What Should You Do When Your Seattle Garage Door Spring Breaks?

You are on your way out the door, running late for work and your garage door springs break! What are you supposed to do now? This is not at all convenient, but it does happen from time to time. Unfortunately, this is not a DIY project. Do not hesitate to call Sevanlocks, Seattle’s garage door professionals, to replace your broken spring. In the meantime, do not open the door yourself.

Why Shouldn’t I Open The Door?

Attempting to open a garage door with a broken spring can result in serious injury to you or the garage door. The springs are made to hold the weight of the very heavy garage door.

1. Do NOT attempt to lift the heavy door yourself.
   1. The door is hundreds of pounds of unevenly distributed weight. 
   2. The door will cause strain or injury to a person who tries to lift themselves. 

1. Do NOT attempt to operate the garage door opener.
   1. The garage door opener is not equipped to lift the weight of the door on its own.
   2. Attempting to operate can cause your motor to fail and need repair.

Call Your Local Seattle Garage Door Professionals

Some pieces of your garage door can be easily repaired by the homeowner. However, the garage door springs are not one of them. The springs are connected to other components of the garage door mechanism. In addition, specialized tools are required to replace broken springs on your garage door. It’s highly recommended to leave this to our team of experts at Sevanlocks.

Understanding Garage Door Springs 

Now that you have a broken spring, you will need a replacement. First, let’s determine what type of spring you will need and the different options out there.

1. Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are located overhead, in the middle of the garage door and attached to a torsion tube and metal drums. Depending on the weight of your garage door you may have one or two springs. Two springs provide a better balance for lifting and are required for heavier doors.

1. Extension Springs

An extension spring system will have springs located on each side of the garage door. The springs are attached to the garage door track and a series of pulleys and cables that work together to lift the door. It is imperative that all of these components are installed correctly by an expert in garage doors. Any misplacement of these components can cause the entire door to malfunction. 

1. Which Spring Is the Safest Option?

Torsion Springs provide the safest option. If springs break in a torsion system, the torsion tube helps to keep the spring secured in place. This will prevent it from flying out and damaging your family and belongings if it malfunctions or breaks. Whereas, the extension system has a network of pulleys and cables that will not be contained in the case of a malfunction. This major difference makes the torsion system safer of the two options. 

How Long Will My Springs Last?

Springs are marked with an average lifecycle rating and are expected to last between 7-9 years with normal use. When purchasing new springs, it is recommended to replace them together if you have more than one. By replacing all springs at the same time, your garage door springs will be on the same replacement schedule and balanced much easier. 

How Do I Care For My Garage Door Springs?

You should lubricate your springs and all other components of the lifting mechanism two times per year. Use a silicone-based spray lubricant that is made for garage doors. Also, visually inspect your garage door components. Any rust or signs of corrosion may mean it is time to replace your springs soon.