Garage doors are a big and heavy piece of equipment that can be difficult to move without the help of springs. Springs act as a counterweight to the door leaf, making it easier to lift and move the door up and down. They also assist the door automation in doing its job by providing the necessary power to move the door.
There are several functions of springs in a garage door. In addition to lifting the door leaf, they act as a counterweight to keep the door balanced and moving smoothly on the rails. If a spring breaks, the door can become unbalanced and may even fall down, creating a dangerous situation.
If a spring breaks, it is important to call a specialist for repair and not to attempt to fix it yourself. Springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if not handled properly. Additionally, if a specialist replaces a broken spring, it is recommended to schedule spring maintenance (tensioning) within 2-3 months to ensure the spring continues to function correctly.
Why new springs require maintenance?
New springs may also require maintenance over time as the tension can begin to loosen. This is especially important to keep in mind if the garage door is used frequently. Loose springs can cause the door to fall down with too much force in the case of manual operation or can put extra stress on the automation system, potentially leading to costly repairs or replacement.
To check if the door springs are at the correct tension, it is recommended to set the door to manual control, move the door up and down manually, and leave the door standing at waist level. If the door begins to move down on its own, the spring is likely under-tensioned and should be tightened by a specialist.
In conclusion, garage door springs are an important component of a functioning garage door. They make the door easier to move and assist the automation system, while also keeping the door balanced and safe. It is important to keep an eye on the tension of the springs and schedule regular maintenance.