Common Signs of A Broken Garage Door Spring

Garage door springs are an important part of your overhead door. They hold everything together and keep the tension for the proper movement (opening and closing) of your garage door. If your garage door does not open smoothly, or jerks when opening, then it might be because of a broken garage door spring.

Garage door issues can cause great inconvenience to the daily operations of your business. At times, because of the weight of the garage door, these problems can pose danger to you and your employees. It is especially true if the problem is related to the overall operation of the garage door.

Knowing the signs of a broken spring can reduce potential damage or danger. In this article, you will have a closer at the most common signs of broken garage door springs. 

Signs of Broken Garage Door Springs

Here are the signs that your springs may be broken.

 1. Your Garage Door Opens Partially or Too Slowly

Garage door springs make all the hard work in the opening of your garage door. If your garage door has an automatic opener, and the springs are broken, your door will not open fully or even refuse to open. The force of the opener will keep the mechanism from opening the door higher than about 6 inches. This system will help prevent damage to the garage door opener or cause the door to fall unexpectedly. However, this will prevent your door from opening even if you pull the emergency release.

2. There is a Gap in the Garage Door Spring

There are one or two tightly wound springs in a torsion spring system. When any of the springs break, they leave a visible gap that is at times 2 inches wide. This occurs because the springs will stretch more during their operation, which causes them to separate more when they break.   

3. A loud bang comes from the garage

Garage door springs can break at any time and even if the door is not operating. When it happens, you may hear a loud noise or banging sound from the garage. This happens because garage door springs release a lot of energy and that energy is converted into sounds.

4. The door creates noise during operation

The regular use of the door can put more strain on the broken garage door, causing it to make unusual noises during closing and lifting the door. Garage door openers may groan, pop or even squeal.

5. The door closes too quickly

If one of the springs is no longer working, the door significantly closes faster than usual. This is because the entire weight of the door is being controlled by only one spring. 

6. The door is crooked or bent

There are two types of springs. One of them is the extension springs. When any of the extension springs are broken, the other side of the door, normally the top door section, is pulled faster than the other. Because of this the door might open crookedly or might get stuck in the tracks. 

 

What Causes Broken Garage Door Springs 

1. Wear and tear

The most common reason garage door springs fail is due to simple wear and tear. Garage door springs are manufactured and rated for about 10, 000 cycles (one cycle equivalent to opening and closing of the door). If you use your garage door as your main door or it is excessively used, it is best to get extended lifespan torsion springs. They are rated for 20,000 or more cycles.

2. Improper Maintenance

Garage door springs will eventually break, but good and proper maintenance can help prolong the life of your springs as well as warn you in case they are about to break. Aside from regularly lubricating the springs, check the door balance at least once every season. It is especially important in winter when most springs break out. 

3. Rust or corrosion

Rust that develops on the spring can shorten the spring’s lifespan. When the door moves back and forth, the rust can add more friction to the coils, which can also damage the coils. 

Professional Garage Door Repair and Spring Repair or Replacement Services

If you suspect that your garage door spring in your business is broken, never attempt to operate the door or repair the damage on your own. Instead, contact garage door professionals for repair or replacement services.

For professional commercial garage door services, installation and repair, trust Overhead Door Company of the Inland Empire.