It is a common misconception that the garage door opener is the muscle behind lifting and lowering your home’s garage door. While the opener does need the appropriate horsepower to handle a cycle, it doesn’t do all the heavy lifting. It gets quite a bit of support from the garage door torsion springs. However, that depends largely on the springs working properly. At Access Garage Doors of Tallahassee, we offer a variety of garage door services, including garage door torsion spring repair and replacement.
The first thing we look at when a garage door is opening or closing improperly is whether the springs require an adjustment. Unless the torsion springs are nearing the end of their functional lifespan, an adjustment is often the only garage door torsion spring repair needed. One of the tough parts is determining what amount of cycle life has passed and how much is remaining. Depending on the quality of the springs, they can last as little as 5,000 cycles or as many as 30,000 cycles. Depending on how much you open and close your garage door, you could need to have them replaced every four or five years or get decades of use from them.
Another thing to note about garage door torsion spring repair is that if a misalignment isn’t resolved, the springs won’t come anywhere near their potential life expectancy because of the added friction. That is why we do not just look at the springs during an inspection, but all components that affect the smooth operation of your garage door. Issues such as a bent track or worn-out rollers can certainly undermine the longevity of the torsion springs.
One of the best ways to enjoy a long life from your garage door’s torsion springs and avoid the need for repair or replacement is to have only high-quality springs installed in the first place. With our expertise, we can recommend the best type for your situation and the climate here in the Tallahassee, Florida area. For example, galvanized springs have more corrosion resistance, which is helpful in a high-humidity environment.
One of the signs that you need garage door torsion spring repair is that your garage door is opening or closing slower than usual. Another is if it starts the cycle and then stops, leaving you to press the button again. You can test if it is the torsion springs by trying to open the garage door manually. If it feels extremely heavy or you cannot move it easily, there is a problem with the torsion springs. If you cannot open it at all, at least without the help of several people, then one or both of the springs are probably broken.
What you should not do is pull the emergency release handle with the door open, as it will come crashing down and leave you needing more than garage door torsion spring repair. Another piece of advice is DIY spring repair is not advisable. The dangers involved make it a very risky task if you are not experienced with the necessary steps and safety measures. Contact us today if you suspect a problem with your garage door torsion springs or would like to have your garage door inspected.
