BLOG

Your garage door springs are among the most important components of your garage door system. These heavy-duty springs are under extreme pressure to lift and lower the heavy weight of the door repeatedly. With constant lifting and lowering, springs eventually fatigue and break.

You can prolong the lifespan of your garage door springs with some simple pro maintenance and care tips:

1. Lubricate the Springs

Lubricating the springs reduces friction as the coils rub and move. This minimizes wearing down of the metal over time. Use a spray-on lubricant formulated specifically for garage door parts at least twice per year. The lubricant helps keep the springs from sticking or squeaking too.

2. Check for Signs of Wear

Inspect your springs regularly for any visible signs of wear and tear like rust spots, cracks or pits in the metal, or stretched out coils. Damaged springs are more prone to breakage over time. Replace them proactively if you spot excessive wear.

3. Install Safety Containment Cables

Proactively install spring safety containment cables that run through each spring coil. These cables act to contain busted spring parts in case a spring snap. Containment cables protect people and objects in the garage from the hazards of flinging sharp spring shards.

4. Balance the Door Correctly

An improperly balanced door forces the springs to compensate and work harder with each trip. This accelerates wear. Have a pro regularly check and adjust the balance and track alignment for smooth operation.

5. Update Old Springs

Standard torsion springs last around 10,000 cycles. Upgrade to newer long life cycle springs rated for 25,000-50,000 cycles. Longer lasting springs offer better lifespan for high traffic doors that get daily use.

6. Use Galvanized or Stainless Springs

For coastal climates, upgrade to galvanized or stainless-steel springs which resist rust much longer. Rust leads the metal to crack and fail sooner. These upgraded materials stand up better in salty humid air.

7. Hire a Pro for Replacement

Never attempt do-it-yourself repairs or replacement on heavy, hazardous garage door springs. Hire professional technicians to handle spring services to avoid serious personal injuries. They have the specialized tools, training, and procedures to safely service torsion springs.

What Are the Various Types of Garage Door Springs and Their Costs?

The most common garage door springs are torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs come in single and double spring models, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and heavy-duty options. They range in price from $50 up to around $300 per spring for larger or heavy-duty springs. Extension springs typically cost $15-$30 per spring.

If you have any garage door spring related issue then please contact local garage door repair company, Mike Garage Door Repair in Fort Collins or Call us at (+1) 970 682-3353. Their experienced technicians can safely handle any needed garage door spring services.

Following these pro tips for proper installation, maintenance, and timely replacement goes a long way towards getting the maximum lifespan out of your garage door spring system. By taking preventative measures now, you’ll avoid being let down by failing springs later on down the road.

FAQs

Q: What are signs I may need to replace my springs?

A: Visible signs like rust spots, cracks or pits in the springs, coils that look stretched out, or frequent breakage indicate damaged springs that should be replaced proactively.

Q: Do I need a professional to replace garage door springs?

A: Yes, the springs are under dangerous tension and specialized tools and training are required. Attempting a DIY spring replacement risks serious personal injury.

Q: What types of upgraded springs increase lifespan?

A: Long life cycle springs rated for 25,000-50,000 cycles last longer than standard 10,000 cycle springs. Galvanized or stainless steel resist rust longer too.

Q: Should I install spring containment cables?

A: Yes, installing internal safety cables through each spring coil contains busted spring parts in the event one breaks. This prevents hazards from sharp flying metal shards.

Q: How much do replacement garage door springs cost?

A: Prices range widely depending on size and type. Single torsion springs cost $50-$300. Extension springs cost $15-$30 each.

Q: Why balance the door to reduce wear on springs?

A: An imbalanced door forces the springs to work harder compensating on each trip, accelerating wear and shortening lifespan.