Understanding Garage Door Springs: Types, Maintenance, and Safety

2024-01-10 10 min read

# Understanding Garage Door Springs: Types, Maintenance, and Safety

Garage door springs are among the most critical components of your garage door system. They bear the weight of the door and make it possible to open and close it with ease. Understanding how they work and how to maintain them can help you extend their lifespan and avoid costly garage door repairs.

Types of Garage Door Springs

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. When the door closes, the springs wind up and store energy. When the door opens, the springs unwind and release that energy to help lift the door. Torsion springs are the preferred choice for most modern garage doors because they offer smoother operation, better balance, and longer lifespan.

Characteristics: - Mounted above the door, Typically last 15,000-20,000 cycles, Provide smooth, balanced operation, Available in standard and high-cycle options

Extension Springs

Extension springs are mounted on either side of the door and stretch as the door closes. They are typically found on older or lighter garage doors. While less expensive than torsion springs, they have a shorter lifespan and can be more dangerous if they break without safety cables.

Signs Your Springs Need Attention

Recognizing the warning signs of spring problems can help you avoid being stranded with a non-functional door:

1. Door feels heavy: If your door suddenly feels heavier to lift, the springs may be weakening 2. Crooked door: A door that opens unevenly may have one broken spring 3. Loud bang: A loud noise from the garage often indicates a spring has broken 4. Gaps in the spring: Visible gaps or separation in the spring coils 5. Door won't stay open: The door falls closed or won't stay in the open position

Spring Maintenance Tips

Regular preventive maintenance can extend the life of your garage door springs:

Monthly Visual Inspection

Check your springs for signs of wear, rust, or damage. Look for gaps in the coils and ensure the springs are properly attached.

Lubrication

Apply a high-quality garage door lubricant to your springs every three to six months. This reduces friction and prevents rust. Learn more in our guide to winterizing your garage door.

Balance Testing

Disconnect the opener and manually open the door halfway. A properly balanced door should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment.

Professional Inspection

Have a professional inspect your springs annually. They can identify potential problems and make adjustments before a failure occurs.

Safety Warnings

Never attempt to repair or replace garage door springs yourself. These springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if handled improperly. Spring repair and replacement should only be performed by trained professionals.

If you notice any problems with your garage door springs, contact us immediately. Our certified technicians serving Jurupa Valley, Bloomington, Fontana, and all surrounding areas have the tools and expertise to safely repair or replace your springs.

Spring Replacement Costs

The cost of spring replacement varies depending on the type of springs and the complexity of the installation. We offer competitive pricing and stand behind our work with our total confidence guarantee. Call (951) 556-6303 for a free estimate.

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