Your garage door opener is only as good as its springs. These components play a major role in how smoothly your garage door opens and closes. However, they are under constant tension, and if not properly maintained, they can wear out quickly. In this section, we’ll explore the basics of garage spring maintenance, why it’s important, and how you can take care of your springs to ensure they last longer.
Why Garage Door Springs Matter
Garage door springs help the door open and close smoothly by counterbalancing the weight of the door. These springs are under a lot of pressure every time you use your garage door, so it’s important to take care of them to ensure the entire system works well. Springs generally last for about 10,000 cycles (opening and closing the door once counts as one cycle), but their lifespan can be extended with the right care.
In Fresno, where temperatures can fluctuate, extending spring life becomes even more critical because temperature changes can cause the springs to weaken. Proper garage spring maintenance prevents costly repairs and replacements.
Lubrication: The Key to Smooth Operation
Lubricating your garage door springs is one of the simplest and most effective ways to extend their lifespan. Without lubrication, the springs create more friction when they move, which can cause them to wear out faster. Lubricating the springs also prevents rust, which is a common problem, especially in humid or coastal areas like Fresno.
You should lubricate your garage door springs at least every 6 months. Use a silicone-based lubricant, as it lasts longer and prevents rust better than oil-based lubricants. To apply the lubricant, simply spray it on the springs while they are in the open position, making sure the lubricant covers the entire length of the springs.
Inspecting Your Springs Regularly
Regular inspection is another crucial aspect of garage spring maintenance. Even if your door seems to be working fine, it’s important to check for any signs of wear, rust, or damage. Some common signs that your springs may need attention include:
- Rust: If the springs look rusty, they may need cleaning and a rust-resistant coating.
- Visible Damage: Cracks or gaps in the springs can lead to a broken spring and should be addressed immediately.
- Uneven Lifting: If the garage door is not opening or closing evenly, it could be due to uneven tension on the springs.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to call a garage door repair Fresno professional to check and replace the springs if needed.
Balance and Alignment of the Door
Proper alignment of the garage door opener and springs is important for the system to function correctly. If the door is off-balance, it puts extra pressure on the springs, causing them to wear out faster. Make sure the door is properly aligned to avoid putting strain on the springs. If you’re unsure about how to check alignment, contact a garage door repair Fresno expert to inspect and adjust your system.
How to Check and Maintain the Tension of Your Garage Door Springs
The tension on your garage door springs is a critical factor in their performance and longevity. When the springs are properly balanced, your garage door will open and close smoothly. If the tension is too high or too low, it can put excess strain on the springs and cause premature wear. In this section, we’ll explain how to check and maintain the proper tension on your garage door springs.
1. Why Tension Matters
The springs in your garage door are responsible for lifting the door. They help counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easy to open and close. If the tension on the springs is too high, the door could move too quickly or become hard to control. On the other hand, if the tension is too low, the door may struggle to open and close, causing more strain on the motor and opener system.
When the tension is just right, your garage door opener can operate more efficiently, and the springs will last longer. That’s why it’s essential to regularly check the tension to avoid unnecessary damage.
2. How to Check the Tension
You can check the tension on your garage door springs by performing a simple test. Start by disconnecting the opener (unplugging the motor or pulling the emergency release cord) so that you can operate the door manually. Open the door halfway and let it go. If the door stays in place, the tension is likely balanced. If it begins to drift up or down, the springs may need to be adjusted.
It’s best to leave any adjustments to the tension to a garage door repair Fresno professional, as the springs are under a lot of pressure and can be dangerous to adjust without the proper tools and expertise.
3. Adjusting the Tension
Adjusting the tension of garage door springs isn’t a DIY job for most homeowners. The springs are tightly wound and are under high tension, which makes adjusting them risky if you don’t have the right knowledge and equipment. However, if you’re experienced and comfortable, you can adjust the tension by using a winding bar to turn the spring’s adjustment bolts.
It’s important to adjust both sides of the springs evenly to avoid making the door unbalanced. If you’re unsure about how to adjust the springs, it’s better to call a garage door repair Fresno professional to make the necessary changes safely.
4. The Importance of Spring Balance
The balance of your garage door plays a huge role in its performance and longevity. When the door is properly balanced, it reduces the strain on the opener and motor. You can test the balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door halfway. If the door stays in place, it’s well-balanced. If it starts to drift, it’s time to adjust the springs.
A well-balanced garage door operates more smoothly and helps extend the lifespan of your garage door opener and other components.
Professional Garage Door Spring Maintenance and When to Call for Help
While regular garage spring maintenance can be done by homeowners, there are times when it’s best to call in a professional for help. Garage door springs are under a lot of pressure, and improper maintenance or repair can lead to dangerous situations. In this section, we’ll cover when to call a garage door repair Fresno expert and why professional maintenance is essential for the longevity of your springs.
1. Why Professional Help is Important
Garage door springs are critical to the smooth operation of your garage door, but they are also under significant tension. Over time, this tension can weaken the springs, causing them to snap or fail completely. When this happens, the garage door can come crashing down, which can cause serious injury or damage to property.
A garage door repair Fresno professional has the right tools and expertise to safely handle and adjust garage door springs. Attempting to fix or adjust the springs on your own without the proper knowledge can lead to costly mistakes or accidents. It’s always safer and more efficient to let an expert take care of the job.
2. Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional
While basic maintenance, such as lubrication and cleaning, can be done by homeowners, there are specific signs that indicate you should call a garage door repair Fresno professional:
- Broken springs: If you hear a loud snap or if the door won’t open or close properly, the springs may have broken.
- Uneven door movement: If the garage door moves unevenly or one side of the door is higher than the other, it’s a sign that the springs need adjustment or replacement.
- Excessive noise: If the door is making unusual sounds such as grinding or squeaking, it could indicate that the springs need attention.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to call a professional to ensure the proper repair or replacement of the springs.
3. Regular Professional Inspections
In addition to making adjustments or replacing damaged springs, regular professional inspections can help identify potential problems before they become serious. A garage door repair Fresno technician can inspect all the parts of your garage door system, including the springs, tracks, and opener, and ensure everything is functioning properly. This proactive approach can help extend the lifespan of your garage door and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
During a routine inspection, a technician will check for:
- Wear and tear on the springs and other components
- Balance and alignment of the door
- Tension levels to ensure proper function
Regular professional maintenance can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and replacements.
Conclusion
Maintaining your garage door springs is essential to ensuring the longevity and smooth operation of your garage door system. Regular care, such as lubrication and tension checks, can go a long way in extending the life of your springs. However, when issues arise or adjustments are needed, it’s important to call a garage door repair Fresno professional to ensure everything is handled safely and correctly.
If you need help with garage spring maintenance, repairs, or professional inspections, contact our expert team today! We specialize in garage door repair Fresno and can help you keep your garage door system in top condition.
Call us now to schedule your appointment and keep your garage door working smoothly for years to come!
