted to do your own garage door repairs, but unless you’re a trained technician, you likely don’t have the experience, skills and tools to do the job right—especially when it comes to replacing springs. Torsion and extension spring systems carry a lot of tension, as they have to be able to hold the weight of a hefty garage door. Just consider the difference in weight between a large and long, solid wood door and a small single-vehicle garage door. The heavier the door, the more tension the spring system is under.
Additionally, as simple as a garage door spring may look, there’s a lot going on with it from a mechanical standpoint. If you are not a professional garage door installer or repair technician, then you may not know that the springs, lifting cables, drums and brackets all work together—let alone how they function. Leave it to the experts to make any repairs to these intricate systems.
A spring broke. Now what?
In the event a door spring breaks, it’s best to leave it in the closed position. If open, close it if you can safely do so. Use the clicker or wall controller to shut the door, then unplug the opener from the wall. Call a professional for emergency repair services.
When you notice broken garage door parts in Treasure Valley, ID, including broken garage door springs, contact the team at Haney Door Service right away!