The last thing you’d expect to see as you pull into the driveway after a long day at work is a garage door refusing to open. If the torsion spring is the problem, either in residential garage doors or loading dock doors, you’re in need of professional help. When the torsion spring breaks down, homeowners as well as facility managers are left wondering what could have possibly gone wrong. This post sheds light on the 4 common causes for failure of torsion spring.
1. Wrong Spring
Each garage door requires a spring of specific type and size in order to operate the door properly. If you use the wrong spring, it is more likely to lead to garage door failure. A properly fitted spring creates a balanced and safe garage door. But if the spring is too small or too large for the door, it can damage the opener, wear out the cables, and cause a safety hazard.
2. Wear & Tear
General wear and tear is the most common reason for failure of torsion spring on garage doors. Typically, these springs come with a warranty of about 10 thousand cycles. A cycle consists of one up and one down. Most residential and commercial garage doors go through at least two cycles per day, one when you drive out in the morning and another when you return. So, people can use up 10 thousand cycles in just few years.
3. Rust
If the spring becomes rusted, there is friction on the coil. This corrodes and weakens the spring and ultimately becomes a cause for failure. Rust is one of the leading causes for broken torsion spring, and in turn residential and loading dock door repair. Spray the coil with some lubricant every three to four months to keep it lubricated, prevent rust buildup, and lengthen the lifespan of the spring.
4. Poor Maintenance
Lack of proper maintenance is another cause for torsion spring failure, and one of the most common reasons for residential and commercial overhead door service. How well the spring functions and how long it lasts are contingent on the quality and frequency of maintenance. Lubricate the spring regularly and make sure the garage door remains balanced all the time. In case you notice any problem with the balance, get it inspected by a professional garage door repair company to avoid injury to humans or damage to vehicles.
Footnote
Torsion springs on garage doors are more important than people think. They counterbalance the entire weight of a door, and ensure unimpeded opening and closing on a daily basis. Proper maintenance and replacement are the only way to keep them from failure. If your garage door spring fails unexpectedly, or is not working as it used to, don’t feel helpless. Contact a garage door repair and installation company near you. Take 24/7 emergency service available with most of them.
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