What do you do when your warehouse garage door suddenly slams shut without warning, or your Boyle Heights home has a garage door that won’t open? With a properly functioning garage door, you run the risk of weather getting into tools, pests chewing through wires, and people passing by getting tempted to help themselves to your inventory.
At Gates & Garage Door Express, we want to help you by providing quick garage door troubleshooting advice that will save you time, avoid further damage, and reduce hassle. The springs on your garage door can sometimes be the culprit, so let’s walk through the basics.
Understand the Role of the Garage Door Spring
The springs on your residential or business garage door in Los Angeles, CA do most of the heavy lifting. They function by counterbracing the weight of the door. Most Los Angeles, CA homes use torsion springs or extension springs. Whenever they break, your door stops functioning.
Look for Visible Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
Start with how to troubleshoot a broken garage door spring in Los Angeles, CA by doing a visual inspection. Keep a lookout for visible gaps or separations in the coil, or for anything hanging along the sides of the door.
If you hear a loud “bang” whenever you try to operate the door, a spring has likely snapped, and you’ll need professional garage door spring repair to get it set correctly again.
Test Garage Door in Los Angeles, CA Movement Carefully
You can slip your garage door into “manual mode” by disengaging the automatic device on the track. Most of the time, this will be with a cord you can pull, but check your owner’s manual to be sure.
Once the garage door is disengaged in your Los Angeles, CA home or business, gently try to lift the door open. If it feels extremely heavy or will not lift, the spring isn’t providing any support. If it tilts to one side or the other, you may have one spring broken.
Garage door springs typically last 7 to 10 years, but the heat from Los Angeles, CA summers and frequent use can shorten that lifespan.
Listen for Unusual Noises on Your Garage Door in Los Angeles, CA
Whenever you’re doing some garage door spring troubleshooting, take a moment to listen. Excessive grinding, snapping, or loud popping noises indicate a mechanical issue, likely stemming from a broken or worn spring.
Are new garage door springs expensive? Not as much as you might think. Garage door springs are a standard maintenance issue that our team specializes in repairing and replacing. We do our best to keep supplies on hand when we come to your property and will always provide a clear estimate before getting to work.
When to Call for Garage Door Spring Repair in Los Angeles, CA
If you have gone through all these garage door spring tips and still think there is an issue, you should call our team. Stop using the garage door immediately and do not try to replace the spring yourself. They have extreme tension points and can be dangerous without the right tools. Call us to get springs that ensure:
- Proper balance and safe operation
- Protection for your opener and tracks
- Compliance with safety standards for Los Angeles, CA homes and businesses
Knowing how to troubleshoot a broken garage door spring in Los Angeles, CA is always good, but having a team with professional, experienced, and highly trained technicians is better. Give us a call today at (818) 873-7687 and let us get your garage door back up and running with fully functional springs in no time.
