Understanding Garage Door Spring Adjustment

Understanding Garage Door Spring Adjustment

Ever noticed your garage door struggling to open or close, or maybe it feels heavier than usual? Chances are, your garage door springs might need an adjustment. These springs are crucial for balancing the door and making it easy to lift, whether you’re using an automatic opener or doing it manually.

If you’re in Melbourne and need professional help, Eastern Garage Doors is here to make the process hassle-free. But first, let’s dive into what garage door spring adjustment is all about, why it’s important, and what’s involved in getting it just right.

What Do Garage Door Springs Actually Do?

Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage setup. They bear most of the door’s weight, so you don’t have to. These springs work by storing and releasing energy to counterbalance the door, making it feel lighter. Without properly functioning springs, even the strongest opener won’t be able to do its job.

There are two main types of springs:

  1. Torsion Springs  – SECTIONAL DOORS
    • Found above the garage door.
    • They twist to create tension as the door opens or closes.
    • These are more durable and last longer than extension springs.
  2. Extension Springs – TILT DOORS
    • Located on either side of the door.
    • They stretch and contract as the door moves.
    • Typically found in older systems or smaller doors.
  3. Internal – Roller door springs
    • Inside the roll of the roller door
    • Door will be heavy to lift manually and if not adjusted will put extra strain on your remote control opener

All types need to be checked and adjusted periodically to keep your door running smoothly.

Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Adjustment

Not sure if your springs are out of alignment? Here’s what to look out for:

  • Door Won’t Stay Open or Closed
    If your door keeps drifting up or down, the springs might be out of balance.
  • Uneven Movement
    A jerky or lopsided door is a dead giveaway that something’s off with the springs.
  • Loud Noises
    Hearing a loud bang or squeaking as the door operates? That’s likely spring-related.
  • The Door Feels Heavy
    Struggling to lift the door manually? That’s a sign the springs aren’t doing their job.
  • Opener Strain
    If your automatic opener is working harder than usual or sounds like it’s straining, it might be compensating for spring issues.

Why Proper Spring Adjustment Matters

Ignoring spring issues can lead to bigger problems down the line. Here’s why adjusting them is so important:

  1. Ensures Safety
    Misaligned springs can snap, causing the door to fall unexpectedly. That’s a major safety hazard for you and your family.
  2. Prolongs Your Door’s Lifespan
    When springs are properly adjusted, other components like cables, tracks, and the opener don’t have to work as hard, reducing wear and tear.
  3. Prevents Costly Repairs
    Catching and fixing spring issues early can save you from having to replace more expensive parts later on.
  4. Improves Door Functionality
    With correctly adjusted springs, your door will open and close smoothly, making daily use a breeze.

Can You Adjust Garage Door Springs Yourself?

It might be tempting to tackle this as a DIY project, but adjusting garage door springs isn’t for the faint of heart. Here’s why:

  • It’s Dangerous
    Springs are under a lot of tension, and if they snap during adjustment, they can cause serious injury.
  • Specialized Tools Are Required
    You’ll need tools like winding bars for torsion springs, which aren’t something most people have lying around.
  • It’s Easy to Make Things Worse
    Without the right knowledge, you might over-tighten or loosen the springs, creating more problems than you solve.

Bottom line? Unless you’re a pro, it’s safer and more efficient to call in experts like Eastern Garage Doors.

How Eastern Garage Doors Handles Spring Adjustment

When you reach out to Eastern Garage Doors, here’s how they ensure your springs are adjusted to perfection:

Step 1: Inspect the Springs

The team starts by inspecting your door’s springs to check for wear, rust, or other damage.

Step 2: Determine the Balance

They’ll test the door to see if it’s properly balanced. This involves manually lifting the door halfway to see if it stays in place.

Step 3: Adjust Tension

Using specialised tools, they’ll carefully add or release tension to get the springs perfectly balanced.

Step 4: Lubricate Moving Parts

To ensure smooth operation, they’ll lubricate the springs and other moving parts like rollers and hinges.

Step 5: Test the Door

Finally, they’ll run multiple tests to make sure everything’s working as it should.

What Happens If the Springs Are Damaged?

Sometimes, a simple adjustment isn’t enough. If your springs are worn out or broken, they’ll need to be replaced. Eastern Garage Doors offers high-quality spring replacement services to get your door back in action quickly.

Tips to Keep Your Garage Door Springs in Good Shape

Want to avoid frequent adjustments? Follow these tips:

  1. Regular Maintenance
    Schedule annual check-ups with Eastern Garage Doors to catch issues early.
  2. Lubricate Springs
    A bit of lubrication goes a long way in preventing rust and reducing friction.
  3. Avoid Overloading the Door
    Don’t attach too many additional weights or gadgets to your door—it can strain the springs.
  4. Watch for Warning Signs
    Pay attention to how your door operates and address any issues right away.
  5. Replace Springs When Needed
    Springs have a limited lifespan. When they’re worn out, replace them promptly to avoid bigger problems.

Why Choose Eastern Garage Doors?

Here’s what sets Eastern Garage Doors apart when it comes to garage door spring adjustments:

  • Expert Technicians
    Their team has years of experience working with all types of garage door systems.
  • Fast Service
    They understand how inconvenient a malfunctioning garage door is and aim to fix it quickly.
  • High-Quality Parts
    They use durable, long-lasting springs to ensure your door stays in top shape.
  • Customer-Centric Approach
    Your satisfaction is their priority. They’ll walk you through the process and make sure you’re happy with the results.
  • Affordable Pricing
    Quality service doesn’t have to break the bank. Eastern Garage Doors offers competitive rates for all their services.

FAQs About Garage Door Spring Adjustment

Q: How often should I get my springs adjusted?
A: Typically, once a year is enough unless you use your garage door heavily.

Q: Can I just replace one spring instead of both?
A: It’s best to replace both springs at the same time to keep the door balanced.

Q: How long does an adjustment take?
A: Most adjustments can be done in under an hour, depending on the door’s condition.

Q: Are there any warranties on the work?
A: Eastern Garage Doors offers warranties on their repairs and replacements for added peace of mind.

Let’s Get Your Garage Door Running Smoothly

Dealing with a garage door that’s not cooperating? Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Whether it’s a simple adjustment or a full spring replacement, Eastern Garage Doors has the expertise to get your door back on track.

Call today or book online to schedule a service. With Eastern Garage Doors, you’re in safe hands!