Garage door springs are essential components that ensure your garage door opens and closes effortlessly. Without well-maintained springs, your garage door opener would struggle to lift the door, leading to potential malfunctions and costly repairs.
Just as regular tune-ups keep your car running smoothly, routine care for your garage door springs can extend their life and keep your garage door operating efficiently for years to come.
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The Maintenance to Maintain Garage Door Springs
Garage doors are one of the most frequently used features in many homes, yet they often go unnoticed until something goes wrong. The springs in your garage door play a critical role by counterbalancing the door’s weight, making it easy for the opener to move the door up and down. Without properly functioning springs, the door becomes heavy, making it difficult—and even dangerous—to operate.
Consistent maintenance of your garage door springs not only ensures smooth operation but also prevents unexpected failures that could leave your vehicle trapped in the garage or, worse, lead to a dangerous collapse.
The Maintenance to Maintain Garage Door Springs
Garage doors are one of the most frequently used features in many homes, yet they often go unnoticed until something goes wrong. The springs in your garage door play a critical role by counterbalancing the door’s weight, making it easy for the opener to move the door up and down. Without properly functioning springs, the door becomes heavy, making it difficult—and even dangerous—to operate.
Consistent maintenance of your garage door springs not only ensures smooth operation but also prevents unexpected failures that could leave your vehicle trapped in the garage or, worse, lead to a dangerous collapse.
How to Maintain Garage Door Springs
1. Regular Inspection:
Inspect your garage door springs every few months. Look for signs of wear, such as gaps in the coils, rust, or corrosion. If the springs look worn out, it’s a sign they may need to be replaced soon. Always be cautious when inspecting the springs—since they are under high tension, tampering with them without the right tools and expertise can be hazardous.
2. Lubricate Springs 1-2 Times Per Year:
One of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain your garage door springs is to lubricate them regularly. Proper lubrication minimizes friction, allowing the springs to move smoothly without unnecessary strain. For this task, it’s best to use a high-quality white lithium or silicone-based spray. These products provide a durable coat of lubricant that adheres to the springs and prevents wear.
Avoid common household lubricants like WD-40, which, although useful in many applications, acts as a degreaser and can strip away the essential lubricants from the springs. Without proper lubrication, the springs may dry out, leading to friction and premature failure.
3. Test the Door Balance:
A simple but effective way to check the condition of your springs is to test your garage door’s balance. Disconnect the automatic opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, your springs are functioning correctly. If the door falls or feels unusually heavy, it may indicate that the springs have lost tension or are worn out. In this case, it’s important to call a professional to assess and repair the springs.
Common Door Spring Issues We See
Many homeowners face issues with their garage door springs because the wrong size springs were installed. Garage doors vary in weight depending on their materials, size, and additional components like struts and rollers. Installing springs that are too small or too large for the door will cause the springs to wear out faster and may lead to operational problems.
It’s important to have a professional weigh your garage door with all components installed to determine the correct spring size. Relying on over-the-phone quotes without an in-person assessment often leads to improper installation, affecting the longevity and performance of your springs. Ensuring that your springs are properly fitted to your door is key to preventing premature failure and ensuring safe operation.
Additional Garage Door Spring Maintenance
While maintaining your springs is crucial, it’s just one part of the overall garage door system. Regular maintenance of the door’s rollers, hinges, and tracks is also essential to prolong the life of your springs and your garage door opener. By keeping all moving parts well-lubricated and ensuring that the door operates smoothly, you reduce the strain on the springs and other components.
Inspect the rollers and hinges for signs of wear and tear, and lubricate these parts as needed. Additionally, ensure that the tracks are clean and free of debris to prevent the door from catching or becoming misaligned during operation.
When to Call a Professional (Almost Always)
If you notice any signs of worn-out springs—such as a crooked door, excessive noise during operation, or visible gaps in the spring coils—it’s time to call a professional. Attempting to repair or replace garage door springs yourself can be dangerous due to the high tension they are under. A trained technician has the tools and expertise to safely handle spring replacements, ensuring that your door operates correctly and that your home remains secure.
Conclusion
Maintaining your garage door springs is a simple but vital task that can extend the life of your garage door system and prevent unexpected malfunctions. By lubricating the springs regularly, inspecting for signs of wear, and ensuring the correct springs are installed, you can keep your garage door running smoothly for years.
For professional maintenance, repairs, or installation of garage door springs, it’s best to contact experienced technicians. Jim Beam’s Garage Doors offers expert garage door repair services and garage door installation to help keep your door in top condition. If you need help maintaining your garage door springs or are experiencing issues, get a quote today and ensure your garage door remains reliable and safe for the long term.
Did you know? Jim Beam’s Garage Doors is a top-rated garage door company on HomeAdvisor? We have also proudly earned nearly two-hundred 5-star reviews on Google, making us one of Fort Collins highest rated local garage door companies.
Garage door springs counterbalance the door’s weight, making it easy for the opener to move it up and down. Proper maintenance ensures smooth operation and prevents dangerous failures that could leave your vehicle trapped or cause a door collapse.
It’s recommended to inspect your garage door springs every few months. Look for signs of wear, such as gaps in the coils, rust, or corrosion. If the springs appear worn out, it’s likely time for a replacement.
You should lubricate your garage door springs 1-2 times a year with a high-quality white lithium or silicone-based spray. Avoid using household lubricants like WD-40, as they can act as degreasers and strip away essential lubricants.
Disconnect the automatic opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, the springs are functioning correctly. If the door falls or feels unusually heavy, it could indicate that the springs have lost tension or are worn out. This may be hazardous, so we recommend calling a professional service.
Installing springs yourself can be dangerous due to the high tension they are under. Improper installation may also lead to operational problems and premature spring failure. It’s best to have a professional assess and install the correct springs for your garage door’s weight and components.
In addition to spring maintenance, regularly inspect and lubricate the rollers, hinges, and tracks. This reduces strain on the springs and helps the entire garage door system function smoothly.
If you notice any signs of worn-out springs—like a crooked door, excessive noise, or visible gaps in the spring coils—it’s time to call a professional. Attempting to repair or replace springs on your own can be hazardous due to the tension they hold.
