Garage door springs are critical to the functionality of your automatic garage door opener. Springs help lift the door, and make the door easy to open even if the automatic garage door opener is disabled. You may not spend much time thinking about your garage door springs, but they still need some maintenance and attention from time to time. If you’re a homeowner with an automatic garage door opener, here’s what you need to know about spring maintenance.
Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Repair
Garage door springs can deteriorate with time. Humidity and moisture, lack of maintenance and everyday wear and tear can have an effect on your garage door springs. When you check your springs from time to time, you may notice signs they need repair. Here’s what to look for:
- Corrosion: Corrosion can occur if your garage door springs are regularly exposed to moisture. Look for rough patches, places where paint has worn away and crusty patches.
- Loud noises: Loud noises when the door operates are a sign that your springs need to be lubricated. Unlubricated springs can make a screeching noise, similar to the sound of a rusty door hinge.
- Rust: Rust is another sign that your springs are exposed to the elements, like rain water, leaks and humidity.
- Sag: A sagging spring, especially a sagging torsion spring, can be a sign that your garage door springs are about to break.
What You Can Do
Homeowners can perform regular maintenance on their garage door springs to ensure that they’re in good condition. The best way to ensure that your garage door is properly maintained is to have a reputable garage door contractor give your door a tuneup once annually. During your tuneup, your garage door contractor will check the springs for signs of wear and tear, and will recommend repairs if needed. Your contractor will also spray the springs with a protective lubricant that keeps moisture away.
If you miss an annual tuneup with your garage door contractor, spray the springs with white lithium grease or silicone spray. Your garage door contractor can recommend the right product for your garage door springs.
Contact your garage door contractor if you notice the torsion spring above your garage door begin to sag or rust. The torsion spring is a major part that, if it breaks, may disable your garage door until it is repaired.
Contact Your Garage Door Contractor Today
Keep in regular contact with your garage door contractor. Contacting your contractor once annually for a tune up will help ensure that your garage door is in good working condition. At Overhead Door of Oklahoma City, we perform garage door repairs and replacements. Call today to schedule an appointment.
