If you’re an average homeowner, chances are that if someone were to ask you about your garage door springs, you wouldn’t have the slightest idea what they were talking about. While this phrase may sound foreign to you, the reality is that your garage door springs are probably the most important part of your garage. These springs are what help to raise and lower the garage door, so they are extremely vital.
There are two different types of springs used on garage doors, torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are attached just above the closed garage door and they help to balance the garage door, meaning that the door will take the same amount of pressure to open and close. Extension springs are located above the upper tracks on both sides of the garage door. These springs pull the garage up against gravity.
Now that you know what garage door springs are and the two different types, you may be wondering if there’s anything you need to do in order to make sure your springs are well-maintained and working properly. The most important thing to note is that these springs are very tightly wound, and because of this, they can be dangerous.
You can keep your garage door moving smoothly with regular maintenance. Torsion springs should only be adjusted by a trained technician, however, with the help of Sears Garage Doors, there are steps you can take to ensure you at least know if you need someone to come take a look.
Look and Listen
If you’re hearing any squeaking, grinding, or squealing noises, this should be a sign that something is off and your garage door needs immediate attention. Pay attention to whether your garage door is moving smoothly or if it’s jerky. If something looks or sounds strange, chances are something isn’t working properly, so go with your gut. The earlier you can detect problems, the more likely it is that they’ll be fixable.
Lubricate Your Springs
Keeping your garage door lubricated will add years of life and it only takes about 10 minutes a year! Lubricate both torsion and extension springs once or twice a year and all other moving parts an additional three times per year. You can typically lubricate your springs with items you probably have around your house, such as cotton rags and a lubricating oil like WD-40. You can also get a spray lubricant to coat the springs. Be careful with oil, however, as it should not be used on all garage door models. You can consult the owner’s manual for your garage door for instructions about whether oil can be used or not.
Once your springs are lubricated, open and close the garage door two or three times to allow the lubricant to fully coat the springs. Make sure to also clean up any built-up grease and dirt on the roller tracks using a cloth dipped in water and detergent.
Test the Balance of Your Springs
If your garage door springs need a rebalance, you’ll need to hire a professional to do this. You can, however, test the balance of your springs to see. Check to make sure that the door stays in position when you stop it mid-level. The door should rest in that position and not move up or down. When it comes to extension springs, you should never see gaps between the coils of your springs.
Most importantly, remember how dangerous garage door springs can be. Many people have been seriously injured or even killed from trying to fix their springs. Torsion springs are the most dangerous, but extension springs can be unsafe as well. When in doubt, it’s always best to call a professional. One more thing to keep in mind is that if you don’t replace faulty springs, there is also a greater chance that other parts of your garage door will have problems as well. So, make sure to take care of the most important part of your garage door!
