Category: Garage door spring

Types of Garage Door Springs and Their Safe Maintenance

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The functionality of a garage door relies on several components, with the springs being the key ones. Not only do they support the weight of the door, but they also support the opening and closing of the door.

There are different types of springs working in its mechanism.

If you want to know how each of them works and their usage as well, let’s walk through the points given below.

Why Garage Door Springs Matter

The springs serve as the backbone of the garage door mechanism. Without having them in place, your garage door will not be able to operate. In fact, the door is less likely to operate with broken or worn-out springs.

Understanding the Two Categories of Garage Door Springs

Torsion Springs

The most traditional example is the torsion spring system, which most garage doors use today. They are installed on the top of the door, fixed horizontally within a metal shaft. When you close the door, the torsion spring winds up and stores energy. When the door opens, the spring unwinds, releasing the stored energy to lift the door.

Torsion springs last longer and are used with heavy doors. They typically have a longer lifespan than other types. They can last anywhere from 15,000 — 20,000 cycles (one cycle is one open and one close). Because they are mounted firmly and will move with high tensions, you should be very careful when using the switches and/or replacing them.

Extension Springs

Extension spring systems are less common now, but you might find them in older garage door systems. They are long, coiled springs mounted on both sides of the door and parallel to the horizontal tracks. As the door closes, the springs will extend and build up tension. When the door opens, these springs contract and use that stored energy to lift the door.

Extension springs might be cheaper than torsion springs; however, their lifespan is short as well, with approximately 10,000 cycles. The risk is also high when they break, as they can snap and release energy. This is why extension springs are frequently equipped with safety cables that keep the springs from flying across the garage if they were to break.

Understanding the Signs of Spring Failure

Catching the signs of spring failure earlier can help to avoid a sudden breakdown and a potential accident. Some common warning signs include:

  • When you lift the garage door, it seems heavier than usual.
  • The door cannot be held up and begins falling again.
  • You hear loud banging or popping noises coming from the garage
  • It moves with irregularity, or it shakes when it is moving.
  • Springs that are noticeably stretched or have a significant gap in them.

If you identify any of these signs, you should immediately contact a professional for an inspection. Using a door with a broken spring not only worsens the issue but also poses safety risks.

Garage Door Spring Safety Tips

Dealing with garage door springs is not like repairing a squeaky hinge. With all the tension in these springs, you can get seriously injured if mishandled. Here are some safety guidelines:

  • If your garage door has torsion springs, never try to take them off or replace them yourself. They need special tools and skills. It is better to leave the job to a garage door professional.
  • Use the emergency release only when it is required. If the springs are broken and you pull the release cord, the door can slam shut.
  • Stay away from broken and stretched extension springs. A snapped spring can whip out quickly.
  • Make sure to schedule regular inspections. A technician can also identify potential problem areas that most homeowners would miss.

Garage Door Spring Maintenance Tips

Of course, you should not try to fix a garage door spring without expertise and the necessary tools. However, there are some steps you can follow to maintain your garage door springs.

Lubrication is important for the smooth movement of the doors. Cover the springs quarterly with a silicone lubricant. It reduces friction, prevents oxidation, and ensures stable motion through the system. Do not apply thick grease because it attracts dust and dirt.

Also, perform the balance test. Disconnect the opener and manually raise the door halfway. If it stays in place, the springs are balanced. If it falls, the spring may need adjustment. Get this problem fixed by a professional.

Check the springs for rust, corrosion, or stretched coils.

If there is any dirt on the tracks, the springs will face more strain. Having such obstacles get out of the way removes unnecessary pressure.

Knowing When to Replace Your Springs

Even with the best garage door spring maintenance, springs are likely to wear out, and it is easy to see why. One key reason is that they carry the weight of a garage door. The average life of torsion springs is 7-10 years, while extension springs need to be replaced sooner. If your springs are a decade old, make sure to get them assessed and replaced by a professional.

Continuing with old and possibly worn-out springs can take a toll on your safety and convenience. A timely replacement ensures smoother operation and prevents sudden failures.

The Role of Professionals in Taking Care of Garage Door Springs

While you can handle the basic upkeep of garage door springs, the repair and replacement should be handled by professionals only. Garage door experts are equipped with tools, knowledge, and experience to fix your garage door problems, including springs.

Conclusion

Garage door springs are a vital component of your garage door.

Understanding the differences between torsion springs and extension springs, knowing the signs of spring failure, and knowing basic garage door spring maintenance practices will help you avoid expensive damage and injuries.

Always reach out to a professional like City Garage Door if you suspect that there is an issue with the springs. We are your local garage door experts in Lynnwood and around, offering timely services for all garage door problems. Get in touch with us now!

Top Signs You Need to Replace Garage Door Springs

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Even the strongest, aesthetically pleasing garage doors depend on small parts.

Springs, for example, play an important role in keeping your garage door up and running. They are like the part of the door’s heart that makes everything work. But still, they are a mechanical part. And like every mechanical part, they are prone to wear and tear, leading to malfunctioning, safety hazards, and costly repairs if ignored.

The problems in garage door springs should be addressed immediately. Keeping this in mind, we have come up with this comprehensive guide to recognize the signs that it’s time for garage door spring replacement.

By understanding these signs, you can act quickly to address garage door spring problems and avoid bigger issues down the road. Let’s get started.

The Role of Garage Door Springs in Your Home

Before walking through the warning signs, let’s understand the importance of garage door springs. Looking like tightly wound metal coils, they counterbalance the weight of a garage door. This way, they make it easy to open and close.

