A well-installed garage door spring can last for approximately 3-5 years before problems occur. The number of times you open or close a garage door determines the time the spring takes to damage. On average, it wears off after 10,000 turns of opening and closing the door.
But this is not always the case because garage door springs are different. There are two types of garage door springs; torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are mounted on the door using a shaft. Extension springs are mounted on both sides of the wall.
Torsion springs are considered more durable and safer than extension springs. The state of the garage door springs determines the nature of the garage doors. And for this reason, you need to know how to spot a spring that is wearing off.
These are the signs that you need to replace your garage door springs.
Your garage door feels bulky
If you feel like lifting your garage door has become heavier than usual, you should get the torsion springs checked.
A garage door’s weight feels lighter because torsion springs support the door’s weight. One characteristic of a heavy door is that if you release it, it descends quickly.
Loud noise emanating from your garage
When a torsion spring breaks, it produces a very loud noise similar to a gunshot. This noise is due to the high amount of torque that the broken spring has released during that short period.
You should seek professional assistance when you hear such a noise on your garage door.
Loose cables
If you notice loose cables on garage doors, it is usually a torsion springs issue. This is especially relevant if your torsion system has a single torsion spring. When your torsion spring breaks, your cable hangs loosely. Replace the cables only when they are highly damaged.
Keep an eye on the door cables’ condition because they tell a lot about the springs’ state.
Door moving in a jerky way
Garage doors should move effortlessly and without bumping. Jerky movements are common in garage doors that use extension springs.
If an extension spring on one side of the walls breaks, the functioning spring is forced to slow down. This is because there is only one spring that is working. Understanding where the extension springs are located will help you when communicating with the technician.
Rust
Rust is hazardous for torsion springs because it increases friction on the coil and corrodes the spring itself.
You should inspect the springs regularly and spray them down with a water-displacing spray to keep the springs healthy and free from rust.
Gaps in torsion springs
A gap approximately 2 inches in your torsion spring is another sign that the spring has broken. The spring’s deflection causes the hole; when the spring deflects, the coil extends to a new travel distance.
The torsion spring breaks when it exerts the force it preserves while going back to its natural state.
You should contact qualified technicians if you spot a gap in the garage door spring.
Door appears to be bent
If your door appears to be crooked, then there is an issue with one of the extension springs.
Extension springs are on either side of the door, and each spring pulls the door independently.
If one of these springs breaks, the door’s side with the broken spring will be pulled irregularly and will not close properly. It will appear bent, and if not repaired, the door might get stuck on its tracks.
The door is not opening fully
If your door does not open fully, then your springs are worn out. If not attended to, the springs might pass the wearing-out stage and even break. If the springs break, then your door can only open six inches. Your door will cease to open if the springs are entirely damaged.
In the event this happens, you can use the motor to close the garage door fully.
Before you contact professional assistance such as Wayne Dalton garage door repair, it is advisable to confirm whether the door’s malfunction was caused by triggering the safety system.
Damaged garage doors can be hazardous to both your property and the people around the vicinity of your property. You can avoid these disasters by making sure that you can identify the signs of a damaged garage door spring and consulting a professional to fix the door.