3 Things You Need To Know About Garage Door Springs

An automatic garage door is a luxury that many homeowners take for granted. These modern amenities make it possible to access your garage space with the push of a button. Your automatic garage door can only perform efficiently if each component within the door's operating system is cared for properly.

Some of the most important components in a garage door are the springs. Springs are responsible for storing and releasing the energy that is needed for a garage door to be raised or lowered.

Here are three important things that you need to know about garage door springs in order to properly maintain these essential components in the future.

1. There are Two Types of Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs can be split into two categories: torsion springs and extension springs.

Extension springs are typically located along the sides of a garage door. These strings stretch and contract as the garage door opens and closes. The primary role of extension springs is to provide a counterbalance for the weight of the door itself.

Torsion springs are most often secured to a metal shaft located above a garage door. Torsion springs help with opening and closing by using torque to balance the metal shaft against the weight of the garage door.

2. Warning Signs of Broken Springs Shouldn't Be Ignored

Any homeowner with an automatic garage door needs to be familiar with the warning signs that indicate a spring has failed. If a broken garage door spring isn't replaced right away, the door could behave erratically and cause serious harm.

A quick visual inspection of the springs can tell you if there is damage. You should look for evidence of corrosion or gaps within the springs themselves.

Other warning signs associated with spring failure include excessive noise when opening and closing your garage door, a door that opens crookedly, and a door that closes too quickly.

3. Garage Door Springs Have a Limited Lifespan

You can't expect the springs that help balance the weight of your garage door to last forever. Excessive use can cause a lot of wear and tear, leaving your springs vulnerable to damage.

Weather conditions can also affect the lifespan of a garage door spring. Cold weather causes the metal springs to become brittle and more susceptible to failure.

Other factors like the amount of maintenance you provide and the amount of physical damage your springs sustain can help determine the overall lifespan of your garage door springs.

Contact a professional to learn more about garage door springs.