Well, if you have reason to ask this question then it probably is. However, we will go over the question anyway. Garage door springs are definitely one of the most important pieces of your garage door. That is saying a lot considering how many moving parts your garage door has. Obviously, wear and tear are a regular occurrence for your garage door in general. If it isn’t the weather then it is just regular use or occasional unintentional damage. It is, of course, very important to keep your garage door in good shape if you want to continue using it daily. The first part of the overall question here is;

What Is A Garage Door Spring & What Does It Do?

A garage door spring, also known as a Torsion Spring or Extension spring has one purpose; to counteract the weight of your garage door and gravity. We know, that sounds impossible, but that is what it does. The spring basically makes your garage door lighter, at its own expense. Your garage door springs are likely located mid-garage right above your garage door frame. However, they are sometimes located in the back of the garage in older homes. Here is a fun “Did You Know”; the lightest garage door out today is still about eighty pounds, that your garage door springs have to support. Most garage doors weigh in at a good bit more than that. Just imagine trying to open your garage door manually without springs.

So When Should Springs Be Replaced?

Well, when you can’t open your garage door manually or your garage door opener has trouble, for one. That is a pretty obvious sign, though. Another way you can tell is if the springs look rusted, worn, broken or overly stretched. Another visual hint is if your garage door looks like it is leaning to one side. Note: a broken garage door spring can break other parts of your garage door as well. Finally, pay attention to how your garage door sounds. If you have one of the new screw drive garage door openers, it should be almost silent. So, if it is making a lot of news, it might be time to have the garage door springs inspected by a professional.