Extend Your Garage Door’s Life with Proper Spring Maintenance
By Shery on July 23, 2024
From opening and closing your garage door multiple times a day, those springs do a lot of heavy lifting over the years. But garage door springs don’t last forever and eventually will need to be serviced or replaced entirely. With the proper care and maintenance, however, you can extend the usable life of those springs and avoid a breakdown when you need your door the most. Let’s look at the importance of garage door spring maintenance and how to care for these crucial components.
Table of Contents
Inspect Your Springs Regularly
A simple visual check of the springs every 6 months is recommended. Look for signs of rust, corrosion or broken coils on the torsion spring mounted above the door. The extension springs running parallel along each side of the door should be checked for cracks, splits or wear spots where the cable makes contact. While at it, lubricate any moving parts like pulleys, hinges and rollers. Catching small issues early can prevent more extensive problems down the road. Take note of any changes from previous inspections to stay on top of wear. The team over at Garage Door Spring Repair in Hampton can also give springs a thorough once-over during annual servicing to catch trouble spots before failures occur.
Listen for Warning Sounds
As springs age, they may start emitting new noises when the door is operated. A high-pitched squeal, scraping sound or popping upon startup could indicate it’s nearing time for replacement. Pay attention to any changes in sound that may point to internal damage or impending mechanical failure. As springs wear down, their noise level increases. Stop using the door immediately if it begins making loud metallic bangs on opening or closing, as this could be a sign coils are separating at their ends. Better to address the issue promptly than risk injury from an unexpected spring failure.
Lubricate For Smoother Operation
Keep garage door springs running quietly and effortlessly with regular lubrication. Professional door techs recommend a spray lubricant designed for moving metal components. Lightly oil all spring coils, the pulleys they run through, pivot points and any roller assemblies. Avoid using grease, which can attract and hold dirt particles. Focus the lubricant at points of friction or contact to reduce noise and ease operability. Lubricating springs once a year extends their lifespan by preventing premature corrosion inside the coils from friction. Well-lubed springs last longer and perform more dependably over time.
Maintain Proper Tension Levels
Loose or over-tight springs pose a safety hazard. Every spring has an optimal tension rating that should be checked yearly by a professional. Signs like difficulty opening or closing the door typically point to needed adjustment. Let the pros at ‘’Garage Door Spring Repair in Hampton’’ ensure springs are tensioned to the manufacturer’s specified level. Being even a pound off can damage components and reduce functional life expectancy. Their specialized tools allow accurate tension adjustments for balanced and secure door operation year after year. Leave spring installations and major repairs to the experts for maximum safety.
Replace When Needed
Even with conscientious maintenance, springs only last 5 to 7 years on average under normal use. Watch for multiple breaks appearing in the coils or areas of deep rust that may compromise integrity. Once springs begin to lose tension rapidly or snap right away upon door cycles, their capacity has expired. Don’t try to make worn-out springs last through additional stretches or modifications – it’s time for replacement. Reputable companies like ‘’Garage Door Spring Repair in Hampton’’ use high-quality commercial-grade springs engineered for strength and longevity. Choose a professional installation for best results and peace of mind.
Neglected springs can lead to unpleasant surprises like being stuck outside the garage. Save headaches down the line by committing to this simple annual check-in. With the right care and services from experienced technicians, your springs can power smoothly raise and lower the door for many cycles to come. Proper maintenance is key to a longerlasting garage door.
Shery Walls is a dedicated home blogger who has been blogging for over six years. She covers everything home related. Shery also loves writing posts about her travels to Europe with her husband and two children.
