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Have you ever experienced the frustrating and inconvenient situation of a broken garage door spring? It always seems to happen at the worst possible moment: leaving you stranded with a garage door that won't budge. Not only is it a hassle to deal with, but it can also be i ncredibly dangerous to attempt to fix on your own. Today, we're going to show you how to prevent a broken garage door spring from happening in the first place. We'll walk you through some simple yet effective maintenance tips that will help extend the life of your garage door springs and keep your garage functioning smoothly. So, whether you're a new homeowner looking to take preventative measures or you've had your fair share of garage door mishaps, this post is for you. How Spring Systems Work: Garage door springs are like big, tightly-wound rubber bands that help lift and lower the garage door. There are two main types of springs: one that sits above the door and one on each side of the door. The springs stretch or unwind to create tension that balances the weight of the door, making it easier to open and close. Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door and are attached to a shaft. When the door is closed, the springs are wound tightly, storing energy. As the door is opened, the springs unwind and release the stored energy to help lift the door. When the door is closed again, the springs are wound back up to store energy for the next use. Extension springs, on the other hand, are mounted vertically on either side of the garage door and stretch to provide the necessary tension. As the door is opened, the springs stretch and store energy, and as the door is closed, the springs contract and release the stored energy to help close the door. Both types of spring systems require proper maintenance and care to ensure they function properly and avoid premature wear or failure. 9 Ways to Prevent a Broken Garage Door Spring Schedule regular maintenance checks Regular maintenance checks are crucial for preventing garage door spring breakage and avoiding potential headaches. Think about it: your garage door is probably one of the most frequently used entry points to your home. It's constantly opening and closing, which can put a lot of stress on the springs and other parts. During a maintenance check, a professional can inspect your garage door springs for signs of wear and tear. They can also make sure that everything is properly lubricated and adjusted. This helps catch any potential problems before they turn into major issues and saves you from the inconvenience of dealing with a broken garage door. Keep the garage door balanced When your garage door is unbalanced, it puts extra stress on one side of the door, which can cause the springs to wear out more quickly and potentially break. To check if your garage door is balanced, close the door and disconnect the opene r by pulling on the release cord. Then, try to lift the door manually. If it's hard to lift or feels heavy on one side, it's likely that the door is unbalanced. Lubricate moving parts regularly Regularly lubricating the moving parts of your garage door is a simple yet effective way to maintain your garage door springs and keep your door running smoothly. Over time, the parts of your garage door can become dry and squeaky, causing extra friction and strain on the springs. To lubricate your garage door, use a silicone-based spray or lubricant specifically designed for garage doors. Apply the lubricant to the hinges, rollers, and springs, but be careful not to overdo it. Too much lubricant can attract dirt and debris, which can actually make the problem worse. Avoid DIY fixes As tempting as it may be to try to fix your broken springs on your own, it's important to avoid DIY fixes. Working with garage door springs can be dangerous and EVEN deadly if you don't know what you're doing. Garage door springs are under a lot of tension. When garage door springs break and snap, they can cause serious injury or damage to your property. A professional has the knowledge, experience, and tools to safely repair or replace garage door springs. Trying to fix your garage door springs on your own can also make the problem worse and end up costing you more money in the long run. So, resist the urge to DIY and leave it to the professionals. Your safety and peace of mind are worth the investment. Use the right type of springs for your door Garage doors come in different sizes and weights, and using the wrong type of springs can cause excessive strain on the springs and potentially lead to breakage. There are two main types of garage door springs, as we stated above. Torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are mounted above the garage door and are used for heavier doors, while extension springs are mounted on the sides of the door and are used for lighter doors. To ensure that you are using the right type of springs for your door, it's best to consult with a professional garage door technician. They can assess the weight and size of your garage door and determine the appropriate type and size of springs to use. Invest in high-quality springs and hardware While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper parts, they can wear out more quickly and require more frequent repairs or replacements. High-quality springs and hardware are designed to withstand the daily wear and tear of your garage door and can help prevent potential problems like spring breakage or door misalignment. They are also often backed by warranties, giving you peace of mind knowing that you're making a smart investment in your garage door. maintenance or emergency repairs, our team at Graham Garage Doors are here to help. With our top-of-the-line parts and expert technicians, we'll have your garage door running smoothly in no time. So, why wait? Give us a call today to schedule an appointment and experience the peace of mind that comes with a properly functioning garage door.

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