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Diagnosing Garage Door Trouble

What is that sound? Why won't your garage door close? It isn't always easy to figure out why your garage door isn't working, which is why I put together this website. I have been installing doors for several years, and I can tell you that garage door problems are some of the toughest issues out there to resolve. In addition to working with complicated motors and difficult panels, you might also find yourself struggling with remote control issues. On my blog, you can learn how to diagnose trouble, so that you aren't left trying to solve illusive, seemingly impossible problems.

Diagnosing Garage Door Trouble

How To Prevent Garage Door Spring Failures

by Stacey Howell

A garage door spring failure is something that doesn't have to happen, if you can help it. In fact, it's probably one of the most preventable of failures when it comes to your garage door components. The following offers a few helpful tips you can use to stop garage door spring failures before they happen.

Check the Date

Like everything else in life, your garage door components have a finite life cycle. The extension springs, for instance, are designed to last for around 10,000 cycles or approximately 7 years. Torsion springs are designed to last between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles under normal use.

One way you can tell whether your garage door springs are due for replacement is by checking the exact date of when you last replaced your garage door springs. If you don't know or can't remember, don't worry – there are other ways you can tell when your garage door springs are ready to give up on you.

Perform a Simple Door Test

You can also find out if your garage door springs are in need of replacement by testing out the spring's ability to hold the garage door in place. Here's what you'll need to do:

  • Make sure the garage door is in the closed position.
  • Disconnect the garage door opener from the garage door by pulling the emergency release cord.
  • Raise the garage door by a couple of feet and then let it go. The garage door should stay in place if the springs are still good. If the springs are worn, the garage door will start to sag when you let it go.

Listen Carefully

As you open and close your garage door, you'll also want to listen for any creaking or popping sounds. These sounds usually indicate worn-out springs that are grinding or popping against its own coils. Lubricating the springs with white lithium spray grease will temporarily quell the noise, but you'll eventually have to replace the springs if you want to solve the problem permanently.

Look Out for Rust and Corrosion

Rust and corrosion not only eat away at the bare metal, but they also create excess friction that could cause further wear. Excessive rust can put the springs at risk of breaking during operation, so it's a good idea to check for rust spots and other signs of wear and tear.

These tips can help you be more proactive when it comes to your garage door maintenance. To find out more, speak with a business like Door Doctor Inc.

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