The springs that help your garage door open and close are one of the most important components of the system. Over time and thousands of open/close cycles, springs can fatigue and lose their proper tension. As a result, they may not be able to fully support the weight of your door. Here are some telltale signs that could indicate your springs are reaching the end of their usable life and need expert service.
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Difficult Operation
If you suddenly find your door stiffer and harder to manually lift open or close, this is one of the main red flags that springs may be worn. A professional like Garage Door Spring Repair in Laurel can examine both the torsion and extension springs to assess tension and integrity.
Noisy Operation
Another common symptom is new noises coming from the spring mechanism, like a loud squeaking or creaking that wasn’t present previously. Loose or broken springs make audible complaints when the door is engaged. A technician’s stethoscope can pinpoint the source.
Deformed or Broken Coils
On older springs, you may spot actual physical deformations in the coils like cracks, rust or signs of unwinding. Extension springs may show gaps between coils. These damages reduce effectiveness and reliability.
Door Track Issues
Weakened springs that don’t properly counterbalance the weight often lead to the door tracking improperly or needing extra muscle to close fully. Repairs address any required track adjustments.
Safety Concerns
Damaged or improperly tensioned springs present a serious safety hazard if they abruptly snap or break. Annual inspections guarantee hazardous springs are replaced before failures occur.
Uneven Movement
If one side or area of the door moves differently than other areas during open-close cycles, this could signify imbalance from worn springs in need of tuning.
Schedule Inspections
Many pros recommend annual or biannual inspections to catch small issues before they worsen. Springs only last 5-8 years on average with ongoing use, so regular maintenance maximizes door/opener lifespan and safety. Catching a needed spring repair early prevents possible damage to other connected garage door parts too. With advance detection of wear, cost-effective repairs return your door to proper operation for years to come.
Frank Partnoy is a tech blogger who loves to share his thoughts about the latest gadgets and technology. He loves everything from smartphones, laptops, tablets and more!
