We talk a lot about garage doors, but there are a whole host of other parts and components that make up your garage door system and its functionality. Today, we will take a closer look at garage door springs and tracks. Before we get too deep into these topics, we want to remind our readers that you should not work on springs and tracks yourself if you believe there is a problem. Call an expert garage door repair professional to handle those jobs. Still, we felt it would be appropriate to talk a little about them and explain how they are critical to the proper functioning of your garage door.
A Closer Look at Garage Door Springs
If you’re going to have a new garage door installed or you need garage spring repair, which spring does your garage door use? Garage door springs play an important role in the tension system required to make your garage door go up and down seamlessly. There are two primary types of garage door spring systems: torsion springs and extension springs.
Let’s examine torsion springs first. Most double car garage doors use torsion springs. A torsion spring works by twisting its end along its axis. They are larger than extension springs and can carry the weight of heavy garage doors. While more expensive than extension springs, they may also last longer. These are the workhorses of any garage door setup.
Next, you have garage door extension springs. Smaller or lighter garage doors typically use extension springs. An extension spring stretches as the load is applied to the spring. They are smaller and less expensive than torsion springs and typically feature a shorter lifecycle. While not as widely used, extension springs are functional and feature quiet operation.
What Type of Garage Door Spring is Best?
Lighter garage doors – such as non-insulated doors or basic single car garage doors – typically use extension springs. Extension springs are lighter, less expensive, and require less headroom above the garage door. Heavier garage doors -such as insulated, wooden, or glass double car garage doors – typically use torsion spring systems. Torsion springs are larger and generally offer longer life cycles.
The type of springs your garage door uses is based on a variety of factors such as garage door height, weight, material and style as well as options that are chosen when picking out your new garage door. While many single car garage doors come included with extension springs by default, you may choose to have a garage door repair professional upgrade or convert your existing tension system, depending on the needs of your specific application.
Now, what if you think a spring may be broken? We can’t reiterate enough how important it is to not work on this yourself. Still, you can conduct a preliminary examination to determine whether your garage door problem is related to a broken or misaligned spring.
How to Conduct a Proper Diagnosis
If you are unsure if your garage door spring is broken, the most common way to tell is if your garage door won’t open or close. Of course, this could be related to other issues, but you can easily tell whether it is a spring or not. Without tension, your garage door will be very heavy and may be difficult/impossible to lift manually. If you are using an automatic opener, the weight of the garage door may be too heavy for the motor to lift, causing additional strain on the gears and potentially damaging your opener, which can in turn cause damage to your door while in operation.
You may also wonder why your garage door springs look different from each other. Various spring OEMs use alternate tension systems not listed above. But don’t worry, here at Prestige Door we service and repair all types of garage door spring systems. We can also perform conversions on existing tension systems if you’re wanting/needing to update your current system. We are your local garage door repair professionals you can trust.
Garage doors under tension are dangerous; we always recommend having a professional garage door technician provide you with service if garage spring replacement is needed. We do not recommend trying to do garage spring repairs on your own as accidents can cause serious injuries/death.
When you need reliable yet affordable service, simply call Prestige Door. We offer same day garage door spring repair and in most cases can be at the job within an hour (330) 470-0594.