Signs Your Garage Door Spring Needs Repair Or Replacement

Your garage door relies on its springs to open smoothly and easily. However, they do not last forever and can sometimes become damaged or broken. When they break, they may become a potential danger to people or vehicles. Fortunately, most garage door springs will give off warning signs before they become dangerous. Here is more information about the different types of garage door springs and how they show signs of imminent failure.

Types of Garage Door Springs

Knowing which type of spring you have can help if you ever need to inspect it for wear or damage. Most garage doors have the two types of springs listed below.

Extension Springs

Extension springs are springs that run parallel to your garage door's walls along both sides of your door's tracks. They are associated with the pulleys and cables that help raise and lower the garage door. These springs are usually on older systems and extend and contract as the door opens and closes.

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are located directly above the garage door and extend out to the door's tracks. They expand and contract to keep the door stable as it opens and closes. Torsion springs are very common on newer or segmented garage doors.

Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Attention

When your garage door has spring problems, you may experience some of these issues.

Loud Banging Noises

While some older systems tend to make noise as a part of their normal operation, you shouldn't hear any loud banging as the door rises or falls.

Trouble Opening Doors

Doors with worn or broken extension springs may seem heavy and impossible to open. Doors with worn or damaged torsion springs may only open a little.

Door Won't Close (or Jerks)

Closing the door also involves using the springs. The door may refuse to close when the springs are non-functional or broken.

Door Slams Down

Garage door springs support the weight of the door. When they wear down, they may not be able to maintain a steady opening or closing. The door may start to open or close smoothly only to drop down quickly.

Signs of Loose or Broken Cables

The cables running through your extension springs act as safety supports. If you have loose or broken cables, they could be a sign that the springs are malfunctioning.

Generally, most garage door springs will last for years and thousands of openings before they wear out. Many problems with garage door springs are not difficult to remedy. The springs are easily replaceable if you change them before they break. Have the system inspected regularly to help prevent problems with your garage door. Contact a garage door repair company that offers garage door spring repair services if you suspect a problem.