A broken garage door spring is a common and frustrating problem for homeowners. It’s not only inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous if not handled correctly. When your garage door spring breaks, it creates an imbalance in the door, making it difficult to open and close. This article discusses how to open your garage door safely and securely when you have a broken spring.
What is a Garage Door Spring
A garage door spring is a crucial component of your garage door system. It is responsible for counterbalancing the door’s weight, making it easy to open and close. Two types of springs are used in garage doors: torsion and extension.
Torsion springs are located above the garage door and work by winding and unwinding as the door opens and closes. Extension springs, however, are located on either side of the door and stretch and retract as the door moves up and down.
Both types of springs are under enormous tension and can snap at any time, leading to a broken spring. A broken spring means that your garage door will no longer open or close smoothly, making it impossible to use the door until the spring is repaired or replaced.
Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
Several signs indicate that your garage door spring is broken. Some of these signs include:
- The door is difficult to open or close
- The door opens partway and then stops
- The door falls quickly when closing
- A loud bang or popping sound was heard while opening or closing the door
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to stop using your garage door immediately and call a professional to inspect and repair the issue.
Dangers of Opening a Garage Door with a Broken Spring
Opening a garage door with a broken spring is dangerous and should only be attempted if you have experience and knowledge of garage door systems. When the spring breaks, the door’s weight is no longer balanced, making lifting and holding the door open difficult.
Attempting to open the door with a broken spring can cause the door to fall suddenly and with great force, potentially causing injury or damage to your property. Additionally, a falling garage door can damage your garage door system’s tracks, cables, and other components, leading to more expensive repairs.
How to Open Your Garage Door with a Broken Spring
If you have a broken garage door spring, it’s important to call a professional to repair or replace the spring. However, if you need to open your garage door before the repair, there are some steps you can take to do so safely and securely.
Step 1: Disengage the opener
The first step to opening a garage door with a broken spring is to disengage the opener. It will prevent the opener from attempting to lift the door, which can cause damage to the opener and the door.
To disengage the opener:
- Locate the emergency release cord near the top of the door.
- Pull the cord away from the door, releasing the trolley from the opener’s carriage.
- Pull the cord straight down, not at an angle, as this can damage the release mechanism.
Step 2: Lift the door manually
You can manually lift the garage door once you’ve disengaged the opener. It may require effort, as the door will be heavy and unbalanced without the spring.
To lift the door, place your hands on either side of the door and lift slowly, keeping your feet clear of the door’s path. Lift the door until fully open, then secure it using clamps or locking pliers.
Step 3: Secure the door in the open position
Securing the door in an open position is essential to prevent it from falling suddenly. The best way to do this is by locking pliers or clamps to hold the door in place.
Place a clamp or locking pliers on each side of the door track, just below the bottom roller, to secure the door. It will hold the door in place, preventing it from moving. Be sure to place the clamps or locking pliers securely, as an improperly secured door can still fall suddenly.
Step 4: Call a professional for repair
Opening your garage door with a broken spring is a temporary solution and should only be used briefly. Calling a professional to repair or replace the spring immediately is important.
A professional garage door technician has the experience and knowledge to diagnose and repair your garage door spring safely and efficiently. They will also inspect the rest of your garage door system, ensuring it functions correctly and identifying any other potential issues.
Contact Optimal Garage Doors for Professional Repairs
Dealing with a broken garage door spring can be frustrating and inconvenient for homeowners. However, finding a reliable and efficient garage door repair service can make all the difference. Optimal Garage Doors offers quick and professional repair services for broken garage door springs. Our experienced technicians will diagnose the issue and provide the necessary solution to get your garage door functioning smoothly again. Don’t let a broken garage door spring cause stress – reach out to Optimal Garage Doors for swift and efficient repair services.