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How Long Do Garage Door Springs Usually Last?

Views:71 Author:Site Editor Publish Time:2023-03-27 16:35:26 Orgin:Site
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Your garage door's spring should last about seven years or a decade. But that depends on usage and the quality of the springs. Even so, a torsion spring may withstand 10,000 opening and closing cycles.

However, some factors may cause the garage door springs to have a shorter lifespan. That is temperature, humidity, or the weight of the garage door!

Again, garage door springs may break unexpectedly, regardless of the above factors. Read on to learn more about these factors and how you can extend your garage door springs.

 

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Factors that may shorten the lifespan of garage door springs

 

Garage door springs support the entire weight of your garage door, allowing ease of opening and closing. But it's mechanical. That means it's subject to damage. Below are some factors that may reduce their longevity.

 

Wear and Tear

 

Wear and tear happens upon constant opening or closing of the garage door. Since springs support the door's weight, they weaken and exceed their elastic limit. And such weakening means the spring may not be able to hold the garage’s door weight. You may have to replace it sooner or later.

 

Rust and Corrosion

 

Garage door springs may be exposed to moisture and humidity. As a result, they could rust. Afterward, the spring’s structure may begin to corrode. weakened garage door spring structure. Assuming the spring breaks, then it will necessitate replacement.

 

Lack of maintenance

 

You have to maintain your garage door often. This will ensure good working conditions. But if you miss out on lubrication and modifications, springs may wear out sooner than you think. Notably, the relevance of maintenance is to clear out rust, while modification may prevent direct exposure to elements of weather.

Lastly, adjustments of the door position could help prevent the door's weight from leaning heavily on one spring.

 

Incorrect installation

 

So, you didn’t have a professional install your garage door. The next thing you know is that the door is leaning on one side. What happens to the spring on that side is called an overload! And as such, its elasticity gets damaged. It will wear out quickly and even break.

 

Environmental Factors

 

The elements of weather could be unavoidable. This means your garage door springs get to rust, corrode, and break. But this process is aggravated since the spring is also loaded with the garage door. So, the garage door expands upon temperature exposure, and so do the springs. And with the brittleness of rust, you can't expect it to last longer.

 

How to make garage door springs last longer

 

If you are tired of frequent garage door spring replacements, use the tips below to save your finances from crushing.

 

Lubricate the springs.

 

Your garage door springs need a silicone-based lubricant. You may have to use this to reduce friction and wear on the springs and save their lifespan.

 

Balance your garage door.

 

A well-balanced garage door will distribute the load evenly among all springs. This avoids damage due to overload on a particular spring, therefore maintaining elasticity.

 

Replace both springs.

 

There are scenarios where you have two springs on your garage door. But one is in good working condition, unlike the other. You may be tempted to replace the non-functional one. But this just translates to uneven wear. But if they are installed simultaneously, it means you get to do replacement on both springs at the same time.

 

Don't overload the door.

 

Springs are designed according to your garage door’s weight. For instance, if you do a modification on your door that results in increased weight, the springs may lose their elasticity.

 

Regular maintenance

 

By maintaining your garage door, you reduce the chances of rust or cracks. Therefore, you may save your spring in time.

 

Where can I get long-lasting garage door springs?

 

For years now, GL Metal has become a figure in the world of garage door springs. It's not just centered on wholesale goods. To begin with, GL Metal makes customized steel garage door torsion springs and torsion roller springs. But it will also be worth it if you check out their collection of automatic carbon steel torsion springs. This may be perfect for shutter doors.

And, if you are looking for factory steel alloy for garage shutter doors, GL Metal has still got you. Above all, these springs are made of steel, which won’t rust easily. Suffice it to say that GL metal is a guarantee for durability.


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Step By Step Guide To Adjusting Garage Door Springs
Step By Step Guide To Adjusting Garage Door Springs
time: 2023-03-21 16:49:21

A garage is often one of the most overlooked areas of the house. However, understanding and properly utilizing your garage space will significantly improve your entire house. Most modern houses today have garage spaces.

The benefits of a garage space in a home are numerous and widespread. You can use the space for placing your car whenever not in use or you can use it as a storage area. In some innovative cases, the garage may also be used as an extra room.

At one point, you may realize your garage door is acting differently. This is likely an issue with the garage door springs. These springs are at the center of your garage door’s operation. The springs bear the weight of the garage door’s weight whenever you’re opening or closing it.

Garage door springs require maintenance every now and then. After continuous use, the springs build up tension and can easily malfunction. Regular maintenance majorly involves removing the pent-up tension.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to adjust garage door springs in easy steps. I’m the end, hoi should have fully functional and efficient garage doors. This simple guide will ensure your garage doors work for longer and you incur less cost on professional maintenance work.


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When do your garage spring doors need adjusting?

 

There are two main types of garage spring doors. These are extension springs and torsion springs. While they work differently, you’ll know it's time to adjust the springs when the door starts acting differently.

For example, you may realize it’s taking longer than usual to open. In other cases, the door may lag before starting or get jammed at some point when trying to open or close it.

 

Step-by-step guide on adjusting garage door springs

 

As formerly mentioned, there are two types of garage door springs. The spring adjustment guide varies slightly for both. To remain compressive, let’s look at the adjustment procedure for each spring type.

 

Torsion Spring Adjustment Guide

 

Step 1: Gather your tools

 

Start by assembling your essential tools to ensure success and your safety. These tools and equipment include a hard hat, safety gloves and eyeglasses, a C-clamp, a ladder, masking tape, a wrench, and two winding bars.

 

Step 2: Close the garage door

 

If you have an automatic garage door, unplug the opener and put the clamp on the door’s track. This will prevent the door from opening while you adjust the springs.

