There's more to your garage door than meets the eye. One of the most essential components for the door's smooth operation is the garage door spring. Whenever you lift the garage door, these springs do most of the heavy lifting. But, despite their important role, many homeowners are not aware of the vital subtleties about these springs. Let us dive deep into understanding the garage door spring, their types, maintenance, and repair.
What is a garage door spring?
A garage door spring is a high-tension spring that works by counteracting the force of gravity on the door. In simpler words, the springs do the heavy lifting each time you open your garage door. Without them, lifting the door manually or even with an automatic opener would be extremely difficult, if not impossible. The springs make the door sufficiently light enough for you to lift or for the opener to quickly and easily move it up and down.
Types of Garage Door Springs
The two primary types of garage door springs are torsion springs and extension springs.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are horizontally mounted above the door opening. As the door closes, cables add tension to the springs. When the door is opened, the energy stored in the spring lifts the door.
Extension Springs
Extension springs extend along both sides of the overhead track the door moves on. They stretch to provide lifting power for the garage door. The more the door is lowered, the more tension gets put on the springs, and thus, they lift the door by contracting when it is opened.
Maintenance of Garage Door Springs
Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your garage door springs and avoids sudden breakage that could lead to injury or property damage. Here are some tips for maintaining your garage door springs:
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Visual inspection: Visually inspect your garage door springs for any signs of wear and tear such as loose hardware, frayed cables, or a sagging door.
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Lubrication: Regular lubrication reduces the friction in the spring, which in turn reduces wear and increases the life of the spring.
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Professional inspection: It is wise to get a professional inspection annually as they can detect if the springs are nearing their end-of-life or require adjustment.
Garage Door Spring Repair
Your garage door springs are sturdy and built to last, but over time even the highest quality springs will wear out and need to be replaced.
When to Call a Professional for Spring Repair?
While some handymen might be able to handle variable home repair and maintenance jobs, repairing or replacing a garage door spring should never be a DIY job. Replacing a garage door spring can be very dangerous due to the high tension in the springs. Thus, it is always recommended to call a professional who is trained to safely replace or repair these springs.
From their functionality to types, and from maintenance to repair, we have covered everything you need to know about garage door springs. Remember, a well-maintained garage door spring can dramatically lengthen the life of your garage door, while neglecting it can lead to severe problems.
Frequently Asked Questions about