When it comes to your garage door’s operation, the springs do most of the heavy lifting—literally. Without properly functioning springs, your door would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to open. Understanding how garage door springs work and how to maintain them can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your door operating safely for years to come.
How Garage Door Springs Work
Garage door springs are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door, making it easy to lift manually or with an automatic opener. There are two main types: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are mounted above the garage door and use torque to lift the door, while extension springs are located on either side of the door and stretch to provide lifting force.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Spring Lifespan
Garage door springs are under tremendous tension and need regular maintenance to function properly. Some important maintenance tasks include:
- Lubrication: Apply a garage door lubricant to the springs every six months to prevent rust and reduce friction.
- Visual Inspections: Regularly check for signs of wear, such as gaps in the coils or visible rust.
- Professional Tune-Ups: Schedule annual maintenance with a licensed garage door professional to ensure your entire system, including springs, is in good condition.
Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are Failing
If your springs are malfunctioning, you may notice some clear warning signs, including:
- Difficulty Lifting: If the door feels unusually heavy or the opener struggles, the springs could be worn out.
- Visible Gaps: A broken torsion spring often shows a visible gap where the metal has snapped.
- Loud Noises: A loud bang coming from the garage could be the sound of a spring breaking.
Because garage door springs are under high tension, they can be dangerous to replace without professional expertise. If you suspect your springs are damaged, it’s best to call a licensed technician right away. At Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC, we’re here to help with expert repairs and free estimates across the Northern Neck region.
