Your garage door springs do all the heavy lifting and help balance the movement of your garage door. Neglecting them can lead to premature wear and unexpected failures. So how can you extend the life of your garage door springs?
Visual Inspections
Start by doing regular visual checks of your garage door springs. Look for signs of wear such as rust, gaps in the coils, or any bowing. Catching these early can prevent bigger problems down the line. If you see any damage, it’s best to call a pro to fix it ASAP.
Also keep an eye out for any loose hardware or unusual noises when opening and closing your garage door. Squeaking, grinding or creaking means stress on the springs and means maintenance is needed.
Lubrication is the Key
Proper lubrication reduces friction and prevents rust, both of which can deteriorate springs. We recommend lubricating your garage door springs 1-2 times a year with white lithium or silicone based spray. These lubricants are great for smooth operation and can be found at your local hardware store. Don’t use WD-40 as it’s not designed for this purpose. A well lubricated spring will work effortlessly and endure less stress, which will extend its life.
Cleanliness is Key
Dirt and debris can accumulate on your springs causing wear. Clean the springs with a cloth to remove dirt and grime and they will function better and be less prone to issues. You can use a mild detergent and water to wipe them down every now and then to keep them clean.
Balance Test
An imbalanced garage door can stress the springs and make them wear out faster. To test the balance, disconnect the garage door opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place it’s balanced, if it moves it’s not. Doing this test can help you catch problems early and extend the life of your springs. If it’s imbalanced call a pro to adjust.
Another sign of imbalance is if your garage door closes too fast or looks lopsided when in motion. Fixing these issues early will prevent more stress on the springs and extend their life.
Pro Maintenance:
While DIY maintenance is good, scheduling regular professional inspections is key. Trained technicians can catch problems you might miss and do the adjustments or replacements safely. Regular professional check-ups can extend the life of your garage door springs by a lot. They can also make sure the door is at the right tension and alignment to prevent more wear and tear.
Don’t Overload Your Garage Door
Garage doors have weight limits. Adding insulation, heavy decorations or other modifications can put extra stress on the springs. Make sure any changes you make to your garage door are within the weight capacity recommended by the manufacturer. If you need more reinforcement, consider upgrading your springs to handle the additional weight.
