Adventures In Living and Gardening

The most important and vital part on any garage door are the torsion springs which allow the door to open and close easily and smoothly. If one or both of the springs are not working correctly, the door might not open all the way or even at all. As with all mechanical and electric equipment in the home, garage doors require scheduled servicing to ensure that they carry on operating the way they were meant to.

One of the most critical and dangerous component parts on any home garage door opener are the high tension springs which need to be routinely inspected and lubricated as per the makers directions. Unfortunately, many householders are unaware that garage door torsion springs together with other component parts of the door need occasional run-of-the-mill maintenance and safety checks.

The most obvious culprits to pay careful attention to when you are experiencing problems either opening or shutting your garage door are the high tension springs. Depending on the age of the springs, they are liable to have worn out to a certain extent. The torsion springs used on garage doors are tightly wound and kept under extreme tension. Because of this tension, even the best quality steel springs will eventually break. Garage door opener springs must be correctly contained in order to prevent them from causing serious injury to a person or property in the event of sudden breakage. That containment is either in the form of cables or in the case of roller shutter doors, an external steel tube.

Even if they are contained and you have an older garage door, it is a good idea to have them inspected on a regular basis by a professional engineer. The springs should be replaced if needed. If you have the type of garage door that has a pair of independant springs, and just one is damaged, you should still replace both simultaneously. It stands to reason that the other spring is liable to break before you know it.

You may have a garage door which causes the springs to screech noisily or make a chattering noise when the door is lifted or brought down. This does not necessarily mean that the springs are about to give up the ghost or the door is on its last legs and requires replacing. The trouble can probably be fixed by spraying on some lubricant, such as WD-40, or something similar.

A further indication that your garage door needs inspection and repair is if there are shredded and worn strips of cable dangling loose. Irrespective of the quality of your garage door opener, this is a sign that the cables are on the verge of snapping. An abrupt break in the garage door cables can cause serious injury. These chafed cables should be examined and more than likely replaced by a professional repairer who is acquainted with the problems connected with springs and cables snapping.

Due to the heavy load they have to lift, garage door torsion springs are kept under extreme tension making them hazardous to adjust. It is advisable to have a professional garage door installer inspect these critical component parts of your home at least once a year to avoid potential injury and problems caused by defective springs.

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