Signs You’re Using the Wrong Spring Type for Your Garage Door

Your garage door is one of the most used entry points in your home, often opening and closing multiple times a day. A smoothly functioning garage door relies heavily on the right type of spring system. Whether it’s torsion or extension springs, using the incorrect spring type can cause long-term damage, compromise safety, and lead to costly garage spring repair or full garage door spring replacement.

At Emu Garage Doors, we not only provide expert repair services. We also guide homeowners through common myths and misconceptions to ensure you’re making informed decisions about your garage’s gateway!

The Door Feels Unusually Heavy

If lifting your garage door manually feels like a workout, chances are the springs aren’t providing adequate counterbalance. This typically indicates that either the spring type is mismatched for the weight of your door or the tension is incorrect. Torsion springs are designed for heavier doors, while extension springs are better suited for lighter models.

1. Uneven or Jerky Movement:

Does your garage door move up and down hesitantly or unevenly? Does it seem to struggle more at certain points in its travel? This is a classic symptom of improperly matched springs. The springs are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door, and if they’re too weak or too strong, the door won’t operate smoothly. You might notice one side of the door lifting faster than the other, or a general “jerking” motion.

2. The Door Doesn’t Stay Open (or Closed) Properly:

If you open your garage door and it starts to drift downwards on its own, or if you close it and it doesn’t quite settle all the way, your springs are likely out of balance with the door’s weight. Too weak, and it won’t hold the door up. Too strong, and it might “bounce” open slightly when you try to close it.

3. Excessive Noise During Operation:

While some noise is normal, loud groaning, squealing, or grinding sounds during garage door operation can indicate undue stress on the springs. This could be due to incorrect spring tension or, more seriously, the wrong type of spring for the door’s weight and size. These noises are a warning sign that the system is working harder than it should, potentially leading to premature wear and tear on various components.

4. Visible Wear and Tear on Other Components:

If your springs aren’t doing their job correctly, other parts of your garage door system will bear the brunt. You might notice cables fraying prematurely, hinges bending, or rollers wearing out faster than expected. This is because the motor, cables, and other hardware are compensating for the spring’s inefficiency, leading to increased strain and accelerated degradation.

5. Short Spring Lifespan:

Standard garage door springs are designed to last for a certain number of cycles. If you find yourself needing frequent garage door spring replacements, it’s a strong indicator that the current springs are not correctly matched to your door. Using springs that are too small or too weak for the door’s weight will cause them to overwork and fail much sooner than their intended lifespan.

6. Difficulty Lifting the Door Manually:

In an emergency or power outage, you should be able to lift your garage door manually with relative ease. If it feels extremely heavy or requires significant effort, your springs are likely not providing enough counterbalance. This is not only inconvenient but can also be a safety hazard.

What You Should Do Next

If you’re noticing any of the signs above, it’s best to call in a Garage Door professional. A licensed technician can evaluate your system and recommend the correct garage door spring type. Whether you need a simple adjustment or a complete garage door spring replacement.

The right springs are crucial for the longevity and safety of your garage door system. If your door isn’t operating smoothly, don’t wait until the issue becomes more serious. Contact Emu Garage Doors, your local experts in garage spring repair, to inspect and install the correct spring system tailored to your specific door.  Call us today on 02 9030 0686  for reliable service, trusted products, and peace of mind. With our help, you’ll make better, safer, and more informed choices for your home’s gateway.

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