A garage door is something we use every day without much thought. We open and close it without considering the mechanics behind it. One component that works tirelessly behind the scenes are the garage door springs. These springs help lift and lower the heavy door with ease. However, when they break or malfunction, they can pose serious risks.
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Signs Your Springs May Need Attention
If your door is getting harder to open or close, that could indicate the springs are nearing the end of their usable life. Other signs include doors that don’t fully open or close on their own. You may also notice doors that sink or stall in the middle. Creaking or grinding noises during operation are also red flags that a repair may soon be needed. Ignoring these signs could put your safety at risk down the road.
Danger of Breakage
Most garage door springs are under extreme tension when supporting the weight of the door. If one of these springs suddenly breaks, it can quickly unwind with force equivalent to a .357 magnum handgun. The metal coils can fly across the garage like high-speed shrapnel. This poses obvious dangers of serious impact injuries. Even standing several feet away provides no safety from a cracked spring.
Potential Injury Scenarios
Head injuries are one of the biggest dangers as a broken spring could easily fracture skulls. Loose coils can also blind or puncture eyes if they make contact. Broken ribs, organ damage, and lacerations are also risks from impact locations. Severed arteries or punctured skin could potentially lead to blood loss. And if a heavy garage door comes crashing down unexpectedly, that brings risks of crushing injuries or amputation. These are all very real consequences of ignoring broken springs.
What to Do if Springs Break
If by chance your springs do suddenly fail, the first step is to get away from the door area immediately for your safety. Do not try to manually disengage or fix the springs yourself. Contact a local professional like Garage Door Spring Repair in Carrollton for a full inspection and repairs. As skilled technicians, they have the proper tools and expertise to repair or replace springs safely under proper tension. Let the experts handle any issues before more serious damage or injuries occur.
Prevention is Best
Rather than waiting for springs to fail, it’s wiser to catch issues early through routine maintenance. Every six months, check for any rust, grime buildup, or stress signs on springs. Lubricate moving parts and look for tension imbalances or deformations. Qualified technicians can also inspect for potential safety concerns you may miss. Replacing springs before complete failure helps avoid costly repairs down the road and the risks of breakage. Remember – garage door maintenance is ultimately about preventing unexpected accidents and ensuring home safety for your family.
In closing, garage door springs may seem like small, inconsequential parts. But under the surface they support significant weight, which makes broken springs an unseen yet serious hazard. Catching issues early through regular checks and professional servicing helps avoid expensive repairs and dangerous accidents in your garage. Don’t wait for springs to fail – keep your garage door operating smoothly and safely with routine maintenance.
Frank Partnoy is a tech blogger who loves to share his thoughts about the latest gadgets and technology. He loves everything from smartphones, laptops, tablets and more!
