Garage door springs are one of the most important but often overlooked parts of your garage door system. They are responsible for allowing your garage door to open and close smoothly.
Like any mechanical part of your home, the springs of a garage door can deteriorate over time. This can lead to safety concerns and problems with your garage door’s operation.
Knowing when to replace garage door springs is important for keeping your garage door running smoothly and safe.
In this post, we’ll look at the signs that you may need garage door spring replacement.
Let’s get started.
Visible Wear and Tear
Checking garage door springs for visible wear and tear is an essential step in determining whether they need replacement.
Here is how we suggest you inspect them:
- Safety First
Before you begin, ensure that the garage door is closed and disconnected from the automatic opener to prevent any accidents. Wear safety gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from potential injury.
- Locate the Springs
Depending on the type of garage door system you have, the springs will be located either above the door (torsion springs) or on the sides (extension springs). Torsion springs are typically mounted horizontally above the door, while extension springs are positioned vertically on both sides of the door tracks.
- Visual Inspection
Carefully examine the springs for any signs of wear and tear. Look for the following indicators:
- Gaps or Spaces
Check for any gaps or spaces between the coils of the spring. Over time, springs can become stretched or worn out, causing gaps to form between the coils. These gaps indicate that the spring has lost its tension and may need replacement.
- Rust or Corrosion
Inspect the surface of the springs for any signs of rust or corrosion. Rust can weaken the metal and compromise the structural integrity of the spring, making it prone to failure. If you notice significant rust buildup, it’s a clear indication that the springs need replacing.
- Deformation
Look for any signs of deformation or bending in the springs. Springs that are bent out of shape or have irregularities in their coils may be nearing the end of their lifespan.
Even minor deformities can affect the performance of the spring and should be addressed promptly.
- Check for Symmetry
If you have extension springs, compare both sides of the door to ensure they are symmetrical. If one spring appears to be more stretched or worn out than the other, it could indicate an imbalance in the system.
Imbalanced springs can cause uneven movement of the door and should be addressed to prevent further damage.
- Evaluate Cable Condition
For torsion springs, inspect the cables that are attached to the springs. Look for any fraying, kinking, or signs of damage.
Damaged cables can compromise the operation of the springs and should be replaced along with the springs if necessary.
- Note Any Unusual Features
Pay attention to any other visible abnormalities such as cracks, breaks, or unusual discoloration. These could be signs of underlying issues with the springs and warrant further inspection by a professional.
- Take Notes
Take note of any findings from your visual inspection. Documenting the condition of the springs will help you track their deterioration over time and determine when replacement is necessary.
Difficulty Opening or Closing
Figuring out if you need to replace your garage door springs because you can’t open or close your garage door is a process that requires a systematic approach.
Here is what to do:
- Observe the Door’s Behavior
Start by operating your garage door using both the manual and automatic methods (if applicable). Pay close attention to how the door moves and any unusual sounds it makes during the opening and closing cycles.
- Check for Balance
Disconnect the garage door from the automatic opener by pulling the release cord or lever. This allows you to manually open and close the door.
With the door in the closed position, lift it manually halfway and release it.
A properly balanced door should remain in place without drifting up or down. If one side of the door drops significantly or the door feels heavy to lift manually, it may indicate a problem with the springs.
- Inspect Spring Tension
With the door in the closed position, visually inspect the springs for signs of tension. Torsion springs, which are located horizontally above the door, should be tightly wound with no gaps between the coils.
Extension springs, positioned vertically on both sides of the door, should be stretched slightly but not overly taut. If the springs appear loose or lack tension, they may need replacing.
- Check for Broken Springs
Broken garage door springs are a common cause of difficulty opening or closing. Inspect the springs closely for any signs of breakage or separation.
Look for gaps or cracks in the coils, as well as any visible signs of damage.
If you notice a broken spring or suspect that one of the springs is damaged, it’s crucial to replace it promptly to prevent further complications.
- Evaluate Spring Condition
Even if the springs appear intact, it’s essential to assess their overall condition. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as rust, corrosion, or deformation. Rusty or corroded springs may have weakened over time, while deformed springs may have lost their ability to provide proper support. Any of these issues can contribute to difficulty opening or closing the garage door and may warrant replacement.
- Check for Uneven Movement
As you manually open and close the door, observe its movement along the tracks. If the door moves unevenly or jerks during operation, it could be a sign of worn-out or damaged springs.
Uneven movement can place additional strain on the springs and other components of the garage door system, leading to further issues if left unaddressed.
- Consult a Professional
If you’re unsure about the condition of your garage door springs or how to proceed, it’s always best to consult with a professional garage door technician.
We have the expertise and tools to perform a thorough inspection and diagnose any issues accurately. Our professional assessment can help ensure the safety and functionality of your garage door system.
Sagging or Uneven Door
When garage door springs start to wear out, they may lose their ability to support the weight of the door evenly. This can cause the door to sag on one side or appear uneven when opening or closing.
Here is what to do:
- Close the Door
Start by closing the garage door completely to conduct a thorough examination.
- Observe the Alignment
Step back and visually inspect the door to determine if it appears level and aligned with the ground. Look for any noticeable gaps between the door and the floor on either side.
- Measure the Gaps
Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the bottom of the door and the floor on both sides. Take note of any significant variations in the measurements, as this could indicate unevenness.
- Check for Sagging
Look at the overall shape of the garage door from both the inside and outside. If the door appears to sag in the middle or on one side, it’s a clear sign that the springs may not be providing adequate support.
Loud Noises During Operation
If you hear unusual sounds like squeaking, grinding, or popping when operating the garage door, it could indicate a problem with the springs.
Here is how to check for this issue:
- Identify the Source of the Noise
Before inspecting the springs, try to identify the specific source of the loud noises during garage door operation. While worn-out or damaged springs can contribute to noisy operation, other components such as rollers, hinges, tracks, or the automatic opener may also be causing the noise.
- Disconnect the Door
To conduct a thorough inspection of the springs, disconnect the garage door from the automatic opener by pulling the release cord or lever. This allows you to manually open and close the door without the assistance of the opener.
- Operate the Door Manually
Open and close the garage door manually several times while listening for any loud noises. Pay attention to the timing and intensity of the noises, as well as any specific points in the door’s movement where the noise occurs.
- Observe Spring Movement
As you manually operate the door, visually inspect the springs for any signs of movement or vibration. Torsion springs, which are located horizontally above the door, should rotate smoothly without any jerky or uneven movements. Extension springs, positioned vertically on both sides of the door tracks, should extend and retract evenly without excessive bouncing or shaking.
- Listen for Specific Sounds
While operating the door, listen carefully for the types of noises produced. Loud banging, popping, or grinding sounds are often indicative of worn-out or damaged springs. These noises occur as the springs struggle to support the weight of the door, causing them to strain and make audible sounds.
- Check for Rust or Corrosion
Inspect the surface of the springs for any signs of rust or corrosion.Rusty or corroded springs can contribute to noisy operation and may indicate that the springs are nearing the end of their lifespan. If you notice significant rust buildup, it’s a clear indication that the springs need replacing.
- Assess Spring Tension
With the door in the closed position, observe the tension of the springs. Torsion springs should be tightly wound with no gaps between the coils, while extension springs should be stretched slightly but not overly taut. If the springs appear loose or lack tension, they may be unable to support the weight of the door properly, leading to noisy operation.
Professional Inspection
As with any garage door issue you are not sure about, if you’re unsure about the condition of your garage door springs, it’s best to have them inspected by a professional technician.
We can identify any issues and recommend the appropriate course of action, whether it’s repair or replacement.
