Do’s and Dont’s of Garage Door Repairs

If you prefer to do many home repairs yourself, you can save a sizable amount of money if you are mechanically inclined or have some handyman skills. When it comes to garage door maintenance and repairs, you can do some tasks yourself to help save on repair costs and keep your garage door and opener maintained. However, there are some repairs that should not done attempted on your own. Here are some do’s and don’ts of garage door repairs to help extend the life of your garage door and opener, while reducing risks of damage and injury.

Garage Door Repairs and Maintenance that You Should Do

Garage door and automatic opening systems need regular maintenance, safety checks and repairs, many that you can do on your own. Some of these include:

  • Lubrication of moving metal parts, chains and hardware
  • Inspection of garage door, hardware and components for damage and wear
  • Cleaning debris, mildew and dirt from tracks and garage door surfaces
  • Doing safety checks on the auto reverse feature on the garage door
  • Tightening screws and bolts on hardware

Garage Door Repair Don’ts

While some maintenance and inspections can be done by homeowners, it is not recommended that major repairs be done on your own. Garage doors are heavy, awkward and may require special equipment or training to perform some repairs, such as:

  • Replacing garage door springs
  • Replacing rollers, cables, hardware or complete garage doors
  • Repairing a garage door that is off the tracks
  • Installing a new garage door opener

There can be risky safety hazards when repairing garage door issues. Know when to call a professional to reduce the chance of injury to yourself.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

What Is the Lifespan of a Torsion Spring?

Have you ever had a spring break on your garage door? It can happen at any time – while you are leaving for work or even in the middle of the night. Once the spring breaks, you may not be able to open your garage door, trapping your vehicles inside or out. If you have a torsion spring on your garage door, it is best to replace it before it breaks unexpectedly. So, how long is the lifespan of a torsion spring and when should you replace it?

Torsion springs are common in garage door opening systems. Without a working spring, the opener cannot do its job. Since torsion springs are extended when the door is closed, it is more likely to break when the door is shut. When it snaps, a loud cracking sound will occur, and your garage door will not open. The spring is used to easily move a door that weighs hundreds of pounds. Without it, the door is not mobile, and the spring will need to be replaced.

The lifespan of a torsion spring all depends on the amount of cycles it is rated to complete and how often it is used. The average cycle rate is about 10,000 cycles, but some higher quality garage door springs can be rated for two to three times that amount. If you open and close your door twice a day, an average spring can last about 10-15 years. The more often you use your garage door, the shorter the lifespan will be.

It is important to note the rating of cycles for your torsion spring and when it is installed. You can average the frequency of use to come up with a close estimate of when it should be replaced. When it is nearing its expected cycle amount, call your local garage door service to proactively replace your spring to avoid a breakdown of your garage door opening system.

Posted on behalf of:
Habpro
The Garage Door Specialists
Snellville, GA 30039
(770) 985-3355

Maintaining Your Garage Door Springs

If you have ever had your garage door spring break, you know it can be a highly inconvenient situation. In one quick snap, your garage door goes from easily sliding up and down to virtually immobile. While all springs will eventually need replacement, there are ways to increase the life of your spring through regular maintenance. By taking care of your garage door spring, you can prevent most spring failures from catching you off guard. 

Basic Garage Door Spring Maintenance

Garage door springs are designed to safely allow your door to easily open and close with minimal impact on the opening device. Most springs have an expectant lifespan of 10,000 cycles of opening and closing. However, if not maintained properly, this life-span can be cut drastically short. A few basic maintenance tips to get the most time and cycles from your garage door springs include: 

  • Balancing your door. A poorly balanced door will create excess wear on your spring. Make sure your door is balanced correctly to allow for easier movement up and down the tracks.
     
  • Prevent rust. A rusty spring will not last long; the rust causes both the spring and the coil to weaken and become more likely to break. Lubricating the spring every few months can keep rust away.
     
  • Garage door tune-ups. A properly functioning garage door lessens the wear and tear on your spring. Schedule a tune-up with your local garage door repair company each year to ensure all parts are in good working order.
     
  • Preventive replacement. If your spring lasts for 10,000 cycles, opening two to four times a day, it will last for about five to seven years. Instead of waiting for the inevitable, consider replacing your spring once it approaches or has passed this mark. Consult your garage door service technician during annual tune-ups about when you should replace your spring.

Posted on behalf of Habpro