Springs are essential for safely opening and closing garage doors. Garage doors usually have between one and four springs, depending on the door’s weight and size. These tightly wound coils manage the door’s substantial weight by holding and releasing energy.
Over time, these springs may become damaged due to continuous strain, poor environmental conditions, or material age. Professional repair technicians have the tools and knowledge to handle these high-tension components safely. If you notice any of these eight signs your garage door springs need repair, don’t hesitate to call for assistance.
There Are Unusual Noises
It’s normal to hear some mechanical sounds when a garage door moves, but creaking or popping can indicate a problem. These noises often signal that the springs are under strain, which can eventually lead to a complete failure if the problem isn’t corrected.
Creaking or popping may suggest that the metal coils within the springs are losing their resilience, which can be a precursor to breakage. Over time, wear and tear can cause the springs to weaken, making these sounds more apparent as the door struggles against decreased support. If you notice any of these sounds, have a professional repair technician check the springs for damage and wear and replace them if needed.
The Door Struggles To Operate Smoothly
A garage door that struggles to open or close smoothly can be frustrating and inconvenient. The jerking movement may be due to worn-out springs that are no longer able to support the door’s weight effectively. When springs lose their tension, they can’t provide the necessary lift, causing the door to struggle during operation.
It’s important to address this issue quickly to prevent further mechanical damage. A service technician may be able to lubricate the spring or adjust its tension to bring it back to working order. If a spring is broken or damaged, the technician can replace it.
There Is Visible Wear or Damage
The most common causes of wear and damage to garage door springs include regular use, extreme temperature fluctuations, and inadequate maintenance. Over time, regularly operating the door can lead to metal fatigue that reduces the springs’ elasticity and functionality. Additionally, exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as excessive moisture or extreme heat, can lead to rust and corrosion.
To maximize your garage door springs’ working lifespan, schedule routine maintenance. As part of regular garage door care, the technician can apply the appropriate lubricants to reduce friction without harming the metal. They can also tune up the tension to ensure the springs operate smoothly without undue strain. If the springs are corroded or otherwise damaged, the technician can replace these components.
The Door Opens and Closes Abruptly
A garage door that opens slightly but then abruptly closes can be alarming and dangerous. This issue usually arises when the springs aren’t providing sufficient tension to keep the door in place. The weight of the door can cause it to drop unexpectedly, posing a risk to anyone nearby.
Making sure the springs are properly tensioned and in good condition is crucial for preventing such incidents. If you experience this problem, stop using the door immediately and seek professional assistance. Alliance Overhead Door offers efficient garage door repairs in Austin, Texas. We will inspect the garage door springs and other components and make all necessary repairs. We can address any problem to make sure your overhead garage door operates safely and reliably.
The Door Feels Heavier Than Usual
If your garage door feels heavier than usual when manually operated, it could be a sign of a spring problem that needs repair. Springs are designed to counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easier to lift. A heavier door suggests that the springs are no longer functioning as intended.
Attempting to lift a heavy door without addressing the underlying spring issue can strain other components, leading to further damage. Ensuring the springs are in good condition is crucial for counterbalancing the door’s weight, which makes it easier to adjust the door manually.
The Opener Struggles or Fails
When springs lose their tension, the opener has to work harder to lift the door, leading to excessive wear and potential failure over time. Springs that aren’t providing enough lift force will cause the door to operate sluggishly or not complete the opening cycle. An overworked opener can also cause excess noise and vibration during operation. If the opener is struggling or failing to open the door, call a garage door specialist for maintenance or repairs.
Keeping the springs properly tensioned can restore the door’s speed and full range of motion. It will also alleviate strain on the opener. The repair specialist will evaluate the springs, adjust the tension, and test the system to make sure the opener works smoothly.
The Door Appears Uneven
Does your garage door appear uneven or crooked when it moves? A spring that is weaker or has snapped on one side will cause the door to tilt, putting additional strain on the opener mechanism. If not corrected, this uneven movement can lead to further damage, such as misalignment of the door tracks, increased wear on the opener motor, and potential damage to the door panels.
There is a lot of tension in garage door springs, so homeowners shouldn’t fix this problem on their own. Instead, call an expert repair person to assess the problem and make replacements or repairs. Their expertise and specialized tools make fixing garage door springs faster and easier.
There Are Gaps in the Spring Coils
Gaps or separations visible in the spring coils indicate that the springs are losing their integrity. This separation means that the spring isn’t as tightly wound as it should be, compromising its ability to support the door’s weight. Over time, this can lead to a complete failure of the spring.
Regular visual inspections can help catch these issues early. If you notice gaps in the coils, it’s important to have the springs evaluated by a professional. Prompt replacement can prevent more significant damage to your automatic garage door system.
Functional garage door springs are essential for operating overhead garage doors safely and reliably. Regular maintenance maximizes the springs’ lifespan and prevents malfunctions. If you notice unusual noises or visible damage to the spring, or if the door fails to operate smoothly, call a technician. Attempting to repair or replace a garage door spring on your own could cause serious damage or injuries because the springs are under high tension. Instead, call Alliance Overhead Door to have your garage door springs restored.