The Ultimate Guide to Adjusting Your Garage Door Springs for a Straight Up Garage Door
Has your garage door started to act up? Is it making weird noises or does it refuse to open or close properly? One of the most common reasons for these issues could be your garage door springs. Straight Up Garage Doors, a garage door installation and service company serving central Florida, is here to provide you with an ultimate guide on adjusting garage door springs to ensure a smooth and effortless operation of your garage door.
Section 1: Understanding Garage Door Springs
Before we dive into the steps to adjust your garage door springs, it’s important to understand the role of the springs in the first place. Garage door springs are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the garage door, making it possible to open and close it smoothly and efficiently. There are two types of garage door springs – torsion and extension springs. Torsion springs are commonly used for heavy garage doors, while extension springs are utilized for lighter garage doors.
Section 2: Signs of Worn Out Garage Door Springs
Over time, garage door springs can become worn out and need to be replaced. Some signs of worn-out garage door springs include visible gaps in the springs, jerking or uneven movements of the garage door, frequent need for adjustments, and the inability of the door to stay open or closed in one position without assistance.
Section 3: Choosing the Right Tools
When adjusting your garage door springs, you’ll need the correct tools for the job. A few of the essential tools you’ll need include safety glasses, winding bars, a ladder, locking pliers, a socket wrench, and a ruler or measuring tape.
Section 4: Preparing for the Adjustment
Before starting the adjustment process, it’s important to prepare both yourself and your garage. Make sure to clear the area around the garage door and wear safety glasses to avoid injury. Additionally, ensure that the garage door opener is disconnected to prevent any accidental movement during the adjustment process.
Section 5: Adjusting Torsion Springs
To adjust torsion springs, start by securing the winding bars into the winding cone at the end of the spring. Then, use the bars to help wind or unwind the springs until the correct tension is achieved. Measure the spring tension by the number of turns on the winding cone and consult a professional if you’re unsure about the correct number of turns.
Section 6: Adjusting Extension Springs
To adjust extension springs, start by disconnecting the garage door opener and removing the safety cables. Then, use the locking pliers to hold the spring in place while you adjust it to the correct tension. Finally, reattach the safety cables and reconnect the garage door opener.
Section 7: Safety Tips
Adjusting garage door springs can be dangerous if not done correctly. Always wear safety glasses and avoid touching the springs directly. Additionally, ensure that the garage door opener is disconnected before starting the adjustment process.
Section 8: When to Call a Professional
If you’re unsure about how to adjust your garage door springs, it’s always best to contact a professional. Attempting to adjust garage door springs without proper knowledge and equipment can result in serious injury or damage to your garage door.
Section 9: The Benefits of Hiring Professional Services
Hiring a professional garage door installation and service company like Straight Up Garage Doors has numerous benefits. Not only will they have the proper training and equipment to adjust your garage door springs safely, but they can also identify any underlying issues that may cause issues in the future. Additionally, regular maintenance of your garage door can help prolong its lifespan and prevent expensive repairs down the road.
In conclusion, adjusting garage door springs can be a tricky and dangerous task, but with the help of Straight Up Garage Doors, you can ensure the safe and efficient operation of your garage door. If you’re experiencing any trouble with your garage door, don’t hesitate to give us a call for professional inspection and maintenance services.
