When To Replace Garage Door Springs
Your garage door is just one component of an intricate system. Another essential element in the system are the springs.
The two common types of garage door springs are extension springs and torsion springs. Extension springs are located along the tracks on either side of the door and stretch or expand to apply the force needed to open your garage door. Torsion springs are on a horizontal bar along the top of your garage door and use torque to lift.
The lifespan of your springs depends on many factors. The main factor is frequency of use. Spring lifespans are dictated by number of cycles. Extension springs typically run for 10,000 cycles. If you use your door 4 to 6 cycles daily, your springs will last 5 to 7 years on average. Depending on the type, torsion springs can run up to 15,000 cycles. At the same rate of 4-6 cycles daily, these springs could last 7 to 10 years!
Torsion springs are the most common spring and are more durable and safer than extension springs. They also offer more balance for your door as the spring is centered as opposed to the two-spring system of the extension springs. Typically, Carolina Garage Door installs torsion springs unless there is a restricted amount of space above the door where the spring would need to be installed.
Other factors could impact the lifespan of your springs. If you live in an environment with higher moisture levels, rust could be onset more quickly. Cold weather also impairs the viability of your springs by causing the springs to be less flexible, possibly leading to sudden breakage. If your springs are aligned or adjusted incorrectly, the resulting performance issues could cut their lifespan in half!
Expand the life of your springs by limiting the use of your garage door and scheduling regular preventative maintenance and garage door tune-ups.
If you have a broken garage door spring, do not try to lift your garage door or replace garage door springs yourself. These are dangerous actions that could lead to more problems. If you have any issues with your springs, call one of our experienced technicians with the proper tools and knowledge to efficiently repair your garage door springs. Carolina Garage Door offers warranties on all garage door spring installs. Depending on the situation, we offer one year warranties or lifetime warranties. Give us a call today for any garage door repair!