Common Issues with Garage Door Springs
Broken springs are the most common issue with garage doors.
Garage doors add functional, financial, and aesthetic value to a property. In many homes, garage doors act as the primary entry and exit points and go up and down frequently daily. Springs are among the most vital components of a garage door that play a critical part in ensuring its proper functioning by creating the necessary counterbalance. They work silently, unnoticed, to keep the garage door in place and do all the hard work when it comes to raising and lowering the garage door.
The role of garage springs
The springs remain under constant pressure when the garage door opens and closes. Although garage door springs are pretty sturdy and durable, they wear out with time or can break, become damaged, or become faulty. Broken or malfunctioning garage door springs can create issues with the garage door operation or even cause it to fall suddenly, leading to severe damage and injuries.
Common problems with garage door springs
Broken springs are the most common issue with garage doors. The garage door openers become useless with no springs, as the opener does not have the necessary power to lift or lower the door. Here are the top reasons that can cause the garage door spring to malfunction or break:
Rust
The development of rust on the springs can significantly shorten their lifespan. Failure to lubricate the springs can cause them to accumulate rust over time. As the spring moves, the rust increases the friction on the coils. Rust or corrosion weakens the coils and causes them to fail faster than they should.
Wear and tear
General wear and tear is one of the most common reasons for garage door spring failure. As mentioned, the average lifespan of most springs is 10,000 cycles, where one cycle equals a garage door moving up and coming down. In homes with the garage door as the main entrance and operated multiple times daily, the daily cycles can add up faster than people imagine. Homeowners can get extended lifespan torsion springs lasting for 20,000 cycles or more.
Inadequate maintenance
While all garage door springs will fail eventually, a lack of proper maintenance can cause them to fail sooner. All garage door parts, including the springs, demand regular upkeep to ensure they last longer and operate smoothly. Springs need periodic cleaning and lubrication to stay in good shape for longer. Also, check the door’s balance yearly to ensure the springs work correctly.
Poor installation
Hiring an inexperienced contractor for garage door installation or spring replacement can invalidate the warranty and create issues with the springs. Take your time and always hire a licensed and trained garage door technician for any garage door-related project.
Signs of faulty or worn-out garage door springs
The door appears misaligned
Loud noises
Dangling cables
The door opens slowly
The door fails to stay up after rising and slams down quickly
The door appears crooked
Gaps in the spring
Safeguard the garage door
Do not ignore any issues with the garage door springs. Call a local garage door professional immediately to look into the problem.
Quality Overhead Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company for both residential and commercial customers in the GIlbert area 480-838-8850.
