Garage door openers are designed to safely lower the door at an even and slow speed in order to prevent injuries to people or pets or damage to cars. A garage door that comes down too quickly requires prompt repairs because of damaged or failing components.

Three Reasons Why Your Garage Door Comes Down Too Quickly

Garage doors with automatic openers are designed to come down at a slow and consistent speed. If you notice that your garage door comes barreling down much faster than usual, this requires a prompt Orange County garage repair. Fast door movements may be a result of these mechanical problems.

Loose Springs

Springs are located on both sides of the garage door. The spring’s tension is what controls the door’s rate of movement. Rust, wear and tear and improper sizing or installation may cause the springs to become loose. A repair technician may be able to tighten the springs and slow down the speed of the door. In some cases, the springs will need to be replaced.

Snapped Cable

If the garage door suddenly comes crashing down and will not go back up, this is usually the result of a snapped cable. The cables experience wear and tear after years of helping to control the movement of the door and the tension of the springs. Snapped cables should be professionally replaced before you try to use the door again. Inspect the cables once per month with a flashlight to check for fraying or cracking. If you notice these signs, arrange for replacement cables to be installed.

Broken Wheel

The garage door has a wheel on each side of it. This wheel slides the door along the tracks. If the wheel is made of plastic, it may have cracked due to wear and tear or exposure to extreme temperatures. Even wheels that are made of metal may become worn or rusted after years of use. A broken wheel can be replaced, but this involves removing the entire door from the tracks. In many cases, it is a good idea to have both wheels replaced simultaneously.