Garage Door Springs 101: Types, Tips, and More

Views:316 Author:Site Editor Publish Time:2023-07-19 09:46:32 Orgin:Site

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Garage door springs are hardly something you think about when installing or using your garage door until it starts malfunctioning or stops working. It is the first place you or your repairer will look. It is also the one factor you should not overlook when installing the garage door spring or maintenance.

It can be risky to let your garage springs go unchecked, and you could also lose investment if you go to the market to purchase a garage door spring without an idea of the options available. We have prepared a detailed guide with all the information you need to help you choose your desired garage door spring that perfectly fits your needs.

Garage door springs are hardly something you think about when installing or using your garage door until it starts malfunctioning or stops working. It is the first place you or your repairer will look. It is also the one factor you should not overlook when installing the garage door spring or maintenance.

It can be risky to let your garage springs go unchecked, and you could also lose investment if you go to the market to purchase a garage door spring without an idea of the options available. We have prepared a detailed guide with all the information you need to help you choose your desired garage door spring that perfectly fits your needs.

Types of Garage Door Springs

The first step is to know the various garage door springs available in the market. There are two main types. You can either choose to go with torsion springs or extension springs.

Extension Springs

Extension springs are quite easy to identify. They are typically long slender springs that run parallel to the garage door’s tracks- horizontally. You will also find them mounted on the door tracks and between the ceiling and the door tracks. Technically, the spring works by storing energy when the door is closed. This makes them coil, and then release the energy by stretching out as the door opens, which helps carry its weight.

The three main types of extension garage door springs you will find include.

Open-looped Extension Springs

These have the least strength of all extension springs and get their name because their working heavily depends on the open wire found at the terminal. Note that if the wire breaks, you will have to replace the whole spring- even if all the other components of the system are in mint condition. It is, however, the easiest type of spring to replace and does not require disassembly.

Double-looped Extension Springs

As you might have guessed, double-looped springs are the second strongest extension springs and come with two coils at both ends. The coils help connect the spring one end to the eyebolt and the other to the pulley.

Clipped-end Extension Springs

These are the strongest of all three springs, and as such, they last longer. They are usually used for garage doors weighing over 200 pounds.

Torsional Springs

Torsion springs are mounted on a metal rod, and the rod is always above the garage door opening, running parallel to the garage door. On each end of the mechanical shaft, there are aluminum drums. The door could have 1-to-4 torsion springs based on its weight, strength, and size. Unlike extension springs, torsion springs turn instead of extending.

They use torque to work, with the rotating and twisting allowing them to store a powerful mechanical force released when opening the door, enabling them to balance their weight and facilitate a smooth opening.

Torsion springs are usually set to a certain torsion to meet specific needs or assembly designs. The kinds of torsion springs include;

·         Standard torsion springs: These are the more common type of springs. They are common for residential garages and light doors, which only need one spring to function optimally.

·          Early-set torsion springs: they are like standard torsion springs, with the only difference being their installation location at the torsion rod’s center.

·         Torque-master torsion springs: this spring option comes in a housing known as a torsion barrel that comes with a winding cone. This helps hold them in place and prevent any damage in the spring. Because they remain in place throughout the operation, they are regarded as the safest kind.

·         Steel rolling-door torsion springs: As the name suggests, they are heavy-duty kinds of springs. As a result, they are mainly used in industrial and commercial applications.

On top of these different types, garage door springs are also available in different coating materials offering options for appearance and protection.

·         Oil-tempered: this coating allows springs to be long-lasting and strong without compromising affordability.

·         Galvanized: this coating provides a visually appealing look and a rust-free metallic finish.

·         Black-coated: this coating provides better rust protection and helps your spring keep its tension and balance.

·         Square-wire: this design allows the spring to handle heavy garage doors and is more common for commercial and industrial uses.

Torsional vs. Extension Springs

Typically, the ideal type of spring comes down to the two main types; torsion springs or extension springs. The latter used to be the most common garage door springs. However, torsion springs are the most popular option today. The choice comes down to cost, durability, safety, ease of installation, and the balance provided.

Torsion springs have the benefit of being the ‘modern’ type. And, as a result, offer more in terms of quality and efficiency. They are more durable than extension springs, usually lasting anywhere between 15000 to 20000 cycles.

Torsion springs are also safer because they have fewer moving and exposed parts. This helps reduce the chances of injury should the spring break. It is also safer since the spring is mounted above the door. Lastly, torsion springs offer better balance for the garage door. This significantly contributes in attaining an efficient and smoother operation.

Conversely, although extension springs offer the advantage of being an inexpensive option, they are still excellent, especially in residential areas. They are also easier to install than torsion springs and are the best option for someone with low garage door headroom. You can enhance their safety by purchasing extension springs with safety cables or having a professional fit the safety cables later.

Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement

Regardless of the type of spring you choose, it eventually gets to a point where they will need replacement. In other circumstances, they may wear out faster than expected, or another factor could come into play affecting their performance.

It is far better to replace your garage door springs before they break completely, as the latter option could pose a serious risk of injury to a person or vehicle. Here are some of the signs that will let you know that you need to replace your garage door springs.

