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Today, the internet has all the information making it possible for homeowners to learn many do-it-yourself maintenance projects. Handling your remodeling or maintenance tasks saves you a lot of money and maintains your home’s privacy. However, some projects, such as garage door spring repairs, can be dangerous, so you need to discern when it is appropriate to hire reputable professionals. Replacing a garage door spring poses risks of personal injury and property damage due to the sudden release of the springs’ tension. Therefore, it is important to have safety measures before working on the springs.
How to Know if Garage Door Springs are Broken
Garage doors have varying spring locations depending on the configurations of the spring. A garage door may have a large torsion spring or the extension spring, positioned on the upper tracks. Most doors have torsion springs because of their durability and safety features. Garage door springs may break due to wear and tear, or rust may reduce the lifespan of the spring system. Frequent opening and closing of the doors weaken the springs, which eventually break. You can spot broken door springs by performing a visual check. The garage door's alignment may also indicate malfunction springs. Furthermore, the following garage door issues are signs of broken springs:
- The door fails to open
- The door seems crooked
- The door closes forcefully
The Risks of Garage Door Spring Replacement
Garage doors are among the largest moving parts in the home, weighing approximately four hundred pounds. The springs counteract the door’s weight; that is why they have a lot of stored energy. A malfunctioned spring can cause the door to shut unexpectedly, resulting in head injuries or broken fingers. When the garage door is opened, the springs unwind; when closed, the springs wind up. As the springs wind and unwind, they release and store energy which poses extreme danger if tension is suddenly released.
Additionally, you probably lack proper training and tools for repairing the springs increasing the risks of injuries. You may also be unaware of the necessary precautions to take when repairing worn out or rusted springs. While you may perform several DIY repairs, garage door spring repair requires skilled technicians. Since there are several types of springs, you will likely purchase the wrong springs leading to costly repairs. Another danger of replacing the springs at home is poor installation. Professionals are skilled in garage door spring replacement guaranteeing excellent performance. Garage doors need proper parts and a good installation to ensure longevity and safety. Bad installations and wrong parts can make the doors faulty, leading to more failures.
Conclusion
The internet is abundant in how-to videos encouraging individuals to take home repair and maintenance tasks. However, garage doors have multiple moving parts that demand a professional’s skills and experience to eliminate the possibility of injuries. Ensure you contact reliable service providers for frequent inspection and maintenance of your garage door spring. Avoid risking your safety by replacing broken springs without the proper tools and training.