Tag Archives: basic garage door repair techniques

Torsion Springs versus Extension Springs

Springs are one of the most important parts of any garage door. No garage door can do without one. These parts perform the function of providing tension and power that enables the door to move on its tracks. Hence, your garage would not move in case you have a faulty spring.

Keeping this in mind it is imperative that you take effective steps in order to maintain your garage door springs. Get in touch with a professional if needed. These professionals can be easily located whether you live in Seattle or in any part of the US. These experts specialize in offering 24 hour garage door services. Hence, you don’t need to stress out in order to locate one in case your garage door spring breaks down at odd hours.

Springs are basically of two kinds: Torsion springs and Extension Springs. This write-up will give you detailed information regarding both the types. Hence, you can decide for yourself the one which would be better equipped to meet your needs.

Torsion Springs

Store mechanical energy in order to function effectively. When twisted the spring exerts force in the opposite direction that enables the door to move. These are the most popular types of garage door springs used. So what is it that makes these type of springs a first choice for most American families?

Mentioned below are some of the effective features that torsion springs are equipped with:

  • Torsion springs take much less room to operate.

 

  • Traditional springs can cause a lot of noise and that can be a cause of constant hassles. Torsion springs, however, do not create unnecessary noise while being operated.
  • Using torsion springs is the best decision in case you have double wide doors. These springs lift from the center and prevent the door from wobbling as and when it gets lifted. This in turn enhances the overall safety proposition of the garage door. You can use a couple of springs as and when the need arises.

 

However like everything else there are some cons of using these springs. Some of the shortcomings of these springs are:

 

  • Torsion springs are much expensive as compared to the Extension ones.

 

  • Repairing a torsion spring requires specialized know how on the part of the user. Hence, it would be almost impossible for you to repair the spring all by yourself.

 

Extension Springs

 

Extension springs are installed on both the tracks and pull the door sideways. However, these type of springs are not popular today. It is advisable that you refrain from opting this type in case you have wider doors. These springs also occupy more space.

This being said there are some advantages associated with using extension springs. Some of these plus points are:

  • Are much cheaper as compared to torsion springs.

 

  • Are easier to install. Hence you can effectively install this spring all by yourself in case you decide to opt for the same.

 

5 Quick Steps to Garage Door Opener Repair

Garage door opener is a heavy duty hardware that is used on a daily basis. Even though they are supposed to run hassle free for years, they do need a little repair sometimes due to unavoidable damages. In case of damage, don’t get it replaced in a panic. Instead, you can try some basic garage door repair techniques that are safe for a layman.

Just grab some common household tools to start repairing your garage door repair. However, bear in mind that it is full of risk to try any kind of difficult repair job that should be left to the professionals. If the task seems too difficult, call in a trusted garage door repair service in Seattle immediately. You should be very careful when trying even simple garage door repairs on your own.

Start by knowing your Garage Door

Before you attempt any of these DIY fixes, keep these precautions in mind.

  • Before rushing off to start repairing your garage door opener, check whether it actually has a problem or not. With the door closed, pull the emergency release cord to see whether it functions smoothly. In case it doesn’t the problem lays somewhere else and not the opener.
  • Always work with the door down and unplug the opener. This saves you from unpleasant mishaps or accidents.
  • Last but not the least, read the instruction manual carefully to know the assembly and anatomy of the device.

5 Quick Steps for Repairing Your Garage Door

  1. After you have unplugged your device, wait for 15 minutes so that the motor cools off. Then test the sensor beam to ensure that it is properly aligned in accordance with the specifications of the manual. Check for blockages, if any. In case you come around something that might be blocking the sensors, clean it and adjust the sensor appropriately.
  2. Look for loose connections. It is possible that the opener’s remote is working properly but the button is not. If that’s what has happened, change the worn out plugs or replace the damaged wires. If necessary, seek professional help. You may want to check the batteries in your remote to ensure that they are fully charged.
  3. Antennas play an important role in the functioning of automatic garage doors. Ensure that it is properly placed and attached. If there is no trouble with either of the devices, check for wear and tear in gears and sprockets too. Doing this requires professional help. So, call professionals in Seattle to help you.
  4. There is a possibility that the garage door opener has stopped working due to discrepancy in frequency settings. To correct it, refer to the instructions manual and reset the frequency.
  5. Functionality issues may arise from obstruction, which may hinder the working of the opener. You can deal with it by increasing the tension of the central spring by adjusting the screws. To activate the automatic switches, adjust the two clips on each opener chain.