Must-Know Garage Door Spring Repair and Maintenance Tips

Springs play a critical role in opening and closing a garage door. The tension in the springs increases as you lower the garage door. The springs unwind when the door is raised. That is how the springs deliver the required force to lift the door. So, optimally functional springs are needed to open and close your garage door safely and efficiently. Understand that putting off garage door spring repair is never advisable.

Two Different Types of Springs

You can find two types of garage door springs - torsion and extension springs. The modern roll-up and sectional garage doors use torsion springs. Located horizontally on the torsion tube, they run above the door. Torsion springs are the most popular choice available today. After creating a rotational torque or force, they transfer it to the drums at the end of the torsion tube. Consequently, you can enjoy better control and smoothness.

At the same time, extension springs follow a different mechanism to open and close a garage door. Sectional garage doors and tilt-up or one-piece garage doors are the most common products that use these springs. By positioned along the door sides, sectional springs apply a pulling force to generate a more linear force. Further, they create a jerky motion when operating the door.

Let us focus on the must-know garage door spring repair and maintenance tips. Under normal circumstances, springs last 10,000 cycles, based on the frequency of use and environmental factors. Check the natural wear and tear regularly. If you ignore minor issues, they will aggravate over time to cause expensive replacements. Here are the most essential tips to optimize the performance and longevity of your garage door.

Understand the Signs of a Failing Door

First, you should understand the signs of a failing door. The most common signs include unusual or strange noises during operation. Do you see a difference in the overall balance of your door? Faulty or failing springs can lead to an unbalanced door. Also, there could be visible signs of wear and tear. Do you notice any of these symptoms? Don’t hesitate to inspect the door springs. A possible repair or replacement could be waiting in the wings.

Never Disregard the Importance of Regular Evaluation

Examine springs for rust, corrosion, or fraying. A visual inspection helps you identify these issues. Sometimes, these springs may produce a loud clicking or whirring sound when operating the door. Failing, kinked, cracked, or broken springs can cause undesirable sounds. Maintain the door carefully to prevent unwanted issues. Perform the repair work immediately when you notice a problem. If your garage door springs are beyond repair, replace them with the help of an experienced garage door service provider.

Lubricate Springs

Proper lubrication is essential to ensure the smooth functioning of your garage door. So, lubricate your door every six months to reduce unwanted friction, control wear and tear, and promote smooth performance. Use a silicone-based lubricant to get the best results.

Perform Door Balancing

Balance issues generate excess stress on the springs and aggravate fast to cause premature failure. Therefore, check the garage door balance carefully. Disconnect the opener from the power source. Then, lift the door halfway manually. Check whether it stays intact without showing balance issues. Do you find it imbalanced? Call a garage door spring repair specialist to perform door balancing.

Adjust the Tension As Needed

Do you experience difficulty opening or closing your garage door or a significant imbalance? Probably, tension adjustment of the springs can solve the problem. The tightly wound garage door springs are always under tension during operation. Adjusting the tension can restore maximum functionality. Don’t try it if you don’t have the expertise. Leave this task to a professional garage door spring repair service provider.

Prioritize safety

Follow proper safety procedures when inspecting or repairing springs. The high tension of the springs can injure you seriously. So, prioritize safety more than anything else.

Springs are an integral part of your garage door. You must keep them functional to ensure the optimal operational efficiency of the door system. Perform the routine maintenance tasks as recommended by the manufacturer or repair specialist. Follow these repair and maintenance tips to preserve your door efficiently.