Garage Door Spring Safety: What Every Homeowner Should Know

5 min read

Garage door springs are under tremendous tension.enough to lift hundreds of pounds. When they fail, the results can be catastrophic. Every year, thousands of people are injured attempting DIY garage door spring repairs. Here's what you need to know to stay safe.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Torsion Springs

Located above the door on a metal shaft, torsion springs are the most common type in modern installations. They wind and unwind to counterbalance the door's weight. A typical torsion spring is wound with enough force to seriously injure or kill a person if it releases unexpectedly.

Extension Springs

Found on older doors, extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. They stretch and contract as the door moves. These springs should have safety cables running through them to contain the spring if it breaks.

Why Springs Are Dangerous

The average garage door weighs 150-250 pounds for a single car and 300-400+ pounds for a double. Springs must counterbalance all this weight. The stored energy in a wound torsion spring is enormous. When a spring breaks or is improperly handled:

• It can whip around with deadly force
• The door can crash down unexpectedly
• Tools can become projectiles
• Winding bars can slip and cause severe hand injuries

Warning Signs of Spring Problems

Know the signs that your springs need attention:

• The door feels unusually heavy when lifting manually
• The door won't stay open when disconnected from the opener
• You see gaps in the spring coils
• The door opens unevenly or crookedly
• You hear a loud bang from the garage (broken spring)

What to Do If a Spring Breaks

If your garage door spring breaks:

1. Don't use the door. The opener is not designed to lift the full weight alone and could burn out or drop the door.
2. Don't attempt repairs. Even a broken spring has residual tension.
3. Secure the area. Keep children and pets away from the door.
4. Call a professional. Trained technicians have the proper tools and knowledge to safely replace springs.

The Bottom Line

There are many DIY projects that homeowners can safely tackle. Garage door spring repair is not one of them. The risk of serious injury or death is simply too high. Professional technicians have specialized training, proper tools, and experience handling these high-tension components safely.

Professional Spring Replacement

When you call a professional for spring replacement, they will:

• Safely release tension from old springs
• Remove damaged springs and hardware
• Install new springs rated for your door's weight
• Properly tension and balance the door
• Test all safety features
• Clean up and dispose of old parts

Having spring problems? Contact Garage Door Freeland for safe, professional spring replacement. We offer same-day service for most repairs.

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