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Entering and Exiting: A Door Blog

Do you love solid wood doors, hallow-core doors, French doors, screen doors, security doors, garage doors or any other type of door? If you said yes, we have that in common. Hello. My name is Pat, and I take doors seriously. Whether I'm hanging a bedroom door for my kids, buying new doors for my rental properties or advising a real estate client on new doors, I take the task seriously, and I spend a lot of time researching. After years reading about and testing multiple types of doors, I have decided to share my wealth of knowledge. Please explore, and I hope you like what you find.

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Entering and Exiting: A Door Blog

Why Should You Replace or Repair a Rusted Garage Door Spring?

by Brad Barnes

Your garage door system uses several parts, and the springs are among the most important. They work to balance the weight of the door and ensure you can open the garage smoothly and reliably. Springs should last for many years, but they may sometimes need to be repaired or replaced sooner than expected.

One common cause for concern is rust. It's not uncommon for springs to develop rust thanks to the moist interior atmosphere of many garages. While a little light rust can be brushed away relatively easily, more serious levels of corrosion can necessitate expert attention. Here are just a few reasons why you shouldn't ignore rusted garage door springs.

Corroded Springs Can Break

Garage door springs are placed under a lot of tension, which is one reason why it's always important to have an experienced professional carry out any replacements or major repairs. That tension also means that deeper levels of corrosion can cause the springs to fail completely. This might mean your garage door simply stops working, but a heavily rusted spring can also snap when placed under enough tension. That can cause significant damage or even serious injury. Complete failure shouldn't be something you need to worry about when only a little rust is present, but it's always best to have the issue checked.

Strain Can Cause Additional Damage

Even if rust doesn't cause your garage door springs to fail, it can place other parts of the mechanism under additional strain. The opener itself will need to work harder to move the heavy garage door, which can lead to motor failure. The cables that are meant to work with the springs in order to keep tension will be more likely to fray when placed under added strain, and the rollers your garage door moves along can wear out faster. If only the spring on one side is rusted, tracks can bend or become misaligned due to uneven pressure.

The Door Won't Open as Smoothly

Finally, keep in mind that even moderate levels of surface rust can interfere with proper lubrication. As such, rusted springs can interfere with the smooth operation of your garage door. It may jump up and down during operation, or you may hear loud noises as the door opens and closes. Rougher motions can cause additional damage, and a garage door that doesn't open as smoothly or reliably simply isn't as convenient. Best to get the spring repaired or replaced before the situation gets worse. 

For more information about garage door spring repairs, contact a local company. 

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