Keeping Your Garage Door Springs in Top Shape

Garage door springs work hard every time the door opens and closes, making them susceptible to wear and damage over the years. But simple preventative steps can help prolong spring lifespan and reduce security and safety issues down the road. Let’s look at important regular maintenance tasks.

Lubrication is Key

Both extension and torsion springs should be lubricated every 6-12 months to allow smooth movement without excess friction. Use a dry silicone spray on moving metal parts rather than oil-based lubricants to avoid debris buildup. Wipe off excess lubricant to prevent dust and dirt clinging.

Tighten Fasteners Regularly

Vibrating springs can cause screws, bolts and mounting hardware to loosen slightly with continuous use. Check that all fasteners connecting springs to supporting brackets and doors remain snugly secured. Retighten when flexible to prevent future failure.

Inspect Cables & Drums

On extension spring models, the lift cables connecting the door to springs regularly rub inside the pulley drum area. Check cables for signs of wear and that they slide freely without knots or kinks in the pulley drums every season.

Watch for Rust and Corrosion

Springs located outside in humid coastal climates like Virginia Beach are susceptible to rusting. Inspect for corrosion developing in metal surfaces. Contact a company like Garage Door Spring Repair in Virginia Beach for professional rustproofing treatment if needed to protect vulnerable areas.

Conduct an Annual Safety Check

Once yearly, test springs for signs of cracks, breaks or deterioration that can compromise safety if used further. Small cracks may be monitored closely, but large or multiplying cracks warrant spring replacement to avoid potential injury from sudden failure.

Replace Springs Before Breakdown

While not a fun investment, replacing springs before breakdown allows planning for expenses and avoiding headaches of emergencies. Springs typically last 10-15 years, so schedule work near this timeline even if still functioning to stay ahead of issues.

With consistent maintenance like lubrication, safety inspections and preventative part swaps, homeowners can protect their investment in garage door springs and spot potential problems early before they cause expensive damage or safety hazards down the road. Simple twice-yearly checks only take minutes but offer major long-term peace of mind.