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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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.