Garage door springs may seem innocuous, but they are in fact one of the most dangerous elements of your garage door. Because they are under so much tension, if they break or come loose, they can cause severe injuries.
Here’s what you need to know about garage door springs and why you should always leave repairs to the professionals.
What You'll Learn Today
How Dangerous is Garage Door Spring?
To understand why garage door springs are so dangerous, it helps to know a little bit about how they work.
Garage door springs come in two varieties: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are located above the door, while extension springs are located on either side of it.
Both types of springs use tension to offset the weight of the door so that it can be opened and closed with ease. When the door is closed, the springs are under a great deal of tension; when the door is open, that tension is released.
Given that garage door springs are under such extreme tension at all times, it’s no wonder that they can be so dangerous. If a spring breaks or comes loose, it can snap back with tremendous force, causing serious injuries or even death.
In addition, because garage doors are often controlled by remote openers (dedicated or universal), if a spring breaks while the door is open, the door will come crashing down without warning.
Is it Common for Garage Door Springs to Break?
Yes, garage door springs break from time to time. They are under a lot of tension, so they can wear out and snap. You may hear a loud noise when this happens.
If your garage door springs break, you should call a professional to replace them.
Do not try to do it yourself, as it is very dangerous. Garage door springs are under a lot of tension and can cause serious injury if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Reasons Why Garage Door Springs Fail
There are a few reasons why this happens:
Tension
First, garage door springs are under a lot of tension. Over time, this tension can weaken the springs, making them more likely to break. Also, garage doors are used constantly, which can also wear down the springs.
Overstretching
One common reason for springs to fail is overstretching. This usually happens when the garage door isn’t balanced correctly. An unbalanced door puts more strain on the springs and causes them to stretch further than they should. This decreases the spring’s lifespan and makes it more likely to break.
You can check if your door is balanced by disconnecting it from the opener and manually opening it halfway. If it stays in place, then it’s balanced. If not, then you need to adjust the spring tension or call a professional.
Corrosion
Another enemy of springs is corrosion. The coils are constantly under tension which makes them susceptible to rust and corrosion over time. This significantly weakens the spring and makes it more likely to break.
You can prevent corrosion by regularly lubricating your springs with WD-40 or a similar product. This will displace moisture and keep them protected against rust and corrosion.
Incorrect installation
If your springs were not installed correctly, they will fail prematurely. This usually happens when homeowners try to save money by doing it themselves or hiring an inexperienced technician. Improper installation can cause all sorts of problems like mismatched coil sizes, incorrect wire size, and poorly fitted hardware.
It’s important to hire a qualified technician who has experience installing garage door springs. This will ensure that they are installed correctly and have a much longer lifespan.
Manufacturing defects
Sometimes springs fail because of manufacturing defects that are beyond your control. This is rare but it does happen from time to time which is why most manufacturers offer warranties on their products.
If your springs have failed and you suspect that it’s due to a manufacturing defect, then you should contact the manufacturer right away so they can replace them under warranty (if applicable).
What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks?
When a garage door spring breaks, it can be a very dangerous situation. The spring is under a lot of tension, and when it breaks, that tension is released suddenly. This can cause the spring to whip around, potentially causing serious injuries.
It can also damage the garage door itself, as well as any nearby objects. In some cases, the door may even come crashing down.
If you suspect that your garage door spring has broken, it’s important to call a professional right away. They will be able to safely repair or replace the spring, and get your door back in working order.
How to Stay Safe in Your Garage
If you want to stay safe in your garage, it’s important to keep a close eye on the garage door springs. Here are a few tips.
Have a Professional Inspect and Regularly Replace the Springs
Every year, there are reports of people being seriously injured when a garage door spring snaps. In most cases, these accidents occur because the springs were not properly inspected or regularly replaced. To avoid such tragedies, it is important to have a professional inspect and regularly replace the springs on your garage door.
Check the Door Cables
These cables help to support the door and keep it from falling if the springs should break. If the cables are frayed or damaged, they may not be able to provide sufficient support. As a result, it’s important to inspect them regularly and replace them if necessary.
Grease Squeaky Springs
Garage door springs are under a lot of tension, and if they are not properly lubricated, they can quickly become damaged. If left unchecked, a damaged spring can cause the garage door to malfunction, which can be dangerous for both people and property. To prevent this from happening, it is important to regularly grease squeaky springs.
This will help to keep the springs in good working order and prevent them from becoming damaged. In addition, greasing the springs will also help to prolong their lifespan. As a result, it is an essential part of homeownership.
Here’s a video that will walk you through the process of how to do it:
Final Thoughts
Because garage door springs are so dangerous, it’s important to have them inspected regularly by a professional technician. If you suspect that your springs are damaged or broken, don’t try to repair them yourself—leave it to the experts who know how to do it safely.
