Garage door springs play an important role in the operation and safety of your garage door. The springs help support the weight of the garage door as it moves along the tracks to open or shut. However, as the springs are used, they start to lose some of their elasticity and tensile strength. When this occurs, they need to be replaced to ensure they can support the weight of your garage door. Hiring a professional to replace garage door springs is labor-intensive and costly, so you want to ensure your springs last as long as possible. Here are a few tips that can help your springs to last.
Carefully Pick the Material the Springs Are Made From
The majority of garage door springs are made from steel, though some can be made from aluminum. Aside from the metal itself, the spring is often treated. Two of the most common types of treatment used on garage door springs include oil tempering or zinc galvanizing. Zinc galvanizing steel springs help to prevent rust and corrosion, while oil tempering helps to increase the strength of the spring and helps minimize the loss of elasticity. You should always work with a garage door company to determine what springs are ideal for your home based on the weather elements where you live and the elements that your springs will be exposed to.
Clean Your Springs as Needed
Another thing you can do to help extend the life of garage door springs is to regularly clean your springs. When you clean the springs, you want to take the time to remove dirt, dust, and residue, as well as remove any rust spots that may have developed. In addition to routine cleaning, you should clean your springs immediately if you notice any rust or corrosion forming on the springs. Your garage door springs should always be cleaned prior to lubricating them.
Ensure Your Springs Are Always Lubricated
The last thing you can do to help you extend the life of garage door springs is to lubricate your springs regularly. Most people should lubricate their garage door springs at least two times per year using either a Teflon or silicone lubricating spray. If you use your garage door more than the average homeowner or live in a dry climate, you may need to lubricate your springs more frequently. You may hear squeaking or squealing as the door opens or closes, which is an indication that more lubrication is needed.
There are many factors that affect how long a garage door spring may last, including the type of garage door spring it is, the weather elements it is exposed to, how well maintained it is, and how frequently your garage door is used. Selecting the right spring, cleaning the springs as needed, and taking the time to routinely lubricate your garage door springs are just a few of the easiest ways to help ensure your new garage door springs last for as long as possible.
For more information, contact a garage door company, such as Certified Garage Doors Inc.
Share4 April 2022
How secure your garage door is depends on several elements. How old is the garage door? How well is it maintained? Are there broken windows? Do you have a lock on the door? These are just a few things to check for to find out just how secure your garage door is. Chances are, the items that you store in your garage are of great value, and if they are stolen, they could be hard to replace. This blog is all about increasing garage security. You will learn when to replace the garage door, find out about the different kinds of locks and tips for making the garage as secure as it possibly can be.