Garage door springs are responsible for making our lives easier by assisting the garage door system we heavily rely on each day. They are the driving force of every garage door but not all homeowners know how exactly they work.
One of the most important components of our garage door system is the door spring. These springs are the ones that keep the force for holding the garage door weight by counterbalancing it while opening and closing.
Here, we’ll give you a rundown of how these garage door springs work and how to know if they need a repair or replacement.
Types of Garage Door Springs
Before diving deep into the two kinds of garage door springs, it is best to note that the choice between them can significantly affect the operation of your garage door system in terms of performance and durability.
Torsion Springs:
This type of garage door spring utilizes torque to lift your garage door. They are a popular choice due to their durability and stability during operation. These springs are usually mounted above the garage door opening and are often the preferred option for heavier doors as they offer a smoother operation than their counterpart. Modern garage doors now use torsion springs because of their durability and reliability. They are, however, a little more expensive.
Extension Springs:
As its name suggests, extension springs work by extending tension every time you open your garage door. These springs are installed on either side of the door and stretch out or extend while your door operates automatically. Extension springs are commonly used in residential areas with lighter garage doors. Although they are less expensive than torsion springs, extension springs require more maintenance and safety checks.
How Do Garage Door Torsion Springs Work?
These springs store a great amount of energy – mounted on the top of your garage door, torsion springs utilize torque to assist in lifting and lowering the garage door.
These are tightly wound coils that release the stored energy when the garage door opens helping it lift the door. This process of counterbalancing is controlled by a set of cables and drums that work with the opener and springs, ensuring that your garage door moves evenly throughout the operation.
The Pros of Torsion Springs include:
- Durable – torsion springs are designed with longevity to withstand high-traffic environments and can handle more cycles than an extension spring.
- Safe – with fewer exposed parts, torsion springs are considered safe with less risk of accidents during spring breakage.
- Balanced Lifting – torque provides a better balance that distributes the lifting force evenly across the width of the garage door, which prevents uneven wearing of the door and opener.
- Smooth Operation – these springs are popular because of the quiet and smooth operation they offer. This way, it reduces stress in the opener and other mechanical parts as well.
How do Garage Door Extension Springs Work?
Extension springs, on the other hand, are an older type of garage door technology that has two springs mounted at each end of the garage door. Some people prefer having extension springs over torsion springs because they are less expensive and are easier to install.
These springs are perfect for homeowners who have lighter garage doors with less frequent cycle use. They work by stretching and contracting the wound wire coil to dissipate energy to assist the garage door opener in the open and close cycle.
The advantages of using extension springs include:
- Less Expensive – unlike torsion springs, extension springs are a more affordable option, especially for homeowners who have lighter garage doors.
- Easy Installation – homebuilders prefer using extension springs because they have easier and more straightforward installation.
Choosing Between Torsion and Extension Springs
Garage door springs are one of the most critical components of your automatic garage door. While your garage door opener initiates the opening and closing operation, the springs are responsible for supporting the weight of your door.
It’s important you know the key differences between these two types of springs before deciding which one you should go for. Take note of the pros and cons of each one before making a decision.
If you’re wondering how much it costs for a new garage door installation, this post shows a list of new garage door costs for Los Angeles and nearby areas.
The Lifespan of Garage Door Springs
Once installed correctly, your garage door springs are designed to last approximately 10,000 cycles – a cycle being both the opening and closing of your garage door.
In layman’s terms, it’s an average of 7 to 10 years. But for your springs to last this long, you should care to give them the maintenance and safety checks they need.
Rust and corrosion shorten a spring’s lifespan. Small rusty parts can easily be scrubbed off, but for rust to the point of corrosion, you should consider getting a replacement. Lubricating 3 to 4x every year minimizes the risk of getting your door springs corroded.
While you can’t avoid wear and tear, proper maintenance can prolong a spring’s life. Regular lubrication and safety checks should be done routinely to avoid sudden spring breakage.
When Does Your Spring Need a Repair or Replacement
Once a garage door spring breaks, it cannot function properly anymore – and, you might not be able to use the garage door at all.
While spring adjustment may be needed from time to time, once it breaks, it can’t be fixed. Springs are made from steel and once they’re broken, they cannot be repaired anymore. A replacement spring should be installed in place of the broken one.
These are the signs that indicate there’s a problem with your garage door springs:
- The garage door looks uneven when it opens and closes
- There are strange sounds while the garage door operates
- It takes longer than usual to open and close the garage door
- The garage door won’t open
Get Professional a Professional Spring Replacement Service
Broken garage door springs pose a significant risk and safety hazard to you and your property. Even though it can be tempting to replace broken springs on your own, we highly discourage doing it without the help of an expert. This ensures your safety and prevents any further damage to your garage door.
Don’t panic when your garage door spring suddenly breaks, at Rock Garage Door Repair Company, we offer our clients a 24/7 emergency service that immediately solves the problem.
Call our team to help you resolve your garage door issues!
