DIY Garage Door Spring Replacement: A Fatal Mistake That Could Cost You Everything
Every year, thousands of homeowners attempt what they believe is a simple garage door repair, only to discover that garage door springs are among the most dangerous components in their homes. Garage doors, when falling unexpectedly due to a malfunctioning spring or other issues, have caused fatal injuries (an estimated 20,000 people are injured by garage doors each year, and about 30 of those injuries are fatal). What appears to be a straightforward DIY project can quickly transform into a life-threatening situation that no amount of money saved is worth risking.
The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Garage
Garage door springs are under immense tension, storing a tremendous amount of potential energy. This high tension is what allows them to effortlessly lift and lower heavy garage doors. However, it’s precisely this tension that makes garage door spring accidents so dangerous. A typical garage door weighs between 130 and 400 pounds, and garage door springs counterbalance this weight and do all of the heavy lifting for you.
Garage door springs can be extremely dangerous and, in some cases, even fatal if not handled with the utmost care. The tension stored in these springs can cause severe injuries, including broken bones or amputations, and even propel tools at alarming speeds. These springs can produce severe injuries, such as fractured bones or amputated fingers if mishandled. If a winding bar slips, it can even shoot out at a high velocity, like a bullet.
Shocking Statistics That Will Change Your Mind About DIY
The statistics surrounding garage door spring accidents are truly alarming. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated 30,000 injuries caused by garage doors and garage door openers in the United States each year, with a significant number of these injuries resulting from spring-related accidents. Even more concerning, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that on an annual basis, roughly 30,000 people suffer injuries due to garage door accidents, and many of these devastating injuries involve innocent children.
Around 35,000 people get injured due to garage doors each year, and some of these injuries are fatal. In a report published by DASMA (Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association), it was revealed that 47% of surveyed professional installers reported seeing serious injuries or fatalities due to garage door spring accidents in their careers. These aren’t just minor cuts or bruises – we’re talking about life-altering injuries and deaths.
Real-World Consequences: When DIY Goes Wrong
Many accidents, including lacerations, broken wrists or fingers, and head injuries have occurred when proper training or incorrect tools weren’t used for the job. The force behind a broken garage door spring is substantial, and being struck by a piece of flying metal can have devastating consequences. This means that if a spring fails while the door is in motion, there’s a serious risk of someone or something being crushed. Garage door spring accidents involving crushed body parts are not uncommon.
One documented case involved a homeowner who attempted a DIY spring replacement and suffered severe facial injuries when the spring snapped unexpectedly. The spring unwound blasting his left face and fracturing his eye socket and jaw bone and lacerated his face. Medical professionals have also documented seven patients who suffered open globe injuries from high velocity garage springs, with all patients attempting to fix a jammed garage door. These injuries were severe, all resulting in significant loss of vision.
Why Professional Installation is Non-Negotiable
Garage door spring replacement is a dangerous task that requires specialized tools, technical knowledge, and experience. Replacing a garage door spring is extremely dangerous and should only be done by a professional who is trained to safely handle them and has specialized equipment. Since garage door springs are under immense tension, mishandling them can result in serious injury or even death, not to mention property damage.
Professional technicians understand the intricacies of spring systems and have the proper tools to safely manage the extreme tension involved. This is why it’s crucial to leave garage door spring repairs and replacements to professionals who have the necessary equipment and training to handle these hazards. When you need reliable Garage Door Spring Repair in Fort Meyers, choosing certified professionals can mean the difference between a successful repair and a tragic accident.
The False Economy of DIY Repairs
The trial and error aspect can lead to broken tools and replacement parts and wasted time, all of which can ultimately become a lot more expensive than just calling the professionals in the first place. What’s more, when your DIY ends up damaging your garage door, you wouldn’t be able to claim insurance as well. Although some homeowners may believe that DIY repairs can save them money, such acts can prove fatal and end up costing far more than hiring a professional technician in the long run.
Hiring a professional service also often comes with installation and repair warranties that can help you call the professionals back and fix things in the event of something going wrong. This peace of mind, combined with the safety assurance, makes professional service the only sensible choice.
Trust Local Experts for Your Safety
At Expressway Roofing & Chimney, Long Island’s premier, full-service, licensed roofer and insured home contracting roofing company serving Suffolk County, NY and Nassau County, NY, they’ve been a Long Island-based, family-owned and operated roofing, chimney, siding, gutter and home contracting company for over 22 years because they only adhere to the highest standards for quality. While their primary expertise lies in roofing and chimney services, they understand the critical importance of professional expertise when dealing with any home system under tension or stress.
Their reputation for quality work, responsiveness, and competitive pricing has been the primary factor in their success. They are committed to client satisfaction in which they serve the client from the developmental stages of a project to final completion. This commitment to professional excellence extends to their understanding of why homeowners should never attempt dangerous repairs themselves.
Warning Signs That Demand Professional Attention
If you hear unusual creaking, groaning, or popping sounds when your garage door opens or closes, it could indicate a problem with the springs. If your garage door opens or closes at an angle, this could be a sign of spring imbalance. If your garage door is struggling to open or close, it might be a sign that the springs are losing their tension. Look for cracks, rust, or coils separating on the springs.
If the spring breaks, the door will come crashing down. If you are in the doorway when this happens, you will likely get seriously hurt. A garage door falling from full height can be fatal or cause devastating injuries.
The Bottom Line: Your Life is Worth More Than Any Savings
Please never try to repair or replace a garage door spring by yourself! DIY is admirable and fun, but in this case it’s simply not worth the risk. It’s best to consult a professional technician for complex repairs and maintenance involving garage door springs. This should not be a bargain because you’re considering your family’s and your safety. Professional technicians can inspect your garage door springs system, identify potential safety hazards and address them before they become a danger to your family.
The few hundred dollars you might save by attempting a DIY garage door spring replacement pales in comparison to the potential medical bills, property damage, or worse – the irreversible consequences of a fatal accident. Mistakes when replacing the garage door springs could send the full weight of the garage door falling on you or your property, leading to serious injury, damage, or death.
When it comes to garage door spring replacement, there’s only one safe choice: hire a qualified professional. Your family’s safety and your peace of mind are worth far more than any potential savings from a DIY attempt that could prove fatal.