Do My Garage Door Springs Need Tightening?

If you have noticed some changes in how your garage door operates lately, it could be that your garage door springs need adjusting. All garage door springs lose tension over time, so it is important to recognize some of the signs that yours need adjustment and some attention from professionals like our Parker garage door team.

Keeping an eye on your garage door’s performance is the easiest way to make sure that everything is operating as it should. If your door is more noisy than usual or has been getting stuck opened or closed it is a sign that you need to contact your local garage door professional to take a look at your garage door springs.

What to Look For

It’s possible your Parker garage door springs do need to be tightened, but how do you know? Here are some things to watch out for.

• The door makes a lot of noise when in operation. A properly balanced garage door should make little noise when going up or down the tracks. If the garage door is putting out extreme grinding, creaking, or squeaking noises when operating, the springs may be strained and will likely need to be replaced.
• The door gets stuck or won’t open. Garage door springs – torsion or side-mount – are designed so the door can be lifted manually if needed. If you can’t lift the door, a knowledgeable garage door expert is the best person to determine if the springs need to be tightened or replaced. Similarly, if when opening your garage it only goes up about 6 inches before halting, the garage door opener’s force adjustment is active and is telling you that the garage door springs require attention. If your opener isn't working properly, call our Broomfield garage door professionals for help.
• The door appears crooked. This is often due to a damaged cable or extension spring. These springs pull independently and are fitted on either side of the door. If either of these breaks, that side won’t normally move and the door will either move unevenly or get wedged in the tracks.
• The door moves in sloooow motion. If your garage door is moving considerably slower than normal, this is a red flag that something’s wrong. If a spring is damaged, the weight of the garage door may keep the motor from achieving its usual speed.

What Kind of Garage Springs Are There?

All garage doors have one of two kinds of springs: Torsion springs, or side-mount springs. It’s important to know what kind you have to help determine what maintenance or repair is needed, and what information to relay to a garage door springs Broomfield professional when you talk with someone.

Side-mount springs

These are also called extension springs, which are installed on both sides of the garage door. You will notice them above the horizontal tracks. Whether you open the door by motor or manually, these springs lengthen to deliver a counterbalancing force. The more force applied, the more the spring expands.

Most manufacturers couple side-mounted springs with safety cables. Safety cables prevent the spring from becoming a dangerous projectile in the case of a spring, cable, or bottom bracket malfunction. Such incidents can happen at any time, which is why all doors with extension springs must have safety cables fitted on them.

These kinds of springs can be open looped, double looped, or clip-end style.

Torsion springs

As opposed to side-mounted springs that employ ‘extension’ to raise garage doors, torsion springs rely on torque. This is the rotational equal of linear force. Whereas linear force is a matter of push and pull, torque moves the object in a circular movement around its axis.

These kinds of springs are situated above and parallel to the door’s frame. They’re installed on a fixed metal shaft, with one end of the springs fastened to a stationary metal plate that’s located on top of the door frame.

These can be standard torsion springs or torque master torsion springs.

How to Ensure Garage Door Springs Last

Most garage door components like the springs can and should last for many years. With proper care, the door and springs should last for a decade or longer. Our advice? Don’t try to repair or replace broken garage door springs on your own, as DIY repairs are risky for your garage door's warranty and even your safety. Instead, rely on a reputable garage door repair company whenever possible. You can, however, follow a few methods to keep garage door springs from wearing out.

• If you notice any squeaks, you can apply garage door lubricant as needed. Always consult with a garage door professional about which type of lubricant to use or contact the manufacturer for more information.
• Pay attention to any of the key warning signs discussed above and be prepared to take appropriate action. If your garage door and mechanical components look unusually worn, a full replacement may be needed.
• Maintain your garage door and components as recommended by the manufacturer, such as keeping them lubricated, painted, or free of debris.

Garage door springs can be extremely dangerous if they fly off, causing severe bodily or property damage, so we always recommend you work with a professional for safety reasons.

Work with a Trusted Professional

A Better Garage Door has served hundreds of residential and business customers in and around the Greater Denver area for more than 20 years. As a proud locally owned and operated company, we take immense pride in offering customers the service and products they deserve, at prices that fit their budget. If you need tips on maintenance or repair, call us for a quote at 303-920-2267 or contact A Better Garage Door online to ask for more information.