A broken garage door torsion spring can be very frightening and dangerous if you don’t know how to handle it properly. The good news is, with some simple checks and precautions, you can safely diagnose the problem and get your garage door functioning again without risking injury. Let’s take a look at how to address a busted torsion spring.
The first thing to do if you discover a broken torsion spring is to inspect the damage. Torsion springs are located above the garage door and put tension on cables that allow the door to open and close. If you hear a snap or the door suddenly becomes very difficult to open and close, there’s a good chance the spring is broken. Before doing anything else, make sure the door is fully closed to prevent it from falling.
Once secured, you can take a look at the spring. Is it broken or separated into more than one piece? This indicates it needs to be replaced. Also check the cable drums the spring attaches to for any visible damage or issues. Take note of your findings so you can describe the problem accurately to a professional. At this point, it’s important not to attempt to remove or adjust the broken spring yourself, as they store a huge amount of energy and can cause serious injury if not handled properly.
With the door closed and spring situation assessed, your next steps are to get in touch with garage door technicians for assistance. Many companies like Garage Door Spring Repair in Chesapeake offer emergency services for situations just like this. Be sure to tell them about any visible damage and your safety precautions taken so far. A technician can then schedule a time to safely remove the broken spring and install a new one.
In the meantime, while waiting for an appointment, do not open the garage door unless absolutely necessary as the broken spring provides no counterbalance. If you must go in and out, only open the door about a foot to slip underneath, and don’t try to disengage the opener or close the door manually – leave that to the professionals. You can also place a warning sign on the door advising others not to use it until repaired.
While it’s safest to avoid touching the torsion springs yourself once broken, there are a few checks you can do remotely to gather more diagnostic information for the repair technicians. Use a strong flashlight to look for any signs of wear, corrosion or previous damage to the springs, cables or other components that may have contributed to the failure. Note the brand and specifications of your current springs so the right replacements can be ordered. Take photos if possible to share.
Finally, check the condition of your garage door tracks, rollers, hinges and mounting hardware for any weaknesses, misalignments or other issues that put abnormal stress on the springs or door functionality. Mention any other ongoing problems to the repair company, as correcting underlying issues will help prevent future breakdowns too. Proper preventative maintenance like annual inspections and lubrication can also reduce the chances torsion springs will need to be replaced.
With the door secured, problem diagnosed and repair scheduled, all that’s left is waiting for the professionals to safely fix your broken garage door torsion spring. By taking these initial safety precautions and information-gathering steps on your own, you’ve handled the situation responsibly without further risking harm. With any luck, once installed you’ll have smooth, reliable garage door operation for many more years to come!
Ryan Myers is a business blog author and writer. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2009 with a degree in Political Science. His favorite topics to write about are blogging for small businesses and becoming an entrepreneur.
