DIY Tips for Inspecting Garage Door Springs

Garage doors are essential to any home, providing security, convenience, and protection from the elements. However, like any mechanical system, they require regular maintenance. The springs are one of the most crucial components of a garage door system. Whether you have torsion springs or extension springs, they are vital in counterbalancing the door’s weight, allowing it to open and close smoothly.

A faulty or damaged garage door spring can pose serious safety risks and should be inspected regularly. While a professional technician should handle repairs or replacements, homeowners can perform essential inspections to identify potential issues early. In this blog post, we will cover critical DIY tips for inspecting garage door springs, helping you maintain the longevity and safety of your garage door system.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Before diving into inspection techniques, it’s essential to understand the two primary types of garage door springs:

1. Torsion Springs: These are mounted horizontally above the garage door, and torque is used to lift and lower the door. Due to their durability and ability to handle heavier doors, tension springs are typically found in modern garage door systems.
2. Extension Springs: These are located on either side of the garage door tracks and stretch to provide the necessary tension for movement. Extension springs are a common type in older garage door systems.

Both springs are under high tension, potentially dangerous if they snap or are improperly handled. Proper inspection can help prevent accidents and costly repairs. If you encounter major issues during an inspection, it is best to contact an experienced professional for repairs rather than attempting to fix them yourself.

Safety Precautions Before Inspection

Before you begin your inspection, take the following safety precautions:

• Disconnect the Garage Door Opener: This prevents accidental activation of the door while you are inspecting the springs.
• Use Protective Gear: Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from potential injuries.
• Keep Hands and Face Away from Springs: Never touch the springs directly. They are under immense tension and could cause severe injury if they snap unexpectedly.
• Ensure Good Lighting: A well-lit garage will help you see potential issues more clearly and spot visible signs of damage.
• Have a Partner Nearby: If possible, ask someone to assist you in an emergency. Handling high spring tension alone can increase the risk of injury.

Step-by-Step Guide to Inspecting Garage Door Springs

1. Perform a Visual Inspection

Start by visually examining the springs for any signs of damage or wear. Look for the following issues:

• Rust or Corrosion: If you notice rust forming on the springs, it could weaken them over time. Applying a silicone-based lubricant can help prevent further corrosion and potential damage.
• Gaps in the Coils: If the spring appears stretched out or has gaps between the coils, it may lose tension and require a garage door spring replacement.
• Frayed or Broken Cables: In some garage door systems, springs are connected to cables that assist with lifting. Frayed or broken cables indicate extensive damage and need immediate attention.
• Loose Hardware: Inspect the brackets, screws, and other critical components around the springs for signs of loosening or damage.
• Check Wire Size: A spring’s wire size can indicate whether it is still within functional parameters. Springs that have thinned out due to wear may need replacement.
• Look for Visible Damage: A garage door service professional should address any cracks, deformities, or signs of excessive wear on the springs immediately.

2. Conduct a Balance Test

A well-functioning garage door should remain balanced when partially opened. To check this:

1. Disconnect the garage door opener by pulling the emergency release cord to avoid accidental activation.
2. Manually lift the garage door to the halfway point and release it.
3. Observe the door’s behavior:
   • If it stays in place, the springs are correctly balanced.
   • If it falls rapidly, the springs may be weak or broken, leading to premature wear on other aspects of the garage door system.
   • If it shoots up, the springs might be over-tensioned, which can cause extensive damage to the door mechanism over time.

If you encounter balance issues, it may indicate significant issues with the springs, requiring the assistance of experienced technicians to prevent further costly garage repairs.

3. Listen for Unusual Noises

Listen carefully for any unusual sounds from the springs during the operation. Loud noises, such as squeaking or grinding, may indicate a need for lubrication or that the springs are wearing out. A well-lubricated spring should operate smoothly and quietly.

• Grinding or Screeching Sounds: This could indicate that the spring is experiencing excessive friction and needs lubrication.
• Snapping or Popping Noises: These sounds may signal a weakening or failing spring, requiring immediate professional inspection to prevent severe injury.
• Uneven Sound Distribution: If the noise comes from only one side, the balance of the springs might be compromised, necessitating a garage door service check.

4. Check for Alignment Issues

Extension springs should always be parallel to the garage door tracks. It could be a sign of wear or improper installation if they appear misaligned or have shifted out of place. Similarly, torsion springs should be mounted evenly without noticeable sagging or bending.

• Assess the Tracks and Brackets: To avoid potential damage, ensure the springs align correctly with the door’s track system.
• Check for loose-end bearings. Misalignment in these components can strain the springs and reduce their lifespan.
• Look for Signs of Wear on the Spring Anchor Plates: A damaged anchor plate can lead to improper tension distribution and extensive damage over time.

5. Test the Force Setting

If your garage door opener struggles to lift the door, the springs may lose tension. To test this:

1. Reconnect the garage door opener.
2. Could you open the door fully and then close it?
3. Observe if the door moves smoothly or hesitates.

• If the door slams shut, The springs may be too weak, increasing the risk of premature wear on the opener and causing unnecessary strain on other vital components.
• If the door hesitates or struggles to move, an imbalance in the torsion or extension springs may be affecting the door’s safety features.
• If you experience difficulty manually lifting the door, a professional technician should be consulted to determine whether a garage door spring replacement is necessary.

When to Call a Professional

While essential inspections can help identify potential problems, signs require professional intervention. Call a garage door service technician if you notice:

• A broken or snapped spring
• Extreme difficulty in opening or closing the door
• Severe rust or corrosion that compromises the spring’s integrity
• Misaligned or damaged tracks
• Any loud snapping sounds indicating a sudden breakage
• Issues with safety sensors or other built-in safety features

Attempting to repair or replace garage door springs yourself can be extremely dangerous due to the high spring tension. Seeking expert advice from experienced professionals ensures the repairs are handled safely and efficiently.

By staying proactive with maintenance and inspections, you can extend the life of your garage door springs and avoid costly garage repairs. Whether you have a standard garage setup or a custom-built system, keeping an eye on the springs is key to ensuring smooth and safe operation.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs! Read: “Understanding the Signs of Broken Garage Door Springs”

A broken garage door spring isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a safety hazard. If your garage door is struggling to open, making loud noises, or suddenly slamming shut, it could be a sign of failing springs. Ignoring these red flags can lead to costly repairs or even dangerous accidents.

Our blog post, “Understanding the Signs of Broken Garage Door Springs,” walks you through the key warning signals to watch for, the risks of delaying repairs, and what steps to take if you suspect your springs are failing.

By catching these issues early, you can prevent damage to your garage door system and ensure smooth operation. Don’t wait until your garage door stops working completely!

Click now to read the full blog post and learn how to identify and address broken garage door springs before they become a major problem. Your home’s safety depends on it!