When your garage doors were installed, they were installed with a spring that is designed to help the garage door motor raise and lower your door. This spring also makes it possible for you to open and close your garage door manually in the event of a power outage or a bad motor.
Still, garage door springs are not designed to last forever — so it's important to know what to expect when it comes to spring replacement.
How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?
When you will need to replace your garage door springs will depend on a few factors, starting with the type of spring you had installed with your doors. Most commonly, these springs are rated to last for about 10,000 cycles; this means you can open and close your doors 10,000 times before you can expect the springs to fail. However, some springs are designed to last even longer, for up to 20,000 or even 50,000 cycles.
With that in mind, the frequency with which you use your garage doors will also affect how long the springs last. And of course, keeping your springs (and the rest of your garage door's moving parts) properly maintained and lubricated can help you extend their usable life.
Signs You Might Need New Springs
How do you know when it's time for new garage door springs? There are a few common signs to watch for, with the most obvious sign being a garage door that will not open or close. In some cases, the door may open a few inches before stopping — a likely indication that the spring is broken and unable to "pull the weight" of the door entirely.
In other cases, signs of a failing spring may be less obvious. You might notice, for example, that your garage door opens or closes with very jerky movements as the spring wears down. When the spring actually breaks, you may hear a very loud bang noise as well.
Finding the Right Repair Professional
If your garage door spring needs replaced (or if you're experiencing any other problems with your garage door), it's important to find a garage door repair expert. Garage door springs are under extremely high pressure, and you could seriously injure yourself if you don't know what you're doing. An experienced garage door repair technician will be able to replace your spring safely and properly so your door can operate smoothly once again.
For more information, contact a garage door repair service today.
Share