Torsion springs are one of the most important components in any garage door. These springs are used every time the door is opened or closed. However, when they are broken or begin to show signs of wear, they can become dangerous.
As part of our offerings of residential garage door service in McDonough, GA, we provide skilled assistance when you have broken garage door springs. Here’s what you need to know about these springs, including when they should be repaired.
The mechanics and purpose of torsion springs
As with any other type of spring, a garage door torsion spring works by storing mechanical energy while it is pressed down and tightened. The twisting motion of the spring builds up the energy, and then the energy is released when the pressure on the spring is lifted. Garage door torsion springs are like a super-powered version of a typical spring. Because they are typically made of much denser materials, they have the ability to store a lot more energy.
You’ll notice torsion springs mounted in a horizontal manner over your garage door’s opening. As the door is pulled down, cables fixed to the bottom corners apply force to the springs, forcing them to wind back up. This energizes the door system so that, when you open it, the springs uncoil and transfer their energy into the door. This makes the door much easier to lift and open.
Potential for weakening over time
As with any type of mechanical equipment, there is the potential for these springs to weaken with repeated use over time. With long-term use, the springs ultimately begin to weaken to the point where the door is far too heavy for the springs, which makes them much less effective. Broken springs will force the door to stay closed.
Springs are affected by cold weather and rust, so people who live in these elements may be more likely to see issues with their springs. However, the average torsion springs last at least five to seven years.
Associated dangers with torsion springs
At the beginning of this article, we mentioned that torsion springs do have some potential dangers associated with them. If a torsion spring breaks while the door is open, the door could fall rapidly, causing severe injury or death. The most common torsion spring injuries come from people without the proper training attempting to repair or replace them. In many cases, they unwittingly attempt to remove the springs while tension is built up. The ensuing release of this tension could cause catastrophic injury or death.
With this in mind, it is absolutely imperative that you do not attempt to repair broken torsion springs unless you are qualified to do so. A specialist can ensure the job is done safely so you can have your door back to working order without having to undertake a risky job yourself.
To learn more about our residential garage door service in McDonough, GA, contact the team at Affordable Dock & Door today for more information.