How to Maintain Your Garage Door Springs?

Garage door springs play a critical role in your garage door’s smooth and efficient operation. They bear the door’s weight and provide the necessary counterbalance to allow it to open and close safely. While garage door springs are built to withstand considerable tension and cycles, they are not immune to wear and tear. Maintaining your garage door springs is essential to ensure their longevity and safe operation. We will explore the steps and tips for effectively maintaining your garage door springs. For professional assistance with garage door maintenance, repairs, or replacements, contact Titan Garage Doors – garage door specialists in Vancouver, known for their expertise and dedication to ensuring the reliability and safety of your garage door system.

Upgrading your garage with modern features can enhance both the functionality and safety of your space, complementing the essential maintenance of your garage door springs for optimal performance.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Before delving into maintenance, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the two main types of garage door springs:

• Torsion Springs: Torsion springs are typically mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. They store mechanical energy by twisting tightly when the door is closed and unwinding to assist in lifting it when it’s opened. Torsion springs are comprehended for their durability and smooth operation.
• Extension Springs: Extension springs are above the horizontal tracks on both sides of the garage door. They expand and contract as the door moves, providing the necessary tension for lifting and lowering. Extension springs are less common in modern garage door systems but still in some older setups.

Now, let’s explore the steps to maintain both types of garage door springs.

Maintaining Torsion Springs

• Visual Inspection: Begin by visually inspecting the torsion springs for any signs of wear, rust, or damage. Look for gaps, cracks, or signs of wear in the coils. If you notice any issues, it’s paramount to address them promptly to stem further damage or failure.
• Lubrication: Proper lubrication is essential for torsion springs to operate smoothly. Apply a high-quality garage door lubricant to the springs, ensuring you cover all the coils and the winding cone. Lubrication reduces friction, which can usher to premature wear and helps prevent rust from forming.
• Safety Cables: If your garage door has torsion springs, it should also have safety cables. These cables run through the center of the springs and are attached to the wall or ceiling. Inspect the safety cables for any fraying, kinks, or signs of wear. Safety cables are crucial because they stem the spring from flying off and causing injury if it breaks.
• Balance Test: Test the balance of your garage door by disconnecting the automatic opener and manually lifting the door halfway. If the door stays in place when you release it, it is balanced correctly. If it falls or rises, it may indicate an issue with the tension of the torsion spring, and you should contact a professional technician for adjustment.

Maintaining Extension Springs

• Visual Inspection: Conduct a thorough visual inspection of your extension springs. Skim for any indications of wear, rust, or damage. Check the condition of the safety cables and pulleys as well. If you notice any issues with the springs, safety cables, or pulleys, they should be addressed promptly.
• Lubrication: Like torsion springs, extension springs benefit from proper lubrication. Apply lubricant to the springs and the pulleys to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. Lubrication helps prevent wear and rust, which can usher to spring failure.
• Safety Cables: Ensure that safety cables are properly installed on extension springs. These cables run through the springs and stem them from becoming projectiles if they break. Check the condition of the safety cables for any fraying, damage, or slack.
• Balance Test: Perform a balance test on your garage door with extension springs by disconnecting the automatic opener and manually lifting the door halfway. If the door remains in place when released, it is properly balanced. If it falls or rises, it may indicate an issue with the extension spring tension, requiring professional adjustment.

Maintaining your garage door springs is essential for the safe and efficient operation of your garage door. Regular visual inspections, proper lubrication, and attention to safety cables are key components of spring maintenance. Additionally, conducting balance tests and seeking professional assistance for any spring-related issues are crucial steps to ensure the longevity of your garage door springs and the safety of your garage door system. Remember that garage door spring maintenance should be approached with caution, and any significant repairs or adjustments should be performed by experienced garage door technicians to prevent accidents and injuries. Regular inspection lets you catch any potential issues early and prevent costly repairs.