4 Garage Door Spring Maintenance Tips
Your garage door can become a huge vulnerability to your home if you fail to properly maintain it. However, garage door maintenance isn't just about keeping the exterior looking good. You need to maintain the springs too. Before you get started, however, check out these four garage door spring repair and maintenance tips.
1. Identify the Type of Spring
Garage doors use springs to help open and close the door without much effort, allowing people or automatic garage door openers to open the heavy doors. There are two types of springs your garage door can use: extension and torsion. Torsion springs sit wrapped around a bar that runs parallel to the top of your garage door. Extension springs sit on each side of the garage door. They should have a safety cord running through them.
2. Test the Springs and Safety Cords Regularly
It's a good idea to test your garage door springs about once a year to ensure they are working properly. Springs can become dislodged or break, which makes it impossible to open your garage door. To test the springs, just open and close your garage door a few times while you watch. If the door is sagging to one side, there may be a problem with one of the springs. Next, if you have safety cords, check them for any fraying or damage. If you spot any, have them professionally repaired as soon as possible.
3. Keep Them Well Lubricated
Every moving part of your garage door opener needs to be lubricated, including the springs. The best type of lubrication to use is aerosol spray lubrication instead of grease. Grease can become gummy, and it attracts debris, dirt, etc., which can make the springs ineffective. Aerosol spray penetrates the springs better and does not leave that same gunky buildup.
4. Don't Replace Tension Springs Yourself
If your springs or safety cables need to be replaced or repaired because of damage, missing piece, etc., it's best to call a professional. Extension springs are under a lot of tension, and if you remove them incorrectly to replace them or repair a safety cord, you could cause serious injury or damage. Torsion springs are less dangerous, but unless you know what you are doing, it's still a good idea to contact a skilled garaged door maintenance technician.
Don't neglect your garage door and allow it to become a vulnerability in your home. With a few simple steps, you can keep your garage door springs working great. For more information or if you need a repair, contact a garage door repair company like Raynor Door Company.