Extreme temperatures can weaken your Garage Door Springs significantly. Proactive measures and regular maintenance are important if you don’t want any lasting damage to your garage doors. 

 

Garage Door Springs 

Garage Door Springs play a crucial role in operating the door as they are responsible for holding the weight of your garage door, and helping it open and close easily. Garage doors are bulky and heavy, the springs help offset this weight. They come in two types – Torsion and Extension Springs. 

Quick to Wear Out

Garage Door Springs are some of the main parts of the door that are quickest at wearing out. They should last for more than a year but as they are meant to withstand the weight of the garage door, they do eventually give in to the fatigue. 

Extreme Temperatures

Any type of extreme weather condition will have adverse effects on your garage door springs as they are ultimately metal and no matter how great the craftsmanship may be, they all bend to Mother Nature. Extreme temperatures include:

• Extreme Cold

If you live somewhere where the temperature regularly drops below negative, you need to be cautious of your garage door springs freezing. The cold temperature will cause the metal to contract and will result in decreased flexibility. Frozen parts will hinder the proper movement of the doors and can result in excessive squeaking and even breakage.

• Extreme Heat

In moments of extreme heat, metal tends to expand which will eventually ruin the tension held in the Garage Door Springs. This expansion weakens the springs and reduces their lifespan. Not only that but it can also cause the springs to stretch beyond their limits which increases the risk of snapping.

• Humidity and Moisture

In the timespan of heavy rains and moisture-laden days, corrosion and rusting become the primary concerns in regard to Garage Door Springs. Moisture can negatively affect the lubrication of the springs and other parts of the door, causing unnecessary friction and screeching. 

• Wind Storms and Hurricanes

Windy days are not a rare occurrence, although garage doors are sturdy enough to withstand some storms, strong gales can exert a significant amount of force on the doors, causing the springs to strain from additional weight. If the garage door is forced out of balance, the springs will have to face additional stress in opening and closing the door. 

 

Effects of Temperature on Garage Door Springs 

Rapid warming and cooling of metal springs have adverse effects, such as the following

• Tightness
• Loss of flexibility
• Wear and Tear
• Rust
• Corrosion
• Splintering
• Breakage

Precautionary Measures

Always aim to be proactive and protect your garage door springs so that you don’t have to one day pay a hefty sum to replace them. Some precautionary measures you can take are upkeep on regular maintenance, proper insulation of the garage for regulated internal temperatures, effective weatherstripping, ventilation to combat humidity, wind bracing, and professional inspections by experts to weed out any potential problems.

Be Cautious!

Garage Doors are built to last tough conditions but that does not mean once installed, you can completely disregard their existence. Like parts of any machine, they will only work when effectively maintained and taken care of. It is important to remember that these springs are working under high tension and if not properly looked after, can become a safety hazard. If you suspect any issues with your Garage Door Springs, be sure to call a professional to help you sort it out. 

 

Written By: Hafsa Am