Generally, there are two main types of garage door springs.

Both types are under significant tension, and when they wear out or break, the door’s operation becomes inefficient or even dangerous. Therefore, it is important to know when to replace them.

Key Signs It’s Time for Garage Door Spring Replacement

Here is a rundown of top signs that your garage door springs should be replaced. Look for these symptoms to lower the safety risk and further damage to your garage door system.

  1. Loud Bang or Snapping Sound

A loud, abrupt noise—often referred to as a bang or snap—coming from your garage is one of the most obvious indicators that your garage door spring is damaged. This sound typically occurs when a broken garage door spring snaps under tension.

You might see a noticeable split or gap in the coils of torsion springs. Conversely, extension springs may appear elongated or droop loosely. To avoid more harm or damage, stop using the door as soon as you hear this noise and get in touch with a professional for garage spring repair.

  1. The Door Feels Unusually Heavy

When garage door springs are functioning properly, they make lifting the door feel effortless, even though garage doors can weigh hundreds of pounds. If you notice that opening the door manually feels like a workout or your opener struggles to lift it, this could indicate garage door spring problems. Worn or failing springs lose their ability to counterbalance the door’s weight, putting extra strain on the opener and other components. This is a clear signal that replacing garage door springs is necessary.

  1. Uneven or Crooked Door Movement

Does your garage door tilt to one side or move unevenly when opening or closing? This is often a sign of a broken garage door spring, especially in systems with two springs where only one has failed. The imbalance causes the door to lift unevenly, which can strain the tracks, rollers, and opener. If left unaddressed, this issue can lead to more extensive damage, making garage door spring replacement a priority to restore smooth operation.

  1. Slow or Jerky Door Operation

If your garage door opens more slowly than usual, stops midway, or moves in a jerky manner, it’s likely struggling due to weakened springs. Healthy garage door springs provide consistent lifting power, but when they wear out, the door may hesitate or require extra effort from the opener. This not only affects convenience but also shortens the lifespan of your opener, signaling the need for garage spring repair or replacement.

  1. Door Closes Too Quickly or Slams Shut

A garage door that slams shut or closes faster than normal is a serious safety concern. Properly functioning springs ensure controlled, gradual movement when the door lowers. A broken garage door spring can cause the door to drop rapidly, posing a risk to people, pets, or vehicles in its path. If you notice this issue, schedule garage door spring replacement immediately to prevent accidents.

  1. Visible Gaps or Stretching in the Springs

For torsion springs, inspect the coils for any gaps or separation. As springs age, they can stretch and lose their tension, creating visible gaps between the coils.

This is a clear sign that the spring is wearing out and may break at any moment. Look for sagging or stretching in extension springs. To prevent an unexpected breakdown, it’s time to think about replacing garage door springs if you notice these problems.

  1. Rust or Corrosion on the Springs

Garage door springs are silently harmed by rust. Moisture exposure over time can lead to corrosion, which erodes the metal and impairs the springs’ performance.

If you notice rust or pitting on the springs, especially combined with other symptoms like slow operation or noise, it’s a sign that garage spring repair or replacement is needed. Regular maintenance, such as applying lubricant, can help prevent rust, but once corrosion sets in, replacement is often the only solution.

  1. Excessive Noise During Operation

While some noise is normal, new or loud creaking, groaning, or grinding sounds during operation can indicate garage door spring problems. These noises often result from springs struggling to handle the door’s weight or rubbing against other components due to improper tension. If the noise persists after lubrication, it’s time to call a professional to inspect the springs and determine if garage door spring replacement is necessary.

  1. Aging Springs

Your springs’ age may be a deciding factor even if there aren’t any overt indications of degradation. The majority of garage door springs have a 10,000 cycle rating, where one cycle is equivalent to one open and close.

For a typical household, this translates to roughly 5 to 7 years of use.

Your springs run the danger of experiencing an unplanned failure if they are getting close to or past this lifespan.

Proactive garage door spring replacement can prevent sudden breakdowns and ensure continued reliability.

Why You Shouldn’t Attempt DIY Garage Spring Repair

Repairing garage springs is not a do-it-yourself task. Because of the tremendous strain on the springs, improper handling can cause severe harm or even death.

Specialized tools, knowledge, and experience are required to safely replace garage door springs. A professional technician will:

To guarantee a safe and accurate garage door spring replacement, always work with a qualified and experienced expert.

The Value of Taking Prompt Action

There are more consequences than just inconvenience if you ignore the warning indications of faulty garage door springs. Damage to the garage door opener, tracks, or rollers; a higher chance of the door collapsing and injuring people or damaging cars; and higher repair expenses as a result of secondary system damage are all possible outcomes of a failed spring.

You can prevent these difficulties and maintain the smooth and secure operation of your garage door by taking care of garage door spring concerns as soon as they arise.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Take into account the following maintenance advice to prolong the life of your garage door springs and reduce the frequency of replacements:

Conclusion: Stay Proactive with Garage Door Spring Replacement

Since your garage door springs are the foundation of your system, their health has a direct bearing on both functionality and safety.

By staying alert to signs like loud noises, heavy or uneven door movement, rust, or rapid closing, you can catch garage door spring problems early and schedule garage door spring replacement before a minor issue becomes a major headache.

Do not wait for a total failure if you observe any of these warning indicators. Get your system inspected by a qualified garage door technician, who can also replace or repair garage springs as required. You can maintain the smooth operation of your garage door for many years to come with the right maintenance and prompt action.