Before It Falls Down: Spotting Problems In Your Garage Door Springs
Posted on: 30 November 2015
Garage door malfunctions are estimated to cause injuries to approximately 20,000 people each year. It is recommended that garage doors should be given a simple test each month and a more thorough one annually to catch problems before they become an inconvenience or a hazard to you and your family. One of the specific areas to check is that of the garage door springs. In fact, the more often your garage door is used, the quicker the springs are likely to fail, and special attention must be paid to this.
So to figure out if your garage door is nearing the end of its estimated 15,000, 25,000 or 50,000-cycle, here are a few things to look for.
It's in the look
One of the ways to tell if the springs in your garage door may be on their last legs is by their look. Close inspection may reveal that the springs look worn out, stretched or elongated past their normal position. There may even be a separation in the spring itself. This will result in a loss of tension in the spring and might soon lead to a malfunction of the door itself. If any of these are noticed then it is probably time to disconnect the door and have the springs changed.
It is recommended that if your garage door has more than one spring, both of them should be changed at the same time as one worn spring is usually an indication that the other spring is close to the end of its own cycle. It is also easier to keep track of the cycle of the new springs if they are both changed. New springs can range from between $229 and $299 depending on the designated life cycle rating.
How it rolls
The function of the garage door can also be an indication of the condition of the springs. Pay attention to the smoothness with which the door opens and closes. If it is stopping while it is closing, then it is probably not safe. One suggested test is to put a roll of paper towels under the garage door. If the door does not reverse when it hits the paper towel upon closing, then this is a good indication that the springs might need servicing or replacement.
Another indication of faulty springs is a garage door that does not close fully or that appears crooked when closed. The average cost of repairing or replacing the springs in your garage door is about $300. It is also recommended that this be done by a professional, as it is quite dangerous to do and requires specialized skill and knowledge to complete safely.
Contact a company like Crawford Door Company for more help.
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