Garage doors have torsion and extension springs. Wear and tear over time can cause the springs to snap. This can alter the entire opening and closing mechanism and compromise the safety of anyone near the door. To determine whether you need to contact a garage door repair technician for replacements, look for the following red flags. 

How to Tell if Garage Door Springs Are Failing

1. Crooked Opening

If you notice one side of the panel opens faster than the other, a broken extension spring is probably the cause. The springs are connected to pulleys along the upper tracks of both sides of the door, and they extend when the panel is raised.

The counterbalance that’s created ensures other components won’t buckle due to the strain of opening the heavy door. If one of the extension springs on either of the upper tracks snaps, the door will open crookedly.

2. Rust Spots 

Lack of maintenance can cause springs to wear out faster. Look for chalky red residue on torsion springs.

Exposure to moisture and air can cause the springs to rust. This means they won’t wind up and stretch correctly when the door is raised and lowered. The tension can cause the material to snap.

Rust also corrodes the springs, causing them to crack. To avoid the need for garage door repair, torsion springs should be coated with a white lithium grease or silicone spray to prevent rust buildup.

3. Squeaking

If you hear a persistent squeaking every time the garage door is activated, a repair technician should check the springs. The noise could indicate an underlying issue.

For example, misalignment of the panel could cause springs to rub against surrounding components. The friction can cause the sound and premature wear.

If your springs need to be replaced, contact the garage door repair technicians at Automatic Door Company in Milford, CT. With over 35 years of experience, the professionals will make sure the new equipment is installed safely and in accordance with industry standards. The team can also outfit your property with an insulated door made of wood or steel and a state-of-the-art electric garage door opener. See what components the team can fix online, or call (203) 795-3577 for a free quote.