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Habitat Housing Society Case Study
Project Overview
Habitat Housing Society and Options Community Services operate affordable housing facilities where secure access is critical. At one Vancouver-area site, a parking gate torsion spring failure caused instability and risked a complete shutdown, requiring immediate repair to maintain safety, security, and uninterrupted operations.
Challenge: Overhead Parking Gate Spring Failure Threatened Building Security
Habitat Housing Society and Options Community Services operate affordable housing and community support facilities serving low-income individuals and families. At one of their Vancouver-area sites, a recently installed overhead parking gate began malfunctioning due to a broken torsion spring.
The gate was producing loud noises and showing signs of imminent failure. Because the gate controlled secure access to the building, a full shutdown would have compromised both site security and employee safety.
This was especially concerning given:
- The nature of the services provided on-site, including support for community members experiencing mental health challenges
- The surrounding neighborhood, where controlled access was critical
- The risk that a fully failed gate would leave the property unsecured
Door Systems had originally supplied and installed the gate, and the client contacted us to determine warranty coverage and how quickly the system could be stabilized.
Solution: Immediate Stabilization and Spring Replacement
Door Systems responded quickly to assess the issue. Given the security implications, restoring safe operation was treated as a priority.
To keep the parking gate operational and secure, our team:
- Safely clamped the damaged spring to prevent further failure
- Returned the parking gate to service immediately
- Scheduled full spring replacement as quickly as possible
Within five days of the initial call, Door Systems:
- Replaced the failed torsion springs
- Fully serviced the overhead parking gate
- Completed work on one parking gate and one high-performance door system
Because the original springs failed near the end of the warranty period, we recommended upgrading higher-cycle springs. The upgrade was offered at a discounted rate as a value-added solution, while still meeting the original manufacturer specifications.
Result: Improved Reliability, Security, and Long-Term Performance
The upgraded torsion springs significantly improved parking gate reliability and reduced the risk of future failures.
As a result:
- Building security was maintained without interruption
- The parking gate remained operational throughout the repair process
- Spring cycle life increased from 200,000 cycles to 900,000 cycles (a 450% improvement)
- The site avoided an unplanned service outage in a security-sensitive environment
- The client gained a clearer understanding of maintenance requirements and lifecycle planning
The full repair was completed in five calendar days, including a weekend, for a three-business-day turnaround. Since the upgrade, the springs have not failed.
Following the successful repair, Door Systems was awarded a Planned Maintenance Contract, ensuring ongoing safety, reliability, and compliance across the site.
A Long-Term Partner for Secure Facilities
Door Systems’ rapid response, practical recommendations, and long-term approach reinforced our role as a trusted service partner for commercial gate installation, repair, and ongoing maintenance. The improved system reliability and proactive maintenance plan now help protect both the facility and the people it serves.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Overhead parking gate springs fail due to normal cycle wear, improper spring sizing, lack of maintenance, or environmental factors such as moisture and temperature changes. High-traffic facilities reach cycle limits faster, increasing the risk of sudden failure.
Yes. A failed spring can cause a gate to become unstable, loud, or inoperable, creating safety hazards for vehicles and pedestrians and potentially leaving a property unsecured if the gate cannot close properly.
In some cases, temporary stabilization may allow limited operation, but continued use without repair is unsafe. Operating a gate with a failed spring can lead to total system failure and damage to the operator or track.
Broken gate springs should be addressed immediately, especially in facilities where access control and security are critical. Delaying repairs increases the risk of a full shutdown and unplanned service outages.
Yes. Upgrading to higher-cycle springs can significantly improve reliability and reduce future failures. Facilities with frequent daily use benefit most from upgraded springs designed for higher cycle life and long-term performance.
