Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs are important to your garage door system, yet many homeowners do not know much about them. Here is some information you should know about garage door springs.

When Should You Replace Your Garage Door Springs?

One of the most often used points of entry into people’s homes is through their garage door. It is easy to overlook the wear and tear that occurs. Due to the garage door’s heavy weight, the torsion spring exerts a lot of energy while lifting and pulling the garage door open and shut. As a result, you may want to keep an eye out for early signs that your springs need replacement.

When you hear your garage door strain and make loud noises, check your torsion spring. This is a sign that something serious may be going on. Additionally, hearing a loud popping sound indicates too much tension on your spring, and the spring itself might likely be close to breaking. In some cases, you may also see that the spring is stretched out, indicating replacement is needed.

Can You Replace Garage Door Springs Yourself?

Replacing garage door springs can be hazardous. If you want to replace them, you need to understand how to remove and install them correctly. Failing to do so may cause bodily harm if the door falls due to an improperly removed or replaced spring. Your garage door can also be damaged due to incorrectly removing and installing garage door springs.

The recommendation is that you have a service professional service your garage door, especially when removing or replacing torsion springs. While some things you can do yourself, removing and replacing garage springs is not a task those who are untrained should take on.

A garage door technician will check the spring for wear and other signs of failure such as rust, corrosion, and vital signs of fatigue brought on by repeated use. A professional can safely remove the spring and replace it, ensuring that both people and the garage door are safe.

How Should You Maintain Your Garage Door Springs?

Experts recommend that you maintain your garage door springs routinely. The simplest thing to do is listen. If your door is louder than usual or making strange noises, it might mean your door requires attention and possible service. Listen for anything that sounds like grinding or scraping. This is an indication the spring is not sitting symmetrically in place and may need adjustment.

Also, check for loose hardware, including loose bolts and nuts, and tighten them accordingly. The constant vibration of the opening and closing of the door can cause bolts to slip, putting more pressure on the spring itself.

Another quick thing you can do is lubricate any moving parts. Doing so will keep your parts from grinding and wearing down, as well as keep your spring moving freely and safely.

Lastly, be sure to inspect the spring itself for signs of damage. A damaged spring may be covered in rust or corrosion. The springs themselves may also be loose. A tight spring looks like a normal Slinky, while a loose and worn spring may look like a stretched-out Slinky.

If one of your garage door springs needs to be replaced, you will want to call a professional for the replacement. Here at Plano Overhead Garage Door, we can help you with all of your garage door maintenance and repairs.  Call us today  to schedule an appointment.

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