Garage door springs are important for your garage door to work well. However, they are also one of the parts that wear out easily.
Identifying issues with your garage door springs early can save you from unexpected breakdowns and potential safety hazards. Knowing when to replace garage door springs is crucial for maintaining the functionality and safety of your system. Here’s a detailed guide on how homeowners can spot signs of wear and tear on their garage door springs and understand what these signs mean.
One clear sign of a worn-out torsion spring is a noticeable gap. Typically, a broken spring creates a gap about 2-4 inches long.
Check for rust on the surface of the springs. Rust can decrease the lifespan of the spring and cause it to break sooner.
Sometimes, springs may look stretched or have uneven spaces between the coils, indicating wear.
How to Test:
Close the garage door.
Disconnect the automatic opener and manually lift the door halfway up. If the door remains in place without your support, it’s likely well-balanced. If it falls quickly or opens further on its own, the springs might be failing.
What to Listen For:
Grinding or screeching noises when the door opens or closes may mean the springs are under too much stress or starting to fail.
Popping Sounds: A popping sound can indicate a torsion spring may have snapped or is about to.
Safety Tip: Regularly lubricate the springs with a silicone-based lubricant. This can reduce noise and help them last longer. However, it will not fix a spring that is failing.
What to Check:
Slow Response: If your door takes longer than normal to open or close with the automatic opener, the springs may not be working well.
Jerky Movements: Watch for jerky opening and closing movements. This could suggest that the springs are not functioning smoothly.
Safety Tip: Always keep your hands and fingers away from the springs and other moving parts of the door system.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s a good idea to get a professional assessment. Garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to work with without the proper tools and expertise.
Final Note: Regular maintenance and quick attention to any signs of wear can greatly extend the life of your garage door springs. This also improves your home’s safety and security. Always prioritize professional help for replacement and repair to ensure safety and efficiency