Excessive Squeaking

While the occasional squeaking is normal, when it is in excess, it indicates a bigger problem. This is especially true if your attempts to stop the squeaking using a lubricant are unsuccessful. It is usually an indication of worn-out or broken springs. Besides the squeaking, look for any strange sounds the door could make during opening and closing.

Normally, the door feels heavier during opening and closing. But garage door springs make the opening and closing of the garage door smooth and effortless. For this reason, if the door feels heavier than usual or requires more effort to open and close, it is a sign that the springs are faulty or aged. When closing, you can also tell if the door comes down faster than usual.

The door is lopsided.

This balancing issue indicates a problem with the springs or one of them. Usually, when the springs are operating well, the garage door’s bottom is supposed to be parallel to the building’s floor. If it is lopsided or raised on one end more than the other, it is a clear sign that a spring on one of the sides is working improperly or is broken.

Your door has jerky movements.

If the door’s movement is not seamless but instead jerky or erratic, then it is most likely a problem with the springs. They could be struggling to uncoil, or the spring responsible on one side is worn out, placing extra pressure on the remaining ones.

Cables are off

All your garage door cables should be tight for optimal and safe functioning. However, when they become loose or slip out of place, it shows spring is uncoiling and has started breaking.

You should be able to catch these early signs in your usual garage door maintenance. It can help you save further damage to other parts of the garage door, and at times all you need is proper rewinding of the springs.

What Makes Garage Door Springs Break?

There are several factors that can make your garage door spring break. Some of these reasons include;

Improper Maintenance

Manufacturers advise checking the garage door spring system monthly and doing good maintenance work at least twice a year. This will not only help the springs attain their maximum life span, but it will also allow you to spot any changes and take corrective measures early.

Maintenance will include regular lubrication and checking the other door system parts to ensure they do not place undue strain on the springs. You should also check for the door balance regularly, especially during the cold months, because cold weather can leave the springs brittle and susceptible to breaking easily.

Door Jams

Accumulation of dirt and debris in the door track will obviously affect the normal operation of your garage door. The dirt blocks the rollers, so the door cannot move without extra force. Door jams affect a spring’s ability to release or store energy, and if they are not addressed, the spring gradually loses this ability necessitating a replacement.

Rust

Rust eats the spring’s surface weakening it, and it can shorten its lifespan, making it break. General rust protection involves lubricating the springs three to four times a year. You can, however, buy springs with the best rust and corrosion-resistant coating. Where rust has gotten to the point of corrosion, it cannot be brushed off, and instead, you should replace the spring.

Daily Wear and Rear

These are perhaps the most common reasons why garage door springs break. Technically, high-quality springs will last approximately 10,000 to 20,000 cycles and one cycle consists of both opening and closing of the garage door. As such, the best springs should last anywhere over ten years.

However, it will depend on the usage of the garage door. Sometimes, the garage door may only be opened a couple of times a week. In other instances, like cases where the garage door is used as the front door, it could be opened and closed a couple of times in a day, shortening its lifespan.

Can I Replace Garage Door Springs on My Own?

While there are several DIY guides on how to replace garage door springs by yourself, there is an inherent risk involved. Also, using professionals offers several advantages and is the better option overall.

Dangers of DIY garage door spring replacement

·         Injuries from the door, springs, and other parts: the springs are under immense pressure and can easily cause injury if they snap, while the door can drop down with its immense weight, potentially causing injury.

·         Misdiagnosis of the problem: You could assume it is your spring with a problem and replace it only to find it was not the cause and you have not addressed the root issue. You thus risk wasting your money and still have recurring problems.

·         Mishandling of the springs: lack of proper tools means you risk mishandling the springs and other parts leading to poor replacement work with potential future defects.

·         Installing the wrong kind of spring or installing it improperly: spring replacement requires accuracy in knowing the right kind of spring, including its size, winding direction, and the weight it can support. Any wrong choice and the door will not open and close as expected, and you also risk accidents.

Benefits of using professional services

·         Little risk of injury: a professional has the knowledge and years of experience handling garage door springs which lowers the risk of injury.

·         They have the right tools: proper tools allow for high-quality work and efficiency while also reducing accidents.

·         Enjoy warranty protection: Spring manufacturers offer warranties for their products which you void when you go the DIY route. Further, professional services also offer warranties for their work, allowing you to enjoy free follow-up services should an issue arise from their work.

·         Convenience: using a professional service allows you to go on with your daily activities while having them fixed without any delay or having to start learning various DIY guides.

·         Save time and money: You can easily replace your garage door spring without having to set aside a day or two for the task, and you spare money you would have spent renting or purchasing tools for the task.

Conclusion

If you want the proper and safe functioning of your garage door, you need to find the right springs. Once you have settled on whether you want extension springs or torsion springs, the next step is finding the right spring’s vendor.

You want a company with a reputation for the best springs, with a significant range, excellent quality, and at an affordable cost. GL Metal is a reliable pattern for all your springs. Call us today, and let us give you the best deal for your garage.