How to Manage Broken Garage Door Springs

Broken garage door springs can not only be a hassle, they can be downright dangerous! A metal garage door can weigh a ton. So how does one fix it if they can't lift it? When it comes to dealing with broken garage door springs, safety is essential. Keep reading to learn more important information about your garage door springs.

What is a torsion spring?

The official definition is a torsion spring is a spring that is twisted, causing tension in the coil. When this spring is coiled, it exerts force, usually called “torque.” This is proportional to the twist, which is the angle. There are two types of torsion springs.

• mainspring (clock spring)
• helical torsion spring

The mainspring or "clock spring" is used in the construction of attic stairs or clutches. The helical torsion spring is used in much larger types of constructions such as garage door openers and other mechanical objects requiring a heavy coiled spring system.

What causes a garage door spring to break?

Typically, everyday wear and tear is the main contributing factor of spring breakage. But there can be other, more serious problems that can cause damage and eventual failure of garage door springs.

1. Rust. This beast is hiding in the shadows of every garage, everywhere! And the damage it can cause to your garage door spring can be downright awful! But, thanks to science, there are ways of preventing this monster from rearing its ugly head. One great preventative measure is keeping the spring in the door well lubricated. A coating of any type of lubrication can help extend the life of the spring.

2. A long spring instead of two smaller ones. This is something that the installer and the homeowner should definitely consider before any installation.

What should be done first when the spring has broken?

First thing is first: contact us at Roadrunner Garage Doors so that one of our experienced technicians can help. It is an extremely dangerous situation for a person who is not trained to engage any torsion spring that has broken down.

Keep everyone clear of the area until a member of our team can assess the issue. This will guarantee that the installation is correct and safe and that no one can be hurt.

Which Garage Door Opener Is Right For My Home?

If you find that you are in the market for a new garage door system but are unsure of which type is right for you and your home, we at Roadrunner Garage Doors are here to help. There are three main different types of garage door openers, each one with varying pros and cons. Keep reading to find out more about the different types to help figure out what might suit your needs best.

Screw Drive

Using a threaded steel rod to that rotates to move the trolley to open the door, the screw drive door opener generally has less moving components compared to alternatives. With less components, it means that this system will generally require less long-term maintenance compared to other systems on the market. Because of functionality of the system, it is a bit noisier than other systems so if there is a second story above the garage where a screw drive door opener is housed, it may cause a bit of a disturbance.

Belt Drive

One of the quietest types of garage door openers on the market, a belt drive uses a belt to move the garage door up and down instead of using chains. A belt drive garage door opener is preferred for homes with attached garages but unfortunately, they are more expensive than screw or chain driven door openers.

Chain Drive

The most common type of garage door opener on the market, a chain drive uses a chain to pull or push the garage door open or closed. These systems are highly dependable and much more affordable. Similar to the screw drive garage door opener, they are on the noisier side compared to a belt drive and are better suited for a detached garage.

When it comes time to replace your garage door opener, Roadrunner Garage Doors is here to help. Give us a call to schedule an appointment to determine which garage door opener works best for your home.

When Do Garage Door Tracks Need Replacement?

It is a little known fact that typically when you replace a garage door, you are replacing the tracks as well. While some manufacturers create adjustable tracks, for the most part, every garage door comes with their own tracks specifically made for that door. So when you get a new garage door, you are getting new tracks installed as well. However, there are some situations in which the garage door tracks wear out before the actual door. Your door and all its other components could be just fine, but how do you know when it is time to replace the tracks?

Door Jamming

If your garage door has times where it jams – otherwise struggling to open or close – or has times where it actually grinds against the side of the garage or smashes into the floor, it is time to replace the tracks. What these symptoms mean is that the garage door is improperly spaced for its tracks. It is not sitting on a perfect fit with your tracks, and that is a recipe for disaster.

The Door is Loud

In truth, a loud garage door can be a symptom of many different garage door problems. However, if you are able to narrow down the increase in volume or any odd noises to the tracks, it probably means it is time for new ones. Typically this means that the rollers need lubrication or are wearing down. However, when the rollers wear down, this means the tracks are wearing with them. It could mean a very small warp in the tracks, but something is wrong and it needs fixed.

Your Garage Door Fell

This is kind of the worst case scenario, but if your garage door falls off the tracks, either partially or entirely, it is time for new tracks. In most cases, this means the tracks have warped enough so that the rollers were able to fall out. You will need new tracks to remedy this.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions and/or service needs that you might have. We’re always happy to help!

Keeping Your Family Safe by Knowing These Garage Door Danger Signs

While it is true that garage door accidents can happen suddenly, in most cases your garage door was showing signs before anything had happened. As much as it seems like it sometimes, a garage door doesn't break without a few warning signs first. By knowing the danger signs of your garage door, you can help keep your family safer by fixing the issue before it becomes a danger. Below are some detailed warning signs to have on your radar.

Your Garage Door is Loud

Garage doors aren't necessarily quiet, but there is a difference between being normally loud and LOUD. Furthermore, if you hear any abnormal noises like screeching or grinding, this is an issue as well. The best case scenario is that your door needs lubrication.