 

Step 3: Find the winding cone and unfasten the screws

 

The winding cone is located just where the spring ends. It has equally spaced holes and is relatively easy to see. By inserting the steel rod, loosen the screws at the center of the shaft.

After unfastening the screws place the two bars in the space. For maximum safety, ensure your head and body are away from the spring in case it breaks.

 

Step 4: Adjust the tension and stretch the spring

 

This is an often slow process that requires precision. You’ll begin by winding the cone to adjust the tension. You might have to adjust slightly and then check if that’s the desired level.

After adjusting the tension, you can then move on to stretching the spring. This involves leaving the lower winding bar in place and removing the other. Then pull the bar gently back towards the plate’s center.

 

Step 5: Tighten the screws and test the door

 

Finally, return the 4 screws and secure them in place using the wrench. After everything is back in place, test the door and check its response.

 

Extension Spring Adjustment Guide

 

Step 1: Collect your tools

 

The tools required for this process are similar to the ones listed in the torsion springs adjustment procedure.

 

Step 2: Fully open and secure the garage door

 

For an automatic door, you can use the remote to open the door and then pull the emergency cord. For manual doors, open them as far as it goes. As a safety measure, place the C-clamp under the bottom rollers.

 

Step 3: Unfasten the hook and adjust the spring

 

Find the spring hook and use the wrench to remove it. It’s held in place by an easily removable nut. Next, adjust the spring to your desired preference.

Finally, return everything in place and test the garage door. This simple guide will ensure your garage door remains functional and efficient for longer.


How many years do garage door springs last?
How many years do garage door springs last?
time: 2023-02-02 16:41:02

Garage door springs are an essential component of a garage door system. They are responsible for lifting and lowering the door and working with the opener to make it move smoothly. There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the door and are used to lift most of the door's weight. While extension springs are mounted above the upper tracks and are used to help lift the door.

The lifespan of garage door springs varies, but on average, they can last between 5,000 and 10,000 cycles, equivalent to 3-7 years of normal usage. However, some garage door springs can last as long as 15,000 cycles. It is recommended to have a professional check your garage door springs every year to ensure they are in good condition and to make any necessary replacements before a failure occurs.

 

Reasons why a garage door spring may break

 

Age and wear

 

Age and wear are two of the main factors that can contribute to the breaking of garage door springs. As the springs age, they can become fatigued and lose their tension, making them more susceptible to breaking. The constant opening and closing of the garage door also causes wear and tear on the springs. This can cause the metal to become fatigued, weaken and eventually break.

It's also important to note that the springs take on a lot of tension which can make them dangerous if they break. If you notice that your garage door springs are showing signs of wear or are getting older, it's best to have them inspected by an experienced person to determine if they need to be replaced. 


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Improper installation

 

Improper installation can also be a major contributing factor to garage door spring failure. If the springs are not installed correctly, they may be under too much or too little tension, which can cause them to wear out more quickly or even break.

A spring under too much tension can cause the door to close too quickly or not close at all and can cause damage to the opener or the door. On the other hand, a spring that is under too little tension will not be able to lift the door properly, which can cause the door to close too slowly or not close at all.

 

Overuse

 

Overuse can also cause garage door springs to wear out more quickly and potentially break. Each time the garage door is opened and closed; the springs take on a lot of tension which can make them wear out over time. The more frequently the door is used, the more wear and tear the springs will experience.

 

Rust

 

Rust can also weaken garage door springs and make them more susceptible to breaking. Rust forms when metal is exposed to moisture and oxygen over time, and it can cause the metal to weaken and become brittle.

If your door springs are exposed to moisture from rain or snow, they may rust more quickly. Additionally, if your garage is located in an area with high humidity, the springs may also rust more quickly.

To prevent rust from forming on your garage door springs, keeping them lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant is important. Lubrication can help prevent rust and reduce friction, extending the springs' life.

 

Temperature fluctuations

 

Temperature fluctuations can cause the metal in garage door springs to expand and contract, which can cause them to break. Extreme temperatures, such as very hot or cold, can cause the metal to expand and contract rapidly, which can stress the springs. Over time, this can cause the metal to become fatigued, weaken and eventually break.

Additionally, temperature changes can also cause the metal to rust more quickly. Extreme temperatures can cause moisture to form on the springs, leading to rust and other forms of corrosion.

 

Improper maintenance

 

Lack of regular maintenance can also cause garage door springs to wear out more quickly and potentially break. Proper maintenance, such as lubrication, inspection, and balancing, can help prolong the life of the springs and prevent costly repairs.

 

How to make your garage door springs last longer

 

Because garage door springs have an expiry date does not mean they should break by then . There are several steps you can take to make your garage door springs last longer, and here they are:

 

Regular maintenance

 

Regular maintenance is an important aspect of prolonging the life of your garage door springs. It can help prevent rust, reduce friction and ensure that the springs are in good condition. Lubricating the springs with a silicone-based lubricant can help prevent rust and reduce friction, extending their lifespan.

Limit use

 

The springs may wear out more quickly if you use the garage door frequently. Limiting the use of the door can help prolong the life of the springs.

 

Balance the door

 

If the door is not properly balanced, the springs will have to work harder to lift it, which can cause them to wear out more quickly. Make sure the door is properly balanced by having a professional check it.

 

Avoid extreme temperatures

 

Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause the metal in the springs to expand and contract, which can cause them to break. Keep the garage at a moderate temperature to reduce the risk of damage to the springs.

 

Get a professional check.

 

It is recommended to have a professional check your garage door springs every year to ensure they are in good condition and to make any necessary replacements before a failure occurs. By following these steps, you can help extend the lifespan of your garage door springs and prevent costly repairs.


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