Garage Door Wont Open? It Might Be a Broken Torsion Spring!

Imagine this: you're rushing out the door, late for work, and you pull the garage door opener. Nothing happens. You pull it again, and again, but the door just sits there, stubbornly refusing to budge. You're now running late, and your frustration is mounting. Could it be a broken torsion spring? Keep reading to find out!

A broken torsion spring is a common problem that can leave you stranded with a garage door that refuses to open. These powerful springs are responsible for lifting the weight of your heavy garage door, making it easy to open and close. But when one of these springs breaks, it can be a real headache.

How to Tell if Your Torsion Spring is Broken

While it's possible that a broken torsion spring might be the culprit, there are a few other things you should check before assuming this is the problem. First, check to see if the garage door opener is working properly. Sometimes, the motor might be disconnected or have a blown fuse. If the door is not opening at all, you should also check the track to see if it is bent or damaged.

But if these possibilities have been ruled out, then a broken torsion spring is likely the problem. Here's what to look for:

• The garage door is extremely heavy to lift manually. A torsion spring helps lift the weight of the door, making it easier to open. If one is broken, it will be very difficult to lift the door.

• You hear a loud bang or snap when you try to open the door. This is a tell-tale sign that the torsion spring has broken.

• You see a broken spring or a missing piece of the spring assembly. If you can see a broken spring or a piece of the spring assembly lying on the floor, there's no doubt about it - you have a broken torsion spring.

Why You Should Never Attempt to Fix a Broken Torsion Spring Yourself

Torsion springs are incredibly powerful and can be dangerous. They are under immense tension, and if one breaks, it can release a lot of energy, causing serious injury. For this reason, it's extremely dangerous to try and fix a broken torsion spring yourself. You should always call a professional garage door technician to handle this type of repair. Even if the spring hasn't completely broken, but you see signs of damage, you should call a professional right away.

The Danger of Trying to Fix a Broken Torsion Spring

Trying to replace a torsion spring yourself can have some serious consequences. The spring's tension is so high that it can easily cause injuries like:

• Severe cuts or lacerations

• Broken bones

• Eye injuries

• Even death

These are not the kinds of risks you want to take, especially when it comes to something as potentially dangerous as a garage door torsion spring.

What Happens When a Torsion Spring Breaks

The weight of your garage door rests on the tension of the torsion spring. When the spring breaks, that tension is released, leaving the door heavy and difficult to lift. This can make it impossible to open or close the door manually, leaving you stranded. In some cases, the broken spring can even cause damage to the door itself. That's why it's crucial to get a professional to fix the problem as soon as possible.

How to Prevent a Torsion Spring From Breaking

While you can't always prevent a spring from breaking, there are some things you can do to extend its lifespan.

• Have the springs inspected regularly. A professional can check the condition of the springs and advise you if they need to be replaced. Regular inspections are the best way to catch problems before they become dangerous.

• Lubricate the springs regularly. This will help to reduce friction and wear on the springs. Lubricating your springs is a simple preventative measure that can go a long way in extending their lifespan.

• Avoid overloading the garage door. It's important not to overload the door with heavy items. This can put undue stress on the springs, causing them to wear out faster.

The Cost of Fixing a Broken Torsion Spring

The cost of replacing a broken torsion spring can vary depending on the size and type of your garage door. However, it's important to remember that this is a safety issue, and you should not skimp on the repair. A professional garage door technician will be able to assess the damage and give you an accurate estimate for the cost of repair. The price can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars depending on factors like the type of spring, the number of springs, and the labor costs in your area.

Finding a Qualified Garage Door Technician

If you need to get your broken torsion spring repaired, it's important to find a qualified garage door technician. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, or check online reviews. Make sure the technician is licensed and insured, and has experience working with garage door springs.

Don't Let a Broken Torsion Spring Hold You Hostage

If you are having problems with your garage door, don't hesitate to call a professional. A broken torsion spring can be a dangerous problem, and it's best to have it repaired by someone who knows what they are doing.

A broken torsion spring is no laughing matter, but with a little knowledge and a qualified professional, you can quickly have your garage door back in working order and peace of mind restored. So the next time you hear a loud snap and your garage door refuses to budge, don't try to be a DIY hero. Call a professional instead! Remember, a little prevention goes a long way, so don't forget to have your springs inspected regularly and keep them well-lubricated.