The homeowner in Lincoln, NE, contacted us after their garage door would not open. Our Titan Garage Doors NE team was dispatched to inspect the issue further. When we checked, we found a severely bent spring, and the other end was weakened by corrosion and rust. The client agreed when we recommended a garage door spring replacement for both springs. As we have available replacement parts, we could install stronger, longer-lasting torsion springs for increased effectiveness and conduct safety and performance tests before leaving. They were pleased with the results and booked a routine maintenance plan.

The springs on your garage door are essential for its operation. Without them, opening and closing the door would be a difficult task. However, these springs are prone to breaking, which can be a perplexing problem for many homeowners. Understanding how garage door springs function and what causes them to break will help you to resolve this issue. With this knowledge, you can avoid being late for work because you cannot get your car out of the garage.

What Kind of Spring Do You Have and Why Is It Important?

Extension Spring

Extension springs are found on either side of a garage door track. They help to open and close the door by contracting and expanding with the help of cables and pulleys.

Torsion Spring

Torsion springs are a type of spring that uses twisted or torque-loaded coils to store energy and create force. Torsion springs are commonly used in garage door systems, where they are responsible for opening and closing the door. Some torsion spring systems use one or two springs, while others use multiple springs depending on the door size. The springs are typically horizontally on a steel shaft, with cable drums at both ends.

The springs on your garage door play an important role in how the door opens and closes. When the door is lowered, the springs become tighter, and they loosen up when the door is raised. The tension on the springs is greatest when the door is in a closed position. That is why most garage door springs break when the door is down. In rare cases, a spring may break while the door opens, causing it to come crashing down. Therefore, it is important never to walk under an operating garage door.

The Most Common Causes of Garage Door Spring Failure

Typical Wear and Tear

Wear and tear is one of the most frequent causes of garage door spring failure. Most springs are designed to last for around 10,000 cycles - one cycle being the door opening and closing. However, with regular use, this can add up faster than you might think.

For example, getting the car in and out of the garage is counted as two cycles. Not to mention any further door openings, when a spouse goes to work, for instance, or when kids enter and leave the house. So it is no wonder that wear and tear can become a big problem.

Fortunately, there are extended-lifespan torsion springs available that are rated for 20,000 or more cycles. Depending on how often your garage door is used, these springs may be a good option since they are larger and more robustly built.

Rust

The lifespan of spring is dramatically shortened when rust develops on it. Rust increases friction on the coils, which weakens them and causes them to fail more quickly. Lubricating the spring with a silicone-based lubricant three or four times a year can greatly extend its life expectancy.

Improper Maintenance

As your garage door springs age, they will eventually fail—they become worn out and break, which can cause your door to become disabled. But by keeping them well-maintained, you can extend their lifespan and be alerted when they are getting close to failure. In addition, it can help prevent the destructive and dangerous consequences of spring break and the inconvenience of fixing it quickly. So, in addition to lubricating your springs with white lithium grease a few times a year, always check the balance of your garage door at least once a season – especially in winter when most springs fail.

When your springs get broken, you cannot close your garage door properly. Unfortunately, that means you are in for a long and frustrating day — not to mention the delays in getting on with your plans. Replacing your garage door springs can be the solution to getting your door working again.

Titan Garage Doors NE is here to save you from this situation. For a professional inspection, garage door spring replacement, or garage door repair and maintenance, consult Titan Garage Doors NE. We have a list of satisfied clients who have appreciated our services in and around Lincoln, NE, and the nearby areas. Call us right away for more details and free estimates.

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