GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS
TENSION & TORSION GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS
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The garage door springs are made to counter the weight of the garage door panels or mat.
One gets two types of garage door springs, tension garage door springs and torsion garage door springs.
Tension garage door springs are usually found on a single garage door and works with a pulley system, and the springs run on top of the guides on sectional garage doors.
Then we get torsion garage door springs that works with a shaft and cable drum set up.
Adding the correct amount of torsion force on the tension bar will make the garage door weight equals out if done correctly.
The garage door should be weightless from the open to the closed positions of your garage door.
If not done correctly, the garage door will be heavy to lift up or shoot up from the ground towards the opening position of the garage door.
Always have a professional garage door company do this for you.
SHOULD I REPLACE BOTH SPRINGS?
The springs are an assist system that counterbalances the weight of the door with the energy stored in the springs to allow the user to open the door with very little effort.
There are usually two springs for the average residential garage door and, depending on the size and weight of the door, there are two different types of springs to counter the weight of the door.
Torsion springs are found on a long metal bar above the door and as the door is closed the springs wind tightly, storing energy in the metal coil. As the door is opened, the springs unwind, releasing enough energy to aid in lifting the heavy door.
Lighter-weight and smaller doors use tension springs, which are on either side of the door’s overhead track.
When the door is closed, the tension springs are stretched. As the door opens, the springs relax, releasing energy to help lift the door.
When replacing tension springs, it is recommended that both springs be replaced and matched because the older, unbroken spring will have lost some of its tension from years of use.
Replacing both springs helps to balance the door so that it opens smoothly with equal force being applied to each side of the door.
WHAT CAUSES A GARAGE DOOR SPRING TO BREAK?
Most of the time springs break due to simple wear and tear over time. However, if your garage is especially humid, rust may form on the spring system and decrease its lifespan (unless you have galvanized springs, which are protected from corrosion).
HOW LONG DO GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS LAST?
Springs are rated for a specific number of cycles. Each time your garage door opens and closes counts as one cycle. The average spring will last 10,000 cycles, or between six and 10 years. As homes continue to be built with attached garages, many homeowners are using the garage to enter their homes and increasing the number of cycles their garage door experiences.
Exceeding the cycle rating of your garage door springs can cause tiny cracks in the spring and decrease its lifespan.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SPRINGS BREAK?
Springs are wound tight which means that there is a lot of energy stored up in a garage door spring and why we advise that only a professional garage door technician should ever repair a broken spring. Many accidents, including lacerations, broken wrists or fingers, and head injuries have occurred when proper training or incorrect tools weren’t used for the job.
If your garage door uses a two-spring system and one of the springs breaks, the other spring will still be under considerable tension. A malfunctioning spring can also cause your garage door to slam shut unexpectedly, which is why it’s important to never walk directly underneath your garage door.
CAN I REPLACE MY GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS MYSELF?
No. Only a professionally trained garage door technician should replace/repair garage door springs, and you should never try to replace a torsion spring or extension spring.
Given the extreme tension these spring systems are under, there are serious dangers involved in undertaking a repair or replacement without the proper knowledge, tools, experience, and technique. Please leave this job to a professional.
HOW DO I SPOT A BROKEN TORSION SPRING?
Sometimes you can tell that your torsion spring is broken just by its appearance. For instance, you might notice a visible two-inch gap in the spring indicating the spot where the break occurred. Alternatively, there can be various problems with your garage door’s functioning. Indicators that you have a broken torsion spring include:
- The door won’t open
- The door closes more forcefully than usual
- The door looks crooked when it’s closing
- The door opens only a couple of inches and then closes again
HOW DO I SPOT A BROKEN TENSION SPRING?
A visual check might reveal a broken tension spring and you may see gaps in the coils. Additionally, the same type of garage door problems mentioned above may indicate a broken extension spring.
Furthermore, you should pay attention to your garage door’s alignment. If one of the springs has given out, the garage door won’t open well on that side and will likely hang aslant.