Your garage door can open and close because it has at least one spring helping it to move up and down. Garage doors typically use a torsion spring or an extension spring. Some doors rely on one large spring, while others use a couple smaller springs. Properly functioning springs are essential to the performance of your garage door, so it's important to take good care of them. Here are 3 steps you can take to protect your garage door's spring.
Avoid Unnecessary Use
Garage door springs, even ones with a lifetime warranty, typically last for a specified amount of cycles. Review your paperwork or contact a garage door expert to determine how many cycles you can expect the spring on your garage door to withstand. If your spring has a short lifespan, such as 10,000 cycles, you can cut down on garage door use by trying some of the following tips:
- Make sure children do not push the garage door opener out of boredom or curiosity
- Have at least one family member park in the driveway
- Use your garage's side door instead of its overhead door when you remove the lawn mower, bicycles, or gardening equipment
- Keep the garage door open if multiple family members leave or arrive home around the same time
If you don't want to cut back on how often you open or close the garage door, you don't have to. A spring repair specialist can troubleshoot any issues that occur as a result of frequent use.
Lubricate the Springs
As the seasons change, you may find that your garage door moves slowly or develops a loud, creaking noise. Address these common concerns by spraying a lubricant designed for springs and coils on your springs, such as WD-40. Make sure to use a metal-safe lubricant that helps prevent rust from forming, as rust significantly impacts the performance of garage door springs by making it harder for the coil to move.
If you are unsure how to apply a garage door lubricant, contact a garage door contractor and ask for tips. A contractor can stop by and demonstrate how to apply the lubricant so you can do it on your own, or you can schedule regular maintenance checks a few times a year.
Repair Leaks
Does your roof leak, or are there cracks in your garage door? If water seeps through and lands on garage door springs, they may develop rust. As stated previously, rust has a negative effect on garage door springs. Prevent water from damaging your springs by checking for leaks regularly, especially during a rainstorm or heavy snow flurries.
If leaking water damages your garage's springs, talk to a garage door repair company to learn about your options. A specialist can assess the damage and explain whether you need to repair or replace the springs. For more information, check out websites like http://aaagaragedoorinc.com.
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