A garage door spring, specifically a torsion spring, works by utilizing coils made of heavy-gauge steel wire to balance the weight of garage doors through torque. The torsion springs are wound and unwound as the garage door lifts to open and close, effectively counterbalancing the weight of the door. The weight of garage doors can vary, ranging from 250 to 600 pounds, depending on the size and type of door. Torsion springs are typically located above the garage door and horizontally placed on the torsion bars close to the garage opening.
Torsion springs are responsible for evenly distributing your garage door’s weight throughout the unit for a more balanced operation. This removes from the equation the slight shaking of the garage door that signals instability whenever it is used. In comparison to extension springs, torsion springs are more durable and last longer.
Some garage doors have more than one torsion spring. The number depends mainly on the weight it carries and the number of doors you have. The more doors you possess, the more springs you need to maintain stability on your garage doors.
What are the different types of garage door springs, and how do they work?
Your garage door spring is one of the most critical components of your garage door. It is the one responsible for holding the entire weight of your garage door. Although your openers could initiate automatic operations without it, your garage doors would be too heavy to lift, if not impossible. That’s why it’s best to avoid the dangers of replacing a garage door spring and call an expert.
There are two different types of garage door springs: the torsion spring and the extension spring.
Why do garage doors have springs?
The purpose of the springs in garage doors, regardless of their type, is to assist in the opening and closing of the door. As the garage door is lowered, the springs become more tightly wound. Conversely, when the garage door is raised, the springs unwind, providing the necessary force to lift the door.
How Extension Springs Work
Extension springs are a much older type of spring system. It is usually found on both sides of the garage doors, attached to the track support at one end through cables. Although they work well in enabling your door to move against gravity, it does not have the same effect on the balance of your garage door as the torsion springs have.
With the massive weight of your garage door, it is a wonder how it could be easily lifted and lowered on the ground whenever it is opened or closed. While your garage door opener is responsible for your automatic operation, there – the work of actual lifting lies on the coils of your garage door spring.
Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs
Though they have the same function, torsion springs and extension springs work differently. With a torsion spring, the springs unwind as your door lifts to open. The stored tension does the actual lifting by turning the shaft that turns the cable drums. When the door is lowered to close, the cables unwrap from the drums, and the springs are rewound to full tension.
Extension springs lift your garage door through a system of pulleys and counterbalance cables running from the bottom corner brackets through the pulleys. When your garage door is opened, your extension springs contract, lifting the door as the tension is released.
No matter what type of garage door springs you have, it is essential always to have them in perfect condition, as it is critical to the smooth function of your garage doors. If you detect anything suspicious regarding how they move or sound, call A1 Garage Door Service immediately to check for problems. This will prevent avoidable accidents from occurring.
A1 Garage Door Service takes care of your garage door springs
Like any device used regularly, your garage door springs eventually suffer from wear and tear. This is why it is a must that it is inspected regularly and be subjected to regular maintenance. Garage door springs hold a tremendous amount of tension that, when released, may cause accidents or injuries.
A1 Garage Door Service provides this type of garage door care for you as well as their own trademarked springs, Maxlife torsion springs. They conduct regular garage door inspections, tune-ups, and maintenance services that prevent you from any inconvenience caused by the sudden breaking of your springs. They also ensure they last as long as possible, saving you money from constant repairs such as garage door spring repair and replacement.
A1 Garage Door Service has been known to provide only the best service for your garage doors. For over a decade, they have proven themselves as the top garage door service provider in town, gaining thousands of satisfied customers. They have a team of experts ready to respond to your garage door concerns anytime with just one call.
A1 Garage door Service also understands the need for security and an immediate game plan. This is why they provide 1-day garage door installation for those who need it, preventing your homes from unnecessary exposure for longer periods. They are also ready with the vast collection of garage door parts that have to make repairs any time of the day.
See what one of our happy customers has to say about us:
“Very professionally organized from the moment of scheduling to finishing the service. Our assigned technician Devin was very knowledgeable, friendly, explains all the detailed steps patiently and did a very good job on the garage door spring replacement service. Strongly recommend!!”
– Jayna Lee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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