Let’s face it — we don’t live in the safest world. Things happen around us all the time that are totally out of our control. And while you can’t protect yourself from every danger, you can reduce serious risks. Today, we’re talking about one of those overlooked hazards: garage door springs – something every garage door company in Calgary deals with regularly.
At first, it might sound silly — how dangerous could a spring be? But in reality, a garage door spring can cause a lot of damage. There have been cases where these springs have killed people, and plenty more where they’ve caused serious injuries or major property damage.
That’s not to say you should tear down your garage and start biking everywhere (which, to be fair, has its own risks). But you do need to be aware of the dangers and know how to avoid them. Let’s break it down.
What is a garage door spring, and why does it matter?
Garage door springs are essential for lifting and lowering sectional garage doors — the kind that open overhead. These springs work with torsion or extension mechanisms and basically counterbalance the weight of the door, so it opens and closes smoothly with minimal effort.
When a spring is wound up, it’s under massive tension. As it unwinds, it releases that energy to lift the door. Sounds simple, but there’s a lot of force involved.
How much force are we talking about?
Here’s the deal: a standard garage spring can be under tension equivalent to 100–200 kg (220–440 lbs) or even more. That’s comparable to the tension in a bowstring or certain car components.
If a spring breaks or is installed incorrectly, the result can be catastrophic.
☠The real dangers: what could go wrong
Injury or even death. There have been real cases where a spring came loose and shot across the garage like a bullet, seriously injuring — or killing — someone. This is especially dangerous if the system lacks safety rods.
Damage to your property. A spring that flies off can smash car windows, punch holes in walls or ceilings, or destroy tools.
Tight spaces increase the risk. Garages leave little room to dodge flying parts. When something goes wrong, there’s often nowhere to run.
❌Why DIY repairs are a bad idea?
A lot of people think, “I’ll just save a few hundred bucks and do it myself.” You’ve got tools, some experience, and there are tons of YouTube videos or tutorials online.
We live in the age of AI — you can ask it anything. But it’s a bit like that viral video where someone follows a tutorial to fix a coffee machine. The video says, “See this wire? Disconnect it.” They do. Then the video continues, “Never disconnect that wire.” The person panics and reconnects it — only to hear, “If you’ve already disconnected it, never reconnect it!” Boom — short circuit.
No guide — and not even AI (yet) — can match the skill of a trained pro. If you live in Calgary south and are experiencing any of the warning signs above, it’s worth reaching out to a trusted garage door repair company in Calgary SW service rather than risking a dangerous mistake.
Professional technicians:
- Use special rods to safely release spring tension
- Know exactly what type and size of spring is needed
- Are insured, experienced, and certified
When to call a pro
- The spring has snapped or is making loud clicking sounds
- The door opens unevenly or jerks during movement
- One of the lift cables is loose or broken
- You hear odd noises when the door moves
If you see the spring pulled tight like a guitar string, don’t touch it. This is not the time to test your luck.
Yes, garage door springs are under significant tension and can cause severe injury or even death if they break or are mishandled. The release of this tension can lead to projectile pieces or cause the door to fall unexpectedly.
The primary dangers include:
Spring Breakage: A broken spring can release tension violently, causing parts to become projectiles.
Falling Doors: Malfunctioning springs may lead to the door falling rapidly, posing a risk to anyone underneath.
Pinch Points: Components like rollers and sections can create pinch hazards, especially for children.
Due to the high risk involved, it’s advisable to have a professional inspect and maintain your garage door springs. Professionals have the necessary training and tools to handle the tension safely.
Yes, modern garage doors often include safety features such as:
Safety Cables: Installed through extension springs to contain them if they break.
Automatic Reversal Systems: Force settings that cause the door to reverse if it encounters resistance.
Photoelectric Sensors: Prevent the door from closing if an obstruction is detected.
Refrain from using the door and contact a professional repair service immediately. Attempting to fix or replace the spring yourself can be extremely dangerous.
It is highly discouraged to attempt replacing garage door springs on your own. The process requires specialized knowledge and tools to manage the high tension safely. Improper handling can result in severe injury or death.
It’s recommended to have a professional inspect your garage door system, including springs, at least once a year to ensure all components are functioning safely and effectively.
Always prioritize safety and consult with qualified professionals when dealing with garage door components, especially springs, to prevent accidents and injuries.
