Need-To-Know Basics On Garage Door Springs
Many homeowners only think about a garage door spring when it is broken and their garage door doesn't open. Without these springs, it would be difficult to operate your garage door. Here are some things you need to know before you hire a garage door spring repair service.
When Should You Replace Garage Door Springs?
Knowing the signs to look out for when determining whether your garage door springs are working correctly is critical. One common sign to be keen on is screeching noises when operating the garage door.
Other signs include the door falling when you try to close it manually or not being able to open it. Also, if the door is bending at the top or not hanging straight, the springs have an issue. In severe cases, you will notice that the torsion spring is broken. If you notice any of these signs, you should call a garage door technician to repair or replace the springs.
Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?
The main reasons garage door springs break are rust, regular wear and tear, and poor maintenance. Rust weakens the springs and increases friction. As a result, wear and tear occur much faster. One way to prevent this is by applying WD-40 to the springs regularly.
Garage door springs mostly break in the winter due to temperature changes. This is because metal will contract when the temperature drops, which exerts pressure on the springs and makes them break.
What Spring Mechanism Does Your Garage Door Use?
A garage door has different mechanical setups. Many garage doors use one extension spring on either side of the door. These springs expand and contract to open and close the door safely.
Some garage doors use a torsion spring setup. This is a single spring that stretches between the sides of the door. The torsion spring doesn't contract like the extension spring to open the door. Instead, it uses torque to open and close the door.
It is more difficult and costly to replace torsion springs. Apart from determining the spring mechanism, the cables, metal tracks, and other hardware components must be inspected before any repairs or replacements. This will help the professional determine the best cause of action.
How Should You Maintain Springs to Prevent Failure and Promote Longevity?
One way to maintain your garage door springs is through bi-annual cleaning. This involves washing the door with warm soapy water and lubricating the springs.
Another way to care for your door springs is by rust prevention. Applying WD-40 regularly is enough to prevent rust from forming. Lastly, you should perform balance checking regularly. If the door doesn't stay in position when you open it halfway, you should replace the springs.
For more information about garage doors, contact a local company.