The springs of your garage door play a crucial yet often overlooked role in the functionality and safety of your garage door system. Acting as a counterbalance, these springs offset the weight of the door, enabling it to open and close smoothly. Two types of springs are generally in use across most residential and commercial garage doors: the torsion spring and extension spring. Understanding the operations and maintenance demands of this essential component can drastically enhance the lifespan and safety of your garage door, demonstrating the importance of understanding the role of door springs.
So how long do garage door springs last? If you’re interested to know more, we invite you to continue reading as we’ll go through the details of this topic in today’s article.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of The Springs Of The Door In Your Garage?
The life cycle of the metal coils typically varies with their type and usage. However, on average, they last about 7 to 9 years before the springs break. Heavy-duty springs can last longer, up to 12 years with regular usage. The life expectancy tends to decrease if the garage door is frequently used or not properly maintained.
When Do Metal Coils Of Your Garage Door Usually Need To Be Replaced?
The door springs usually need to be replaced every 7-9 years, depending on usage frequency and maintenance quality. If you notice your garage door struggles to open, makes loud noises because of rust and lack of lubrication, or doesn’t remain open, it’s a clear sign that you have to perform garage door repair. Regular inspection can prevent sudden failure.
What Factors Can Affect The Lifespan Of The Springs?
Several factors can affect the lifespan of the springs. Usage frequency plays a significant role; the more the door is used, the faster springs wear out. The quality of springs is also crucial. High-quality springs tend to last longer and are more resistant to rust and corrosion. Additionally, proper maintenance, including regular lubrication and timely professional inspections can significantly increase the metal coil’s lifespan.
How To Determine If Your The Springs Need To Be Replaced?
Here are the things you need to do when the metal coils of your garage door need to be replaced:
- Look For The Signs
The signs that the springs on your garage door are nearing the end of their lifespan include difficulty in opening or closing the door, the door not staying up when opened, loud noises when operating the door, and visible wear or rust on the springs. A sagging garage door is another strong indicator.
- Test The Performance
To test the performance of the garage spring, first, disconnect the electric door opener. Then, lift the door halfway – a well-functioning spring will keep it in place. If the door moves or is too hard to lift, this suggests the springs are worn or improperly balanced, indicating the need for maintenance or replacement.
- Determine The Type Of Spring Used
Torsion springs are most commonly used in garage doors. Known for their durability and longevity, these springs work by twisting and coiling around an axis. When the garage door is operated, the torsion springs balance the door’s weight by using mechanical torque to counterbalance the load, facilitating smooth and manageable operation.
How To Replace The Springs Of Your Garage Door?
Replacing the metal coils of a garage door can be dangerous if not done correctly. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Tools Required
Work gloves, safety glasses, 7/16″ wrench, 1/2″ wrench, adjustable wrench, set of winding bars, vice grips, and WD-40 as a lubricant.
- Deploy Safety Measures
Unplug the garage door opener and disconnect it from the door to ensure it doesn’t move during the repair. Clamp the door to a ladder or lock it into place with a pair of vice grips.
- Measure the Old Springs
Measure the length and diameter of the existing springs to make sure you purchase the right-sized replacement.
- Unwind the Unbroken Spring
If there’s a remaining unbroken spring, carefully unwind it with winding bars. Make sure you’re standing to the side and not in the spring’s path.
- Loosen the Set Screws
Once the springs are completely unwound, loosen their set screws. Next, remove the bolts and nuts from the central rod bracket, and move around the surrounding rods and pulleys to remove the springs themselves.
- Spring Replacement
Slide the new springs onto the rod where the old ones were. Make sure not to mix them up; there are both right- and left-handed springs.
- Reinstall Garage Door Parts
Replace the pulleys, cables, rods, and central rod bracket. Ensure all parts are installed in the correct location and order.
- Wind the Springs
Use your winding bars to wind the new springs. Put one end of the winding bar into a hole on the spring plug and the other end against the doorway to stop the bar from spinning. Carefully lift the bar upward to wind the spring. Keep in mind that these springs may have a lot of tension, so make sure your hands aren’t above the winding bar. And don’t forget to use WD-40 to lubricate the springs.
- Check the Door
After winding the springs, check the door to ensure it balances and is functioning properly. If it doesn’t balance, something may be off and it may be wise to call a professional.
If you’re not comfortable with your mechanical skills and the amount of tension that the springs are under, it might be safer to hire a professional to do this job for you. Always prioritize your safety as they have long experience with this kind of repair.
Overall, the life expectancy of garage door springs varies significantly depending on usage but generally, they have an expectancy of 7 to 9 years. However, this can decrease due to frequent use or imperfect maintenance. When you notice wear and tear, it is important to replace them, as failing to do so can result in malfunctions and potential injury. Replacing the spring is a delicate task requiring precision. Thus, if you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself, it is advisable to hire a professional. Professionals are trained to manage such tasks efficiently and safely, ensuring the durability and smooth operation of your garage door.