Your garage door is one of the hardest-working components in your home, but that kind of use inevitably leads to wear and tear. When your springs break, they can cause damage and even injury to people or cars in the garage.

Fortunately, several ways exist to know when to replace your garage door springs.

The Door Is Noisy

Your garage door springs are under a lot of tension. They expand and retract regularly, creating friction that can make them noisy. Lubricating them regularly with a silicone-based lubricant can help them stay quieter.

However, if you see rust or damage to the springs, it’s time to replace them. Replacing these springs is fairly simple, but consulting a professional is important. The springs are under high tension and can cause injury if mishandling them. A professional can ensure your replacement springs are rated for the correct door weight and installed correctly. They can also ensure your cable drums are properly anchored. If they aren’t, your garage door could slam down suddenly. This can be dangerous for you and your family.

The Door Is Hard to Open

A garage door goes through thousands of open and close cycles each year, so it’s natural for some components to wear out over time. One of the first signs that your garage door springs are worn down is when it becomes difficult to lift the door.

Observe the spring coils for large gaps that indicate they’re nearing the end of their lifespan. Keeping the springs in good condition with regular lubrication will prolong their lifespan.

A properly functioning door should open and close at a consistent pace. If the door moves unevenly or jerkily, this is a sign that the springs are worn down. It can also be a safety hazard for anyone standing nearby. It is a good idea to consult a professional for garage door repair Austin to resolve the issue.

The Door Is Crooked

If the garage door is crooked when it opens and closes, it could mean one of your springs has worn out. Springs help to balance the garage door’s weight, so if one side isn’t supporting the weight, it could cause damage and prevent the door from opening or closing smoothly.

You should also check to see if there are any large gaps in the coils of your springs. If the gaps start to get bigger, it’s likely that your spring is nearing the end of its lifespan and will break soon. Replacing the spring early will prevent it from breaking unexpectedly and damaging your door or causing injuries to people walking underneath it.

The Door Is Heavy

If your garage door is too heavy to lift, it may be time for new springs. These springs are meant to counterbalance the weight of your door, but they wear out over time and lose their strength. Keeping up with regular lubrication and annual inspections can help extend their lifespan.

You can test your springs by opening your garage door halfway and letting it go. If the door stays up, it’s a good sign that your springs are in good condition.

Choose a reputable repair company when ready to replace your garage door springs. They’ll have the tools and experience needed to do the job correctly. They’ll also be able to help you choose the right springs for your specific door.

The Door Is Squeaky

While squeaky garage doors may seem minor, they can indicate that your springs are on their last legs. A garage door spring replacement Austin will save you costly repair bills.

You can lubricate your extension or torsion springs yourself to help prevent damage but be cautious. These springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to work with. If you need the correct tools or experience, let a professional take care of this for you.

Your garage door is an essential part of your home, and it must be safe and functional to use daily. If you see signs that your springs are wearing out, call a technician to repair or replace them immediately.