How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, extends the lifespan of your door and opener, and ensures safe operation. If your door is used frequently or is older, you may benefit from bi-annual service.

What are signs that my garage door springs need replacement?

Common signs include: the door feels unusually heavy when manually lifted, the door opens crookedly or unevenly, you hear loud banging noises when operating the door, visible gaps or stretched sections in the springs, or the door won't stay open on its own. Never attempt to replace springs yourself as they're under extreme tension and can cause serious injury.

Do you offer emergency garage door repair services?

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency repair services for urgent situations like a door that won't close, broken springs that have trapped your car, or security concerns. Call our emergency line at 360-743-3886 and a technician will respond as quickly as possible, typically within 1-2 hours during business hours.

Garage Door Spring Safety: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Name: Garage Door Kingston
Address: 1140 NE Michelle Ln, Kingston, WA, 98346, US
Telephone: 360-743-3886
Price range: $$

2025-01-10 6 min read Garage Door Kingston

Garage door springs are among the most dangerous components in your home. These high-tension springs counterbalance the weight of your garage door, which can exceed 400 pounds. Understanding spring safety is crucial for every homeowner.

The Hidden Danger in Your Garage

Garage door springs are under extreme tension.enough to lift hundreds of pounds repeatedly throughout the day. When these springs fail or are improperly handled, they can release that stored energy in a fraction of a second, causing serious injuries or even fatalities. Each year, thousands of people are injured by garage door springs.

Types of Garage Door Springs

Torsion Springs

Located above the door opening, torsion springs wind and unwind to lift and lower the door. They're mounted on a metal shaft and are considered the more reliable option, lasting 15,000-20,000 cycles on average.

Extension Springs

Found on either side of the door track, extension springs stretch and contract as the door moves. They're typically found in older systems and are considered more dangerous when they fail because they can fly off their mounts.

Warning Signs of Spring Problems, Door feels unusually heavy when lifting manually, Door opens unevenly or crookedly, Loud banging noise when the door operates, Visible gap in the spring coils, Door won't stay open on its own, Jerky movements during operation

Why DIY Spring Repair is Dangerous

Attempting to adjust or replace garage door springs without proper training and tools is extremely hazardous. Common injuries include:

- Severe lacerations from snapping cables, Broken bones from sudden spring release, Head injuries from falling components, Hand and finger injuries from improper handling

Professional technicians have specialized tools and training to safely work with high-tension springs. They also know how to properly calibrate the tension for your specific door weight.

The Professional Advantage

When you call Garage Door Kingston for spring service, our technicians:

- Use safety cables and proper restraints, Have specialized winding bars and tools, Understand the exact tension requirements for your door, Carry liability insurance for your protection, Provide warranties on parts and labor

Prevention Tips

While you shouldn't attempt spring repairs yourself, you can help prevent problems:

- Schedule annual professional maintenance, Listen for unusual sounds during operation, Visually inspect springs for wear or damage (from a safe distance) - Never attempt to adjust spring tension, Keep the area around the door clear

Your safety is worth more than any repair cost. Trust the professionals at Garage Door Kingston for all spring-related services.

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