Garage Door Springs and Cables: A Homeowner’s Maintenance Guide

Summarized Guide to Garage Door Springs and Cables

Door springs and cables are necessary components of your garage door system.

Most people don’t notice their garage door springs and cables until they break. This is interesting because both of these components carry all of the weight of the door every time it opens and closes. Being aware of how these parts function and the symptoms of their deterioration will save you expensive garage door repairs and the hassle of a stuck garage door on an unwelcoming Tuesday morning.

The mechanics behind springs and cables are often misunderstood.

An electric garage door looks lighter than it actually is. The springs carry most of the weight of the door. The motor has a limited amount of additional lifting force and controls the door’s movement. Cables attach the bottom of the door to the spring system and smoothly balance the door throughout the moving process.

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs run horizontally on metal shafts, above the opening of the door. The springs store energy when the door is closed, which is released to help the door open. They are effective for heavy daily use, as they operate under a lot of tension.

Extension Springs

Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door and stretch or extend as the door closes. They are usually found in older systems and are a little more economical. However, they typically require a safety cable through the centre of the spring in case it breaks.

Your springs or cables may need replacing if your garage door becomes unusually heavy to move or shaky.

• Uneven movement: If one side of the door lifts faster than the other side, spring tension is reduced or the cable has slipped.
• Loud bangs or creaks: A sudden, loud, noise during operation means that the spring is failing.
• The door feels heavier than usual: If you attempt to lift the door manually and it feels much heavier, the springs are most likely failing.
• Visible gaps or fraying: A stretched, gap-like, or frayed cable means that the cable must be replaced.
• The door will not stay open: If the door slides back down after opening, this means that the springs are worn.

Here are some more easy and straightforward maintenance techniques you can apply yourself.

While spring and cable replacement should always be done by a technician, homeowners can do many things to help maintain the system. Given the amount of tension springs and cables hold, you will never want to mess around with those yourself!

1. Visual inspection: approximately once a month, check the springs and cables by looking closely at them for rust, fraying, or gaps between coils.
2. Lubrication: every few months use a light lubricant on the springs, rollers, and hinges. DO NOT use common household oils as these types can attract dirt and grime.
3. Balance test: Disconnect the electric opener and lift the door manually to the halfway point. A door that is properly balanced will stay in that position. Springs that need adjustment will cause the door to either fall or rise.
4. Listen for changes: pay close attention to the sounds your door makes as this will help you identify if there has been a change.
5. Clear the tracks: the build up of leaves and other debris cause cables to work harder. Keep the tracks clear of debris.

Repairs involving springs can be hazardous to yourself and others. Springs have a lot of stored energy that can unexpectedly release with great force.

Garage door springs can release immense stored energy. If garage door springs are unexpectedly released, they can cause injury. A lot of people attempt to replace garage door torsion springs themselves. This can be a reasonable approach for someone who has basic experience with tools. However, without experience working with such particle springs, the injury risk far outweighs the potential savings. If correct tools and adequate training exist, spring installation is better done by a professional. An added benefit is that a pro can check the cables, tracks, and rollers simultaneously, leaving you with a complete assessment of your garage door’s internal condition.

What to Expect from a Professional Service

What do professionals expect from a professional service?

An annual visit should include checks of spring tension, condition of the cables, track alignment, and how the electric opener works. Most installers recommend this for garage doors used frequently throughout the day. The more frequent use means the door wears faster and could have major issues if they aren’t fixed in a timely manner.

How to Make Your Garage Door Last Longer

It is important to maintain garage doors.

Properly maintained springs and cables can last for a long time. The lifespan does reduce if the door is used regularly and not maintained properly. Doors that are used frequently, such as doors used for work, will need serviced more than a door that is only used occasionally.

Offering regular maintenance of the door and tracks will help your springs and cables last longer. More importantly, they will help you avoid getting a sudden call for help. Failure is inevitable, and as much as we try to avoid it or postpone it, it always finds a way to happen. This is why you should get a professional check up if you notice any signs as mentioned before. Better late than sorry in this case. This is always a cost-effective initiative.