How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance helps identify potential issues before they become major problems, extends the life of your door and opener, and ensures safe operation. If you use your garage door frequently (more than 4-5 times daily), consider scheduling service every 6 months. Annual service typically includes lubricating moving parts, checking spring tension, inspecting cables and hardware, testing safety features, and adjusting the door balance. This preventive approach can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly emergency repairs.

What should I do if my garage door won't open or close?

If your garage door won't open or close, start with these troubleshooting steps: First, check if the opener is plugged in and receiving power. Next, try replacing the batteries in your remote control. Inspect the photo-eye sensors at the bottom of the door tracks—they should be aligned and clean. Check for any obstructions in the door's path. If the door won't move manually, the springs may be broken (look for visible gaps in torsion springs above the door). For safety reasons, if you suspect spring issues or if basic troubleshooting doesn't work, contact a professional immediately. Never attempt to repair springs yourself as they are under high tension and can cause serious injury.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard garage door installation typically takes 4-6 hours for a single-car garage and 6-8 hours for a double-car garage. This timeline includes removing the old door, installing the new door panels and tracks, mounting the opener system, and programming remotes and keypads. More complex installations involving structural modifications, custom doors, or additional features may take longer. Our technicians arrive with all necessary equipment and aim to complete the installation in one visit. We'll test the door thoroughly before leaving and walk you through the operation of your new system. We also haul away the old door and dispose of it properly as part of our service.

Understanding Garage Door Springs: Maintenance Tips and Safety

David Chen

# Understanding Garage Door Springs: Maintenance Tips and Safety

Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. These high-tension components do the heavy lifting, literally, making it possible for you to easily open and close a door that may weigh several hundred pounds. Understanding how they work, how to maintain them, and when to call for professional help is essential for every homeowner.

Types of Garage Door Springs

There are two main types of springs used in residential garage doors, each with distinct characteristics and applications.

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. They work by twisting to store mechanical energy when the door closes, then releasing that energy to help lift the door when it opens. Torsion springs are: - More durable and longer-lasting than extension springs, Provide smoother, more controlled door movement, More expensive but offer better value over time, Typically rated for 15,000-20,000 cycles (one cycle = one open and close)

Extension Springs

Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on both sides of the door. They stretch and contract to store and release energy. Extension springs are: - Less expensive initially, Easier to install, Can be more dangerous if they break without proper safety cables, Typically rated for 10,000-15,000 cycles

Signs Your Springs Need Attention

Recognizing spring problems early can prevent complete failure and potential injury:

Warning Signs, The door feels unusually heavy when lifting manually, The door doesn't stay open at the halfway point, Visible gaps in torsion springs (indicates breakage)

- Extension springs appear stretched or worn, Loud bang heard from the garage (spring breaking) - Door opens crookedly or unevenly, Cables appear loose or frayed

Testing Your Springs

To test if your springs are functioning properly: 1. Disconnect the opener by pulling the release cord 2. Manually lift the door to about waist height 3. Release the door carefully 4. A properly balanced door should stay in place or move slightly 5. If the door falls or rises significantly, the springs need adjustment

DIY Maintenance Tips

While spring replacement should always be left to professionals, there are maintenance tasks you can safely perform:

Monthly Visual Inspection, Check for rust, corrosion, or visible damage, Look for gaps in torsion springs, Ensure safety cables are in place on extension springs, Verify all hardware is tight and secure

Lubrication (Every 6 Months)

- Use a silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant, Apply to springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks, Avoid WD-40 as it can attract dirt and debris, Wipe away excess lubricant

Balance Testing (Annually)

- Disconnect the opener, Test the door balance as described above, If unbalanced, call a professional for adjustment

Why Spring Replacement Is Not a DIY Project

Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if mishandled. Here's why you should always hire a professional:

The Dangers, Torsion springs contain enough stored energy to cause severe injury, Improper tools or techniques can lead to catastrophic spring failure, Incorrectly installed springs can damage the door or opener, Springs can break unexpectedly during amateur repair attempts

Professional Advantages, Proper training and safety equipment, Correct tools for the job, Ability to properly match spring size and tension, Warranty on parts and labor, Insurance coverage in case of accidents

Extending Spring Life

Help your springs last longer with these practices:

Regular Maintenance, Keep springs lubricated, Address imbalance issues promptly, Avoid slamming the door

Upgrade When Replacing, Consider high-cycle springs (25,000+ cycles)

- Replace both springs at the same time, Install a quality opener with soft start/stop features

Climate Considerations, Extreme temperature changes affect spring tension, Consider garage insulation to moderate temperatures, More frequent inspections in harsh climates

When to Call a Professional

Contact a garage door professional immediately if you: - Notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, Hear a loud bang from the garage, Cannot open or close the door properly, See visible spring damage, Need spring adjustment or replacement

At Garage Door Garden Grove, our certified technicians specialize in garage door spring repair and replacement. We stock a full inventory of springs and can usually provide same-day service. Don't risk your safety.call us for all your spring-related needs.

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