No Reversal System

If you have lived in a house for a long time or purchased an old house, it likely has an old garage door as well. If it was installed prior to 1993, then the garage door lacks the automatic reversal features that keep families safe. This reversal system makes it so the garage door will reverse if it comes into contact with something solid instead of continuing to go down.

Dipping or Sagging

If your garage door is noticeably sagging in the center or dipping down to one side, something is definitely wrong. This shouldn't be ignored as the condition is only going to get worse and it can ultimately make going anywhere near your garage door a dangerous place.

Rust

A little rust isn't a big problem. However, if you continue to ignore rust, especially on sensitive places like the cables or the spring, it can make for a dangerous situation. Having said that, always clean rust when spotted or replace components that are overly rusted.

Have you spotted any of these danger signs around your garage door? If so, it is time for garage door repair or even replacement. If you have a dangerous garage door, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Replacing Vs. Repairing Your Garage Door

All garage doors will deteriorate over time; which is caused by weather conditions and constant use. A question many people face is whether they should repair or replace their garage door. Here are some pointers to help you decide:

Is it a Sudden or a Recurring Problem?

Often, a garage door will suddenly stop functioning. For example, it might stop opening and closing all of a sudden. This can be the result of a single issue that can easily be repaired.

If, however, your garage door has been facing issues over a long period of time and these issues continue to get worse, a simple repair may not do the trick. For example, if the garage door has been having trouble opening for a long time and seems too heavy, the springs may have been weakened to the point that they can no longer hold the garage door up. That can be dangerous, and they should be replaced.

Is it Cosmetic Damage or Structural Damage?

Cosmetic damage, while unsightly, usually won't necessitate replacing the garage door, especially if it isn't that old. A new coat of paint or a new finish can restore it so that it looks new.

If, however, there is structural damage, that's a different story. For example, if the door is warped, sagging or simply falling apart, you definitely need a new one.

Replace a Single Panel or the Entire Door?

A third option would be to replace only a single panel and not the whole door, as it is not as expensive as replacing the entire door. However, if there is a problem with the mechanism, this isn't a good option. In addition, if you find yourself having to replace a panel a second or third time, you might as well just get yourself a new door.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions and/or service needs that you might have. We’re here to help!

Replacing Vs. Repairing Your Garage Door

All garage doors will deteriorate over time; which is caused by weather conditions and constant use. A question many people face is whether they should repair or replace their garage door. Here are some pointers to help you decide:

Is it a Sudden or a Recurring Problem?

Often, a garage door will suddenly stop functioning. For example, it might stop opening and closing all of a sudden. This can be the result of a single issue that can easily be repaired.

If, however, your garage door has been facing issues over a long period of time and these issues continue to get worse, a simple repair may not do the trick. For example, if the garage door has been having trouble opening for a long time and seems too heavy, the springs may have been weakened to the point that they can no longer hold the garage door up. That can be dangerous, and they should be replaced.

Is it Cosmetic Damage or Structural Damage?

Cosmetic damage, while unsightly, usually won't necessitate replacing the garage door, especially if it isn't that old. A new coat of paint or a new finish can restore it so that it looks new.

If, however, there is structural damage, that's a different story. For example, if the door is warped, sagging or simply falling apart, you definitely need a new one.

Replace a Single Panel or the Entire Door?

A third option would be to replace only a single panel and not the whole door, as it is not as expensive as replacing the entire door. However, if there is a problem with the mechanism, this isn't a good option. In addition, if you find yourself having to replace a panel a second or third time, you might as well just get yourself a new door.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions and/or service needs that you might have. We’re here to help!

Simple Garage Door Repairs

Garage doors have a very simple task, opening and closing, so it is easy to overlook the garage door and forget about how essential it is until it stops working. A garage door that won't open and close properly or makes too much noise can cause a lot of annoyance in your life. Let's explore a few simple issues and tips to solve them, but please never hesitate to contact us so that a professional repairman from our team can come out assess the situation.

Garage Will Not Open With Hand or Wall Switch

Not being able to get in or out of your garage is a real problem; especially if it is raining or you are late to work! If your wall and hand switches do not work in opening your garage door, you may think you have a serious repair issue at hand. However, in most of these cases there is a simple fix. Usually, the motor unit that controls the door has just come unplugged. Plugging the motor unit in will fix this problem. Also, it is possible that a tripped or burnt out circuit has also caused this problem.

Door Won't Go All the Way Down

This common issue that is very annoying and will make you feel like you can't leave your house with the garage door slightly up. In most of the cases the problem is simply the close limit switch on your motor. This switch merely tells the motor when to cut off when going up or down. A simple adjustment to the close limit switch should be all it takes to get your garage door all the way down again.

Door Goes Up Again Before it Goes All the Way Down

This is another common issue that can be remedied by a simple adjustment to a sensor. There is a piece that controls the amount of force that the door has when the motor shuts off and the door closes. If your door is going up before it even closes all the way, you simply need to adjust your close force settings and the problem should be solved.

These are a few easy things you can fix yourself at home, but only if you feel comfortable and safe in doing so. If you are worried you may damage your door or opener by tinkering around, please be sure to contact us!