Is Your Garage Door Giving You Trouble? Spotting a Broken Torsion Spring
The garage door is a vital part of your home, providing security and convenience. But like any machine, it can wear down over time. One common culprit for garage door woes is a broken torsion spring.
What is a Torsion Spring?
Imagine a giant metal coil wound tightly above your garage door. That’s the torsion spring. It counterbalances the weight of the door, making it easy to open and close, either manually or with your automatic opener.
How to Spot a Broken Torsion Spring
A broken torsion spring can bring your garage door operations to a screeching halt. Here are some telltale signs to watch out for:
The “Bang” You Heard: Torsion springs hold a lot of tension, and when they break, it can be quite dramatic. You might hear a loud bang or popping sound coming from your garage. This is a strong indicator that a spring has snapped.
The Unbalanced Door: Without the spring’s counterbalance, your garage door will feel significantly heavier. Your automatic opener might struggle to lift it, or it might only open partially before stopping. Manually lifting the door will also be a challenge.
The Visual Check: Open your garage door halfway and take a look at the torsion spring above the door. A broken spring will usually have a visible gap where the coil has snapped. The spring might also appear loose or sagging.
The Uneven Door: If you have one broken spring (most garage doors have two), the uneven distribution of weight can cause the door to tilt or sit crooked on its tracks.
What to Do If You Think Your Torsion Spring is Broken
- Don’t try to fix it yourself! Torsion springs are under a lot of tension and can be dangerous if not handled properly. If you suspect a broken spring, here’s what to do:
- Disengage the automatic opener. This will prevent the motor from straining or burning out trying to lift the heavy door.
- Call a professional garage door repair technician. They can safely assess the situation and replace the broken spring.
Preventing Broken Torsion Springs
While torsion springs eventually wear out, there are ways to extend their lifespan:
Regular maintenance: Schedule annual inspections with a qualified technician to identify and address any potential problems before they become major issues.
Lubrication: Proper lubrication of the moving parts in your garage door system reduces friction and wear on the torsion spring.
Balanced door: An unbalanced door puts extra stress on the springs. Make sure your garage door opens and closes smoothly.
By staying alert to the signs of a broken torsion spring and taking preventive measures, you can keep your garage door operating safely and efficiently for years to come. Remember, a professional garage door repair technician can diagnose and fix the problem quickly and safely, getting your garage door back on track.
