Most of us never stop to think about all the hard work our automatic garage doors actually do. We take their smooth functioning for granted and only really begin to wonder about how they work when something goes wrong.
The average American garage door opens and closes 1500 times a year, but contrary to what you might think, it’s not the motor that does all the work. In fact, the motor plays a relatively small role in the overall operation of the door. The real workhorse is the spring.
Are you having a problem with your garage door? Alpharetta has several professional companies like Full Service Garage Doors that offer repair services. But first, let’s discuss the operation of garage doors.
How Do Garage Doors Work?
Single section and double tip-up doors are most commonly operated by extension springs, which are mounted on the sides of the doors, and which stretch or contract as the door closes or opens.
Most other types of garage doors are operated by torsion springs, which are mounted horizontally above the door. They are coiled tightly when the door is open, and unwind as it closes.
Broken springs are very difficult to replace and any repair should only be carried out by a professional as it requires specialist skills and tools. The high-tension springs have to be removed under significant compression, which is a dangerous, lengthy and physically strenuous job. Any mistake can result in serious injury, or even death.
How Often Will I Need to Replace The Springs?
Torsion springs last, on average, for about 10 000 cycles – or about eight to 10 years. It’s no wonder, then, that we forget about them over all this time, until one day, it simply breaks. If you have a double door with two springs, it may just start to open a little more slowly. When this happens, call in a professional to confirm that a spring has broken, and to carry out the repair.
What Else Can Go Wrong?
Sometimes, if you can’t open your garage door, it could be something as simple as needing to reprogram your remote control, or replace the battery. Other times, the actual garage door opener could be at fault. In this instance, depending on the nature of the problem, it may be easier and less expensive to simple replace the entire opener.
Call the Professionals
Full Service Garage Doors is dedicated to meeting all of your garage door needs in Loveland, Colorado.
