Homeowners know how important it is to know when to replace garage door springs. The springs are a crucial part of your garage door, and if they’re not working correctly, they can cause many problems.
Below are some signs to look out for before you replace your garage door springs. Remember that just because you might see one or two of these signs doesn’t mean you have to replace the springs immediately. However, if you see a few or multiple of these signs, it might be time for a tune-up or a full replacement of the springs.
1. Loud Noises When Opening Or Closing The Garage Door
If your garage door makes strange noises when you open or close it, it’s time to call in a professional to replace the springs. The springs are responsible for the smooth opening and closing of the door, so if they’re not working properly, they can cause loud noises. The noises could signify that the springs are loose and need to be tightened or that they’ve been completely worn out and need to be replaced.
Either way, it’s important to put the door through garage door maintenance and have it looked at by a professional to avoid any potential injuries or damage to your property.
2. Uneven Gaps On The Sides Of The Garage Door
If you’re noticing uneven gaps on the sides of your garage door, it might be time to replace your springs. This is because a garage door with uneven gaps indicates that the springs are wearing down and need to be replaced. Uneven gaps can also cause the door not to close properly, which could lead to serious safety hazards.
3. The Garage Door Becomes Stuck Or Heavy To Lift
If your garage door starts to feel stuck or heavy to lift, that’s usually a sign that the springs are starting to wear down. When springs start to wear out, they can’t support the weight of the door anymore, which makes it harder to open and close.
In addition, a garage door that’s stuck or hard to lift is more likely to fall off its tracks. So, if you’re experiencing this problem, it’s time to replace your springs.
4. Rust Or Corrosion On The Torsion Springs
Rust or corrosion can be one of the most telling signs of garage door springs needing replacement. Torsion springs are usually made of metal, and exposure to the weather can cause them to corrode over time. Rust or corrosion on garage door springs will cause them to become weak and eventually snap, so it’s important to examine these components regularly.
It’s best to look at each torsion spring every few months, checking for any signs of wear or rust. If you spot any rust or corrosion, you must call an expert to replace your garage door springs immediately, as they can no longer provide adequate support for your garage door system.
A professional would know how to replace both springs simultaneously and use the same type and size as before. Different sizes can cause your garage door system to become unbalanced and make it more difficult to open and close. Once you’ve identified the problem, set a garage door repair budget to ensure you get the best replacement job.
5. Visible Signs Of Wear And Tear
If you have metal springs, look for signs of damage or wear and tear. The springs may also be covered in dirt and debris, reducing their functionality. If you can see any bumps, lumps, cracks, or dents on the metal springs, this is a clear indicator that they need to be replaced.
Another giveaway is if the springs look bent out of shape or stretched out. Over time, the tension of the garage door opener’s lifting power could cause them to weaken and become stretched further than its original shape. If this has happened to your garage door springs, then it’s time for replacement, as stretching them too much can break them and cause your garage door to malfunction.
6. Uneven Weight When Manually Lifting The Garage Door
If you notice any uneven weight when manually lifting your garage door, it could indicate that your springs have worn out or been damaged. This is because the springs help balance the door’s weight, distributing it evenly on both sides. So, if you feel like one side of the door is more difficult to lift than the other, this could be an indication that your springs need to be replaced.
Conclusion
So, how do you know when to replace your garage door springs? Use the above-discussed information as a guide. With it, homeowners whose garage door shows more than two of the signs will know it’s time for a tune-up or replacement of the garage door springs.
