Garage Door Not Opening Properly: Is Your Opener Or Your Springs To Blame?

When opening and closing your garage door, there are two main parts that must be in good working order in order for the door to operate smoothly. These two parts are your automatic garage door opener and your garage door spring. While your garage door opener provides the power necessary to create momentum, your spring will provide the tension necessary to accomplish smooth operation. The problem is, when one of these parts stops working properly, it can be difficult to determine which part is to blame since they both produce the same symptoms. The good news is, there is a simple test that you can perform in order to isolate the culprit and determine your best course of action for repairing the problem.

Step 1: Isolate Your Garage Door Spring

The only way to tell which part is to blame for your current garage door problems is to isolate a single part and see if the problem persists. Since you are able to substitute the momentum provided your garage door opener with your own strength, isolating your spring will be the most viable option.

In order to isolate your garage door spring, you will first need to disengage your automatic door opener. This can be done by pulling the emergency release cord located beneath the motor of your garage door opener. While this cord will typically be red in color, this may not be the case for all makes and models. If ever you are unsure about the location of your emergency release cord, simply refer to your owners manual for the location of this cord prior to pulling or disconnecting any parts of your garage door opener.

Step 2: See How Your Door Responds

Once you have successfully isolate your garage door spring, you will need to see how the door reacts. Begin by positioning yourself on the outside of the garage door and ensuring that all manual locks are off. Next, attempt to lift the door until it is about waist high. Now, release the door and see how it reacts. Does the door remain stable? Does it rapidly slam to the ground? Were you unable to lift it at all?

Step 3: Choose The Right Course Of Action

If your garage door functions well without the use of your automatic door opener, there is a good chance that this appliance simply needs to be replaced. With some basic tools and mechanical skill, this is a task that you can take on yourself if you desire.

However, if your garage door failed to open or remain stable during your test, this is a good indication that your tension spring is either worn or broken. Due to the extreme amount of pressure that this spring is under, you should never attempt to repair or replace this part yourself. Instead, you will need to contact a reputable repair contractor like one from Overhead Door Of Akron in your local area in order to ensure the repairs are completed safely.

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