Garage doors are made of a variety of different moving parts. Springs, in particular, are more often than not responsible for noisy garage doors and may need attention.
In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the different types of garage door springs.
Types Of Garage Door Springs
The garage door springs are one of the most important parts of your garage door. When they’re installed, you’ll use them to give your door the tension needed to open and close. Of course, like all kinds of garage door parts, they do wear out and eventually, you’ll need to replace them.
This can be tricky if you’re not comfortable working with garage door components, so we recommend contacting a professional for garage door spring repair.
Here are the different types of garage door springs, and what you need to know about them.
Torsion Springs: These springs are the most common ones that you’ll find in your garage. These use torque to open and close your garage door, and are usually very sturdy. This is why they’re common, as they tend to last longer.
These work by using a twisting force to open the door. As force is applied to open it, the spring will twist on the shaft. This is what opens it up for you.
Extension Springs: These are the other kind of garage door springs available, and they could be for you. They’re more commonly used in garages where there isn’t a lot of headroom, as they are placed in the upper horizontal tracks on the garage door.
When these springs are used, they extend when the door is opened to create a counterbalance. The more the door is opened, the more the spring extends. These are the springs that often come with safety cables, as they have so much force applied to them.
What Do Garage Door Springs Do?
If you’re new to the world of garage door maintenance, you may not be sure what the springs are for. These are actually some of the most important parts of the door. When you open the door, either manually or with a garage door opener, the spring is what helps it stay open once it’s opened up. The tension in the spring holds it in place until it needs to come down again.
They’re an important part of the garage door, but they’re also a dangerous one. They hold a lot of tension in them, and so if they snap they can travel at high speeds. In the best-case scenario, it’s going to damage something like your car. In the worst, it’ll cause you injury. That’s why most springs now have a cable running through them. If the spring wears out and snaps, then it will still be held against the cable rather than pinging away into the garage.
They can break at high velocity, so it pays to be careful. Some homeowners don’t know the spring was wearing out until they heard a loud crack from the garage, so always treat springs with caution.
Which Springs Are Right For You?
Now you know the difference between garage door spring types, you’ll need to pick the one that’s right for your garage door. Picking the right one will affect how you use it and how quickly it will need replacing again, so you’ll need to choose carefully.
Usually, the choice will be made for you by the construction of the garage. If the ceiling is low, you may not be able to use a regular torsion spring. Extension springs will be better, as they fit into the tracks at the side of the garage door.
If you’re concerned about the durability of the springs, then torsion springs will be the better option. They’re hardier than extension springs, especially as they don’t take quite as much pressure.
Safety is also a concern, especially if you’re in and out of the garage a lot. If you’re worried about that, you can get torsion springs as they have fewer exposed parts. Because of this though, they will cost more. You’ll need to decide on your budget and see if you can fit the springs in.
If you’re still unsure, you can talk to your local garage door repair service. They will be able to advise you on which springs are right for you.
How To Maintain Garage Door Springs
Now the springs are installed, you’ll need to maintain them to get the maximum lifespan from them. Always take a look when you’re inspecting your garage door. Do the springs look as though they’re sagging? That’s a sign that they’re wearing out, and will eventually break. At this point, it’s time to replace them again.
Also, test the balance of your garage door. Open t6he door halfway and step back. Does the door stay open where you left it? If so, then the springs are in good condition. If it starts to slide shut, the springs are starting to lose their tension and will need to be inspected further.
Otherwise, the best way to maintain the door is to lubricate it. Use a specific lithium-based grease, as it’s designed for garage doors. Lube all the moving parts of the door with it, including the springs.
That’s everything you need to know about garage door springs. You can pick the type that works best for your garage door, and have them installed with confidence. Remember, if you ever need a hand, you can call your local garage door repair service to help you with it.
Should You Hire a Professional?
If your old springs have broken or are wearing out, they need to be replaced. Online, you’ll see plenty of guides on how to replace your own garage door springs. If you’re very confident in DIY, then you can do it. It’s a complicated job though, so you’ll need to be assured in what you’re doing to attempt it.
However, most homeowners won’t be that learned in garage door repair. Because of this, it will be a lot easier to call in a garage door repair service to handle it. These services will take on the job for you, so you can be sure it’s done right. Plus, it will be a lot safer. Remember, those springs can be dangerous when handled improperly.
You made a good point that counting on the services of 24-hour garage door repair services would be ideal so that I can expect learned professionals to diagnose and fix the problems of my door. My garage door has been making squeaking sounds whenever I try to close it all the way down. Perhaps something with the springs is preventing me from closing it smoothly.