You must be using your garage door daily. Thus, it's always in operation and never rests. That brings the garage door parts such as springs to wear and tear.
Springs are the most important garage door parts that play a vital role in quickly lowering and lifting the door.
As a result, knowing the spring type, height, and winding direction will be beneficial. When a garage spring fails, a repair service is usually required.
It's also essential to understand the door spring winding direction to determine if your garage door is still working correctly. The springs balance the door's weight, making it easy to open and close. For example, if it weighs 150 pounds, a spring force of 150 pounds is required to pull in the opposite direction.
Springs that twist or stretch serve an essential role in keeping the door balanced. Now that we know a little about spring winding direction, let's look at types of garage door springs.
There are two garage springs types on the high level: the extension spring and the torsion spring. Let's take a close look and understand the spring system.
As per the name, these springs work on storing energy, which is done by stretching or expanding the spring.
When you put the door in the closed position, greater weight spreads on the horizontal track.
Because of that, the extension springs experience tension. Extension springs can be classified according to the types of ends:
This form of extension spring is the simplest to replace because it doesn't require the eyebolt to be opened or the pulley to be disassembled. However, even if only a portion of the spring is damaged, you must replace the entire spring.
One of the most durable options is this type of garage door extension springs. One advantage is the long-lasting life. That's because these types of springs experience the least tension due to clips.
Another advantage of clipped ends garage door springs is they work well for heavy-weight garage doors.
However, note that replacing these garage door springs is a tough game.
Extension spring with double-looped ends is better than open-looped ends due to its strength. The main feature that distinguishes double looped spring from other spring types is the presence of two coils. These coils are attached to:
And they are present at the end of springs.
Despite being stronger, extension springs with double-looped ends are more challenging to replace.
Let's first consider that the garage door is in a closed position.
That time the extension springs get contracted, and all the door's weight comes to them. That time the energy is stored in them
Without these springs, we can't manage to raise the garage door on our own as there's a weight of 100s of pounds.
Most garage doors have two extension springs that are positioned above each track.
These extension springs are at 90 degrees to the door itself.
Sometimes, there are garage doors with only one spring. However, this configuration is uncommon.
There are two main reasons why garage door extension springs are preferred:
Torsion springs are not the same as extension springs in that they employ torque to push up the door rather than expanding or extending. These springs are located above the door, where they slowly twist and revolve on the shaft when force is applied.
Torsion springs are available in many sizes and are precisely matched & calculated to your garage door's weight, height, and material. Torsion springs used in a standard garage are classified as:
There are some common uses of these standard torsion garage doors. For instance, they are used in
They are present on the top of the garage door, where the metal shaft runs through the center and supports the springs. In most cases, one spring is used. If that doesn't work, you can go for two.
These springs are typically utilized in commercial structures such as large offices, malls, etc. They are placed inside the torsion barrel, and that's the part that supports the rolling door.
Such a torsion spring provides utmost safety. Unlike other types of springs, they are present in the torsion shaft.
You can find these garage door springs in almost all garage door types. Therefore, it's very common irrespective of garage doors' size, style, and usage. However, in most high-priced garage doors, these springs are preferred to make the garage door long-lasting.
Torsion springs have several advantages. Torsion springs, for example, are far more durable than extension springs. Another advantage is that they have more control over the garage door movement than extension springs. Also, it is for your safety.
When an extension spring snaps, it can fly into the air and cause severe damage to property or you. As garage door torsion springs do not break, you will not have this issue.
You might consider why individuals prefer extension springs over torsion springs with all of these benefits. The answer is money, and torsion springs are far more expensive than extension springs.
If you're on a tight budget, you can save money using extension springs. Now that you understand the differences between the springs, you can decide which is better for your garage door or your budget.
However, a garage door professional at Queen City Garage Doors of Charlotte can help you make the right decision. You can contact us at 980-949-0990.
No. Springs are available in various sizes and strengths to handle a variety of garage door sizes and weights. Attempting to move a heavy door with short, light gauge springs will not last long.
Queen City's garage door repair specialists will be able to provide you with the correct spring to fit your door, regardless of brand, model, or age.
Replacing a spring can be a DIY thing if you have good experience working with garage doors. If you have worked under supervision, it's fine. However, it can be dangerous to replace the springs by yourself. That's because if something goes wrong, spring can break and cause serious injuries. Therefore, we won't suggest it.
Experienced garage door technicians, such as those at Queen City Garage Doors, receive significant training and hands-on expertise in the proper handling of garage door springs. Call us now at 980-949-0990 and get your garage door back to work.
