It really should come as no surprise that your garage door springs need repair or replacement from time to time. As one of the most important garage door parts, springs actually do all the heavy lifting of your garage door. Because of them, your garage door opener is able to makes a several hundred-pound door feel as light as a feather to lift, making life far easier. When garage door springs are in need of repair, life can pretty much turn upside down. It’s important to note that doors with springs issues should not be used under any circumstances. Doing so could damage the overhead door, forcing a replacement, or worse: lead to personal injury.
Knowing is half the battle, especially when it comes to garage door parts. Here are some reasons why your garage door spring might be in need of immediate repair.
Lifecycle
Garage door springs have a life dependent on a cycle. A cycle is defined as lifting and lowering the door one time. The average overhead garage door goes up and down at least 3 times per day. So, a 10,000-cycle spring will need replaced on average every 3 years. Because garage door springs have a lifespan that’s dependent on use, there’s a chance your overhead door isn’t operating as smooth as it once used to.
Torsion springs can last up to 15,000-cycles, potentially longer if the door and spring are kept in great shape. A great way to boost a garage door spring’s life is by having a garage door installation company add an additional spring. This simple garage door upgrade will take to load off of the first spring, making the movements far smoother. Beyond that, you could consider replacing your garage door springs with extended cycle springs — an upgrade you should discuss with your garage door professional. The best garage door installation companies will be able to provide additional measures and upgrades dependent on your current setup.
Are Your Springs Stretched Out?
Keep in mind that extension springs don’t necessarily break. More often, they stretch out and lose their tension. Usually, the amount of gap between the coils is consistent. But if you notice the spring is stretched or hanging slack, it’s time to replace the spring. Extension springs are a great budget option but if you want an option that doesn’t rely on stretching, ask a garage door installation company to replace your extension springs with torsion one. Because of their design, torsion springs turn and use torque, which allows the garage door to open far more smoothly. Of course, torsion springs require their own unique form of maintenance. Lubricating your torsion spring can help extend its life cycle. Lubricate it lightly with a garage door spray — not WD40, which will cause the spring to rust.
Never Replace Your Own Garage Door Springs
A word of caution — never replace or repair your own garage door springs. These springs are under incredible tension and can cause serious bodily injury. Always have a professional service replace your springs. They have the tools and the expertise to replace your springs correctly and safely. When you spring for a garage door repair service that’s insured, you’ll be confident that you are getting service that isn’t compromised. Should anything go wrong, you won’t have to worry about getting the job done.