Garage door springs are so reliable that most people don’t notice a problem until the springs completely malfunction. However, waiting until it’s too late may cause further damage to the door or cut off the homeowner’s access to the garage, compounding the issue.
Here are the most common reasons why garage door springs suffer damage, along with some helpful maintenance tips.
The springs need regular lubrication to function correctly. As the rust spreads, it eats away at the steel and weakens the springs. Over time, the coils won’t withstand constant movement, causing the springs to break. Older doors come with only one spring, and when damaged, homeowners are left with no way of opening their doors.
Springs exposed to wet or humid climates are particularly prone to rust accumulation. Engaging a professional ensures that both the door and springs remain in perfect condition.
Sudden temperature drops impact the life span of garage door springs. The coils become more fragile due to the cold and snap easily. The increase in moisture also raises the chances for corrosion.
We measure the durability of garage door springs with a certain number of cycles. Whenever the springs work to open and close a garage door, it counts as one cycle. The standard spring can perform up to 10,000 cycles, equating to about 6-10 years of operation. However, when homeowners use their garage as an additional home entrance, the springs will quickly go through their cycles.
Frequent use may damage the steel or stretch out the coils, causing the door to malfunction. It’s best to use the garage door only when necessary to help the springs last longer.
Dust, dirt, and waste latch onto the edges of the door, infiltrating the cracks and crevices. When this buildup grows, it stops the roller and jams the garage door. This puts pressure on the springs, wearing them out until they stop working correctly. Alternatively, they could cease functioning altogether or leave the door halfway open.
Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the door springs twice a year will combat rust and maintain the garage door system’s high performance. When trouble occurs, fixing the issue without professional help can be dangerous and expensive. Inexperienced homeowners without the proper tools could damage other elements of the door system.
Garage doors are also weighty, and mishandling them can lead to bruising, abrasions, and even severe injuries.
Homeowners usually have a technician replace only the malfunctioning spring. However, the first failure is a warning sign that the second spring will soon fail. Replacing both springs helps the door system last longer and spares homeowners from the cost of additional repairs. Also, using a newer spring in tandem with an old one puts pressure on the door roller and may result in more extensive damage.
Broken springs endanger the other elements of the garage door system and the home’s safety. Once homeowners notice a problem with the springs, it may be too late to avoid costly replacements.
Reaching out to a professional team ensures that the springs are healthy and working correctly. Through regular inspections, they’ll identify the weak spots and replace the damaged springs before they can harm other parts of the door system.
