Spring Cleaning: Don't Forget The Garage Door

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Nearly everyone does some sort of spring cleaning when the weather warms and you can open the windows and let fresh air inside. Most also spend some time cleaning up the yard to remove winter debris to get things looking good for another year. Some even invest some time and energy into cleaning the garage, but many overlook one of the important task of maintaining their garage door.

Why does my garage door need regular maintenance?

Garage door springs keep your door opening and closing smoothly so you can use your garage everyday, but they don't last forever. In fact, the average garage door spring wears out after 10,000 cycles of opening and closing the garage door and are typically rated for a 10-year lifespan, says The Precision Garage Door Guy. But numbers can be deceiving.

While 10,000 cycles may sound like a lot to you, this can add up quickly. If you live alone and only use your vehicle to drive to and from work everyday your garage door springs may last nearly 14 years without replacement. But, adding another household member who drives to and from work cuts that number in half. Add kids who run in and out of the garage to get bikes and equipment, a teen who takes the family car for a spin or using the garage for household equipment like the lawnmower or snowblower and the life of your garage door springs suddenly gets much shorter. Increasing the number of cycles for your garage to an average of 5 cycles a day means your garage door springs will last about 5 years.

How do you extend the life of your garage door springs?

Garage door springs are exposed to the elements and often get wet during inclement weather. That means they are a prime spot for rust to form. Rust on the springs weakens them and shortens their lifespan. Use a rust removing lubricant on the springs once or twice a year to keep the rust at bay and extend the life of your garage door springs.

How do you tell if your garage door springs are getting worn?

You could keep track of the number of cycles your garage door is opened or closed, but that's not a practical solution. Take the time to test the springs to find out if they are still in good working order. Detach the safety lever on the garage doors (make sure the area beneath the door is clear and keep children and pets away from the area) and lift it manually. The door should move smoothly and without excessive noise. Squeaking or hesitating movement indicates the springs are worn. Likewise, if you open the door several feet and release it, the springs should hold the door in place. If your garage door sags or slides downward, the springs are weak and may need replacement.

Will extended life garage door springs last longer?

Yes, extended life garage door springs typically last about two to three times as long as standard garage door springs explains The Precision Garage Door Guy. These springs are coated to prevent rusting. You will pay more for them, but their extended lifespan gives you the peace of mind that your garage door will open and close safely for years to come. If you have an active family that uses the garage frequently, investing in extended life garage door springs is often worth the investment.

To prevent unexpected surprises, check that your garage door is operating smoothly at least once a year and keep the springs rust free. While it won't make them last forever, you may get a little more mileage out of them and will get a heads up before they need replacement. Contact a garage door repair company like Overhead Door Of Akron to replace those worn out springs when needed.


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