2 Important Components of a Garage Door

A properly functioning garage door is essential for convenience and security. Here’s some information about two important components that can help you prevent unexpected issues and costly repairs:

Springs
Springs are responsible for smoothly lifting and lowering your garage door, which makes them a crucial part of the system. The type of springs you have will vary based on your door’s weight and size. They typically last seven to 10 years, depending on how often the door is used. 

A well-balanced garage door should stop at three key points when manually lifted: knees, hips and shoulders. This balance ensures the springs are correctly installed and functioning as they should. If the door feels too heavy, drops suddenly or struggles to open, it may indicate that the springs are worn out and need to be replaced. Since garage door springs are under high tension, repairs should always be handled by a professional.

Safety sensors
Located 6 to 12 inches from the ground on the door rails, garage door safety sensors are designed to detect obstructions and stop the door from closing. If something is in the way, the door will automatically reverse to prevent injury or damage.

If your garage door refuses to close, a sensor issue may be the culprit. One simple way to diagnose this is to press and hold the wall button inside your garage. If the door closes while you’re holding the button, it’s a sensor issue. If it goes back up, something else is going on and you should contact a garage door professional.