The Garage Door Enterprises Solution

Not sure if your garage door springs have failed? Here are nine signs to watch for.

1. The Garage Door Cables Are Broken

Homeowners often mistake an issue with the springs for the cables because when a spring breaks, the cables become unwound. If your springs are worn out, more stress is put on other components, which leads to other costly problems. Cables that need replacement end up splayed all over the garage. Contact us immediately if your garage door cables are broken or have lost their tension.

2. The Garage Door Goes Up About Half a Foot and Then Stops

You need garage door repair when your garage door goes up slowly, fails to pick up speed, stops, and then reverses. To test if it is the springs, close the garage door and pull the emergency release rope. With extreme caution, try to lift the door on your own. If it is really heavy, that is your indicator that the garage door springs are broken.

3. The Garage Door Comes Down Too Fast

The garage door cables and springs are not designed to accommodate the total weight of the door on their own. The pulley system relies on the spring's extreme tension to carry the door's weight. If your garage door is nearly free-falling, that could indicate that your garage door springs are not working.

4. The Garage Door Is Crooked When Raised or Lowered

When springs don't work, the opener cannot open and close the door easily. An uneven garage door is a broken garage door that needs immediate repair.

5. The Garage Door Makes Loud, Grinding Noises

Some garage door openers cannot lift doors with only one spring. Jerking motions, grinding noises, or unreliable start and stop cycles are another indication that the opener is struggling due to broken garage door springs. Adding specialty lubricant to the springs, pulleys, hinges, and rollers can help minor issues. If a lubricant does not fix the issue, our garage door repair company can help.

6. There Is a Two-Inch Gap in the Spring

A noticeable gap between the spring coils is a common indicator of spring issues. Through years of wear and tear, their constant tension inevitably causes some elongation. You will know your garage door springs need replacement when the gap remains.

7. The Top Part of the Door Is Bent

Broken garage door springs could result in the top section of your door being bent by the cables. Report this problem quickly so we can conduct garage door spring replacement.

8. The Emergency Release Cord Won't Work

The emergency rope utilizes the springs to enable you to lift the garage door easily. If you pull the rope and it won't budge or is heavy, the spring's essential counterbalance could be broken.

9. There Was a Loud Bang When Using the Door

When a garage door spring breaks, an enormous amount of energy is released, which can result in a loud noise. Don't wait! Call Garage Door Enterprises and our technicians from Chesapeake, VA will be there as soon as possible!

The garage door secures one of the most important storage spaces and protects accessible areas of your home or business. If you recognize any of these signs, contact us today.

How Torsion Springs work

Garage doors rely on several components working together to operate effectively. Torsion springs play a vital role in the safe operation of garage doors. Made of tightly wound metal coils that store and release energy to help lift and lower a garage door, these springs work with the garage door opener to make smooth operation possible.

Without torsion springs, manually opening a garage door would be nearly impossible due to the extreme weight of the door and sadly many people fail to properly maintain their springs.

Types of Torsion Springs

• Standard Torsion Springs
• High-Cycle Torsion Springs
• Low-Headroom Torsion Springs
• Torque-Master Torsion Springs
• Commercial Heavy-Duty Torsion Springs

Warning Signs of Torsion Spring Issues

Garage door springs can last anywhere from seven to twelve years. Be on the lookout for the following warning signs:

• Excessive noise during operation
• Imbalanced or lopsided door
• Slow or jerky door movement
• Difficulty opening or closing garage door
• Broken or frayed garage door cables
• Gaps in the spring coils
• Door falls or slams shut suddenly
• Stuck or crooked garage door
• Visible spring damage — rust and corrosion
• Sagging or loose garage door cables

Torsion Spring Maintenance

During a regular garage door maintenance tune-up, a trained technician will inspect the springs for corrosion or other damage, make adjustments to achieve the optimal balance and tension, and lubricate the springs to minimize friction and increase longevity.

Torsion Spring Maintenance

During a regular garage door maintenance tune-up, a trained technician will inspect the springs for corrosion or other damage, make adjustments to achieve the optimal balance and tension, and lubricate the springs to minimize friction and increase longevity.

Garage Door Spring Safety Tips

Garage door spring replacement and repair is best left to professional technicians who have extensive experience handling garage door parts. The tension these springs hold makes them a dangerous garage door component to manage without proper training.

One way you can help keep yourself and your family safe is to inspect your springs every month visually. Look and listen for changes in your door over time. If you notice any warning signs of damage, contact your local garage door company immediately.

Upgrading Garage Door Springs

Standard springs last approximately 10,000 cycles. Residential high-cycle torsion springs far surpass this number, lasting up to 50,000 cycles. Homeowners who use their garage doors frequently will greatly benefit from upgrading from standard to high-cycle torsion springs.

Torsion vs. Extension Springs

Unlike torsion springs that are mounted above the garage door, extension springs are mounted on either side of the garage door above the horizontal tracks. Extension springs are commonly used in older homes, while torsion springs offer smoother operation and are popular for modern homes.

Benefits of torsion springs over extension springs:

• Better performance and controlled operation
• Greater balance and a longer lifespan
• Less frequent maintenance requirements
• Lower risk of injury because springs are enclosed in a metal shaft
• Compatible with heavier and larger garage doors

For homeowners near Chesapeake, VA, Garage Door Enterprises is here to help. Contact us for a free estimate.