Like the tires on your car, garage door springs have an expected lifespan and can be impacted by regular usage. Garage-specific lubricants or alternatives like white lithium grease/silicone spray (instead of WD40) can help reduce friction and keep the springs running smoothly.
Keeping the springs properly lubricated around three or four times a year will help to extend their life cycle. However, springs with significant rust or corrosion should be replaced preventively.
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Clean the Springs
The most basic step to extending the lifespan of your garage door springs is to keep them clean. Over time, dust and dirt can build up on the springs causing them to work harder than usual and shortening their lifespan. Simply cleaning the springs a few times a year will extend their lifecycle significantly.
Regular lubrication is also key to extending the lifespan of your springs. Use a silicone spray or white lithium grease to coat the springs in order to prevent rust and corrosion. The lubrication will also help the springs to move smoothly as they open and close.
Heavier doors require more force than lighter doors, putting more stress on your garage door springs and shortening their lifespan. Ensure that your garage door is properly balanced by having a professional inspect, maintain, rebalance and lubricate your springs regularly. Avoid taking on any tasks that involve working with high tension components unless you’re fully confident in your abilities.
Lubricate the Coils
Garage door springs are under constant tension to help the door open and close. This stresses them out over time and they can eventually break. Regular lubrication reduces friction and extends their lifespan.
Typically, you’ll want to use white lithium grease or silicone spray to lubricate the springs. Avoid petroleum-based lubricants because they don’t protect against corrosion. Also, you should keep a stepladder handy to reach the top rail and springs, and have a rag nearby to wipe away excess lubricant as you spray.
It’s important to regularly inspect the springs for signs of damage or wear, including visible gaps between the coils, excessive rust, and stretching. If you see any issues, have a professional do a preventive replacement to avoid more costly repairs later. Also, be sure to proactively install spring safety containment cables that run through each of the coils to hold them in place in case they snap. These cables will keep the sharp spring parts from flying around and injuring people and objects inside the garage.
Check the Safety Cables
Often overlooked, safety cables are designed to contain and break down busted springs to prevent personal injury. When a garage door spring snaps, it can send a projectile flying through the garage and potentially sever your family member or someone else’s leg. Ensure that your safety cables are correctly installed and adjusted for maximum effectiveness.
Lifting cables are engaged every time you open and close your garage door, winding up and down around a drum attached to the torsion or extension springs. This constant friction paired with the cold, heat and moisture of outdoor use causes them to fray and lose strength over time. Regularly cleaning the cables is a basic step that can significantly extend their lifespan.
Using a wire brush to remove rust can help keep the cable from breaking under pressure. It is also a good idea to check the safety cables regularly and replace any damaged sections. This is particularly important if you’ve recently had a broken spring replaced by an unqualified installer.
Replace the Springs
If your garage door springs have seen better days, you can prolong their lifespan by proactively replacing them. It’s also wise to consider upgrading to a longer-life torsion spring. While these springs are more expensive than standard springs, they can save you money by cutting down on repair costs over time.
Keeping your springs lubricated is another key factor that affects lifespan. Spraying your springs with a silicone-based lubricant three to four times a year reduces friction, which helps the coils function smoothly.
If you’re planning on replacing your springs, it’s important to use the proper tools and take special care not to injure yourself while handling the heavy-duty tension of the new springs. For example, you should use a set of winding bars rather than a screwdriver or pliers handle to prevent injury. You should also put on safety goggles and tighten a pair of vice grips around the torsion bar so that it doesn’t move while you release tension.