How Long Do Garage Door Tension Springs Last?
If your home is equipped with a garage door, you probably know that these installations open and close thanks to springs. Garage doors move thousands of times each year, but how often do you inspect components for proper function? The springs that make up your assembly are vital for operation, but it is important to understand these parts can become dangerous with wear and tear.
Hunter Door is a leader in garage door installation and repair services across South Jersey, and we want our customers to recognize the warning signs when springs are in need of replacement. The average life expectancy of tension springs is anywhere between five and seven years, but you can prevent accidents and garage door downtime by knowing exactly when to contact a professional.
Types of Springs for Garage Doors
Standard garage door setups contain torsion springs and expansion springs. Torsion springs are usually located directly above garage doors on inside walls where they balance the weight of the attachment. If you have ever lifted a garage door by hand, these are the springs that make it easy to guide the fixture to the open or closed position.
Expansion springs attach to garage door tracks and are primarily responsible for raising and lowering both sides of the door. When the expansion springs are in working order, your setup will look level as it slowly makes contact with the ground.
How Do Garage Door Springs Break?
Both torsion and expansion springs experience wear and tear through use, age and exposure to wet conditions. On average, you can expect a set of springs to withstand about 10,000 cycles of opening and closing. However, homeowners use garages for different applications, so the speed at which your components deteriorate is dependent on how often you use them as well as your environment.
Someone who uses a garage door only occasionally could have springs last for over a decade as long as they’re free from rust. This window for replacement quickly shrinks when you use garages for entryways, workshops and more.
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When to Replace Garage Door Springs
For safety reasons, garage door springs should be replaced only by a professional, but you can perform a series of tests to evaluate their strength and condition. One of the most common indicators your springs have seen better days is the garage door will not open or close on command. If you find yourself in this scenario, it is best to call a local expert immediately.
For garage doors in working condition, test torsion springs by deactivating the automatic opener and trying to lift the door using your hands. Open the door completely and see if the assembly stays open without your help. If the door begins to slip to a downward position, your springs are worn.
A second test for torsion springs involves opening your garage door halfway (using your hands) and feeling how much weight is supported by the springs. Homeowners can check expansion springs by looking for gaps in spring coils and ensuring both sides of the door open and close at the same speed.
Garage Door Spring Repair in South Jersey
Hunter Door specializes in garage door repair services across South Jersey. Our team channels over 45 years of experience to bring you solutions for worn springs, broken cables and pulleys for the safety of you and your family. We bring you long-lasting and dependable options to help you get the most out of your investment.
For more information about our garage doors, openers or maintenance services, be sure to fill out a contact form with Hunter Door today!
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