How To Maintain Your Garage Door Springs To Last Longer

Learning how to maintain your garage door springs can save you time, money, and some untimely hassles, and the good news is, the ways to do it are pretty easy

Many people may need to learn that the springs in their garage door are vital in keeping it functioning correctly. Let's explore the kinds of garage door springs, the function of the springs in more detail, and the importance of maintenance.

What do Garage Door Springs Do?

Most garage doors weigh at least 200 pounds; some can go way beyond that. That means the springs that support the door have a big job. The springs take the load off the garage door opener and the other components that help the door go up and down. Like most mechanisms that get used repeatedly, the springs on your garage door will eventually fail. However, there are ways to ensure spring replacement is needed less often.

Types of Garage Door Springs

There are two primary kinds of garage door springs: torsion and extension. Torsion springs are what you see above the garage door and are wound tightly to store energy. As the garage door opens, the torsion spring unwinds, providing the energy needed to lift the door. On the other hand, extension springs are located above the horizontal tracks on either side of the door and stretch to provide the energy needed to lift the door. Learn more about the kinds of springs below.

The function of Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs function is to counterbalance the weight of your garage door, making it easier to open and close. Without springs, the garage door would be too heavy to lift manually, and an automatic garage door opener would not be able to lift the door. When the garage door is opened, the springs store energy; when it's closed, they release that energy to close it.

Importance of Maintaining Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs operate with a lot of tension; therefore, they can be dangerous if they break or become worn out. A broken garage door spring can cause the door to slam shut or become unstable, posing a safety hazard to people and pets. Additionally, if the springs are not functioning correctly, the garage door opener can become damaged and require expensive repairs.

To avoid these issues, it's essential to have your garage door springs inspected and maintained regularly by a professional. This includes lubricating the springs to prevent rust and corrosion, adjusting the tension to ensure the door is balanced correctly, and replacing worn or broken springs as needed. It's also important to never attempt to adjust or repair garage door springs, as this can be dangerous. Spring repair should only be done by a trained professional.

First, determine whether your garage door has extension or torsion springs. The main difference is that extension springs fully expand and contract when they lift or lower your garage door. Rather than expanding and contracting, torsion springs turn to raise and lower your garage door. They are sturdier and last up to twice as long as extension springs. 

While torsion springs and extension springs have their pros and cons, there are several factors you should consider before making your decision. 

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs use torque to lift and lower the door. They are wound tightly and store energy that is released when the door is opened or closed. Torsion springs are known for their durability and are often preferred by professionals for their reliability.

Pros of Torsion Springs:

Can last longer than extension springs

More reliable and durable

Offer smoother operation

Require less maintenance

Suitable for heavy garage doors

Cons of Torsion Springs:

More expensive than extension springs

Require professional installation

Can be dangerous to repair or replace

Extension Springs

Extension springs are on either side of the door and stretch to provide the energy needed to lift and lower the door. They are more affordable than torsion springs.

Pros of Extension Springs:

Less expensive than torsion springs

Easy to install

Can be replaced individually if one spring breaks

Suitable for lighter garage doors

Cons of Extension Springs:

Not as durable as torsion springs

Can require more maintenance

Offer a less smooth operation

Can be more dangerous to use than torsion springs

Choosing the Right Spring for Your Garage Door

When deciding between torsion springs and extension springs, there are several factors you should consider. Firstly, the weight of your garage door will determine which type of spring is most suitable. Torsion springs are better suited for heavier garage doors, while extension springs are ideal for lighter doors.

Secondly, your budget will also play a role in your decision. Torsion springs are more expensive but tend to last longer and require less maintenance, making them a better long-term investment.

Choosing the right type of spring for your garage door depends on several factors, including the weight of your door, your budget, and your level of expertise. While torsion springs offer durability and reliability, they can be more expensive and require professional installation. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal preferences and needs.

You can measure the lifespan of your garage door opener and your springs in 'cycles.' Opening and closing your garage door represents one cycle. On average, garage door extension springs last about 10,000 cycles. If you average four cycles per day on your garage door, your extension springs will last about seven years. (4 x 365 x 7 = 10,220)

Since torsion springs work differently and are stronger, they generally last between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles. That means if you use your garage for four cycles each day, torsion springs should last for about 12 years. (4 x 365 x 12 = 17,520)

Type of metal used in spring: Springs are made of different kinds of metal, which can significantly affect how long they last. For instance, torsion springs made from galvanized zinc can often lose their tensile strength faster than oil-tempered springs, which means they will fail more quickly.

Rust: This issue can cause your garage door to break much quicker than expected. Suppose you live in an area with prime conditions for creating rust, like beach areas or places with high humidity. In that case, it could lead to a shorter lifespan if you don't actively protect your springs against rust.

Road Salt: This doesn't just add wear and tear to your car; it also does a number on the metal components on your garage door. It helps rust grow faster, leading to your springs not lasting as long as they could.

Lubrication: Ensuring your garage door springs are lubricated with the right product is essential to keeping them in the best shape possible and extending their lifespan. Lubrication has two huge benefits. It provides a shield against moisture and salts that cause rust and helps reduce friction and heat when the springs are in use. 

Door Gators pros recommend using white lithium or silicone lubrication sprays on your garage door springs. These sprays leave a thick coat of grease on the springs, and both can be purchased at local or big-box hardware stores. We believe lubricating your springs twice yearly with white lithium or silicone-based spray will keep them protected from the elements and operating at their best.

Using a lubricant you already have in your garage may sound much more convenient, like WD-40. Despite its versatility, WD-40 is not a good lubricant for garage door springs because it actually dries them out, which can cause added friction that can make them break sooner than they should. 

Balance: Keeping your garage door properly balanced will make a massive difference in the lifespan of your garage door springs. An off-balance garage door can force the springs to stretch far beyond their capacity. The unnecessary stress can cause catastrophic failure, which will not only cause your opener to stop working but can also cause severe injury.

Suppose your garage door looks off balance or there appears to be too much or too little tension in the springs. In that case, it is best to get your door checked out by a Door Gators technician who can ensure it gets properly rebalanced. 

Regularly scheduled maintenance: Regularly scheduled maintenance: Having an experienced specialist from Door Gators check out your garage door system in person is the best way to prevent all maintenance issues. It will help ensure your garage door springs last as long as possible. Annual maintenance combined with your own 6-month preventative maintenance is the recommended schedule. 

If you need help lubricating, rebalancing, or replacing your garage door springs, Door Gators can often perform a maintenance check the same day you call us!