Springs are found in almost all door categories. There are two types of garage door springs i.e. torsion and extension, which are actually responsible for operating these heavy overhead installations. Whenever you operate your automatic garage door, the entire weight is handled by the torsion springs. This makes them more prone to damages and failures. In case, any of the spring categories broke down, the end result will be a faulty overhead door that won’t be opening at all. Since torsion springs support the entire door operating system, it’s important to maintain, re-balance and inspect them regularly to prevent costly repairs.
How to detect torsion spring repairs?
The installation time from when the springs are in use acts as an indicator that helps in determining the actual life and condition of the torsion springs. The average life span of springs is around five to six years. They can only survive till this time period, if maintained and inspected regularly. If your overhead door is rather excessively heavy, then you may need to replace the torsion springs more frequently. Moreover, the excessive usage of a garage door can also shorten the spring’s life expectancy.
When to re-balance the torsion springs?
In most of the cases, torsion springs require typical re-balance service within the two years of installation. Weather conditions also plays a crucial role in determining the time for garage door spring replacement. If the torsion spring on your door was installed in cold and humid climate, then it likely needs to be replaced before those installed in warm and dry climate.
When the door fails to perform like it did before, then the reason behind it are the failing door springs. The reason behind failing springs is loss of tension. To determine whether you need to re-balance the torsion springs, here are some tests that are helpful:
1. Release the automatic mechanism of the garage door after opening it. If the bottom rollers move beyond the line from the opener, then the springs are said to be ‘failing’. In such a condition, there remains a risk for door falling off the track and certain opener damages.
2. Pull the garage door to open it halfway. If it tends to remain at the position where you left it, then everything is okay. In case, it comes crashing down, then the springs are considered to be faulty. Its better to call in an expert garage door technician who can re-balance or realign the torsion springs.
These are some ways to determine the need for spring re-balance and replacement. If your torsion spring installations are quite old, then get them replaced by repair technicians at Promaster.