Garage door springs are the mechanisms that open the garage doors. There are two kinds: extension springs and torsion springs, with the latter being the most dangerous ones.
Garage door extension springs are used for lighter doors, including sectional doors and one-piece tilt-up garage doors. Extension springs hang from the top of the door. These springs are anchored near the back of the upper tracks. Extension door springs are safer for the “Do It Yourself person”, but there’s still danger involved.
Garage door torsion springs are usually used for heavier doors, including sectional doors. Torsion springs are located above the door, two of them on each side. These springs are extremely dangerous, and there have been numerous reported injuries and even deaths related to garage door torsion spring installation. You absolutely need the help of a professional, if you want to install or to repair this type of a door spring.
Some people produce tutorials on how to install a garage spring, others say that it is as easy as fixing a car. However, you should remember that a regular door weighs 300-400 pounds, and these springs are capable of lifting this heavy door easily. Only try to imagine the power secluded in these springs, and the danger of them hitting you, especially in the head.
It is advised to actually never stand below the garage door while it’s opening or closing. It is also important to place the button which opens and closes your garage door, high enough where children cannot reach it. Children love to push buttons, as well as, they love to open/close garage doors. Placing the buttons out of a child’s reach will help prevent horrible accidents, caused by garage door springs or the door itself.
The springs often become worn out or displaced. It is very important that you periodically check your springs. Here’s a quick, 5-point garage door repair checklist to do at least twice a year to avoid any major problems with your garage. Also, if one spring stops working, the other one is likely to follow very shortly. That’s why it’s advised to replace the second spring at the time of replacing the first one.
Installing or repairing your springs will cost anywhere from $75 to $350, so be sure to shop around to get the best deal.
The springs have the most tension when the door is closed. That’s actually a good thing, since if the closed door will fail to open due to the failure of the garage springs, the door will not hurt anyone. If the garage spring broke, while the door was open, the door could fall on a person, a car or the garage floor.
The life-span depends on the quality of the spring, as well as on the amount of usage, on the maintenance, as well as whether this garage spring fits the size, height and weight of the door.
Garage door springs are extremely powerful, but also extremely dangerous garage door parts. No matter what kind of springs you have, both the door and the springs have to be maintained in a very good order and periodically inspected. You should try to schedule regular routine inspections to prevent any accidents caused by the door spring breaking. If you are thinking of replacing broken springs (especially torsion springs), remember the incredible twisting force of such springs.
Related posts:
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 0 comments… add one now }