If you don’t manually lift up your overhead door every day, you can thank garage door springs. We often ignore our garage door springs, but the truth is they are critical to the functioning of the door. Your springs are what makes lifting a several hundred-pound door feel as light as a feather. All that heavy lifting comes at a price and springs only have so much of a lifecycle, or in other words, the number of times the door can be opened and closed during its lifetime. Eventually, they will wear out and need replacement.
But keep in mind that these springs are under an incredible amount of tension. They are probably the most dangerous parts on your garage door. That’s why you should only trust garage door spring repair to a professional. This is not a DIY garage door repair. Play it safe and call a pro you can trust for garage door spring repair. It’s not worth risking a trip to the emergency room.
2 Types of Garage Door Springs
Garage door spring repair will start by determining the type of spring that needs replacement There are 2 types of garage door springs: extension and torsion. Extension springs are located horizontally on the garage door and help to lower the door. Torsion springs are located above and wind up as the door is closed. Both garage door spring types have their own pros and cons but at the end of the day, they both get the job done.
Extension springs expand and contract when you open and close your garage door. Torsion springs, on the other hand, turn thanks to torque. Torsion springs tend to be more expensive, but they last longer as they’re expanding each time they are used. A torsion spring gets between 15,000 to 20,000 cycles, while an extension springs only gets about 10,000 cycles. The other advantage to torsion springs is that they operate in a smooth, fluid fashion. Extension springs have a jerky motion, which makes them easier to come out of adjustment. Because they force the door to move more, you can expect nuts and bolts to come loose. If you have extension springs, maintain your set up by tightening down key garage door parts. Excessive motion can also force your door to go off track, so pay strict attention to your overhead garage door if it’s moving too much because of the springs. Extension garage door springs have more complex parts, which tend to lead to even more complex repair issues. Torsion springs tend to be less wear and tear on the motor of your garage door opener. Overall, torsion springs will last longer and have fewer repair issues.
Many homeowners don’t realize that their houses come equipped with extension spring systems that have become outdated. In most cases, it’s possible for a garage door installation company to convert an existing extension spring system to a torsion one with minimal ease. While it will be pricey, you’ll save money in terms of future garage door spring repair. While speaking with a garage door installation company, consider the benefits of two spring system. The best garage door repair companies will always recommend homeowners install two springs that work in tandem to less the burden of one. Once again, this will cost more, but you’ll certainly have less issues with your overhead door’s springs in the future.
Spring Season is Spring Inspection Time
While you should always leave it to a professional to work on your springs, you should visually inspect the springs from time to time. Be extremely careful when inspecting garage door springs and don’t touch anything. Even small mishandlings of door springs could lead to costly repairs if they snap. When inspecting your overhead garage door’s springs, look for rust, brittleness, or a slack in tension. When you open and close the door, does something feel off? Is your door shaking too much or extremely slow upon opening? These issues may not be directly related to your garage door spring performance, but they could signal that repair is needed. If there’s an issue, call a professional for a more complete inspection and diagnosis.
The Danger of Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are under an incredible amount of tension. In fact, nearly 2,000 people are injured in garage door repairs every year, usually because of the springs. If a spring should suddenly snap, it releases at incredible violence. It could easily send you to the emergency room. This is why we recommend that any and all garage door spring repair be done by professionals. Overhead door repair companies will ensure that your door is working as it should while also guaranteeing their work. While you’re working with the best garage door companies in your area, consider asking them to upgrade your spring system if you currently sport extension springs. Better springs means less chances of things breaking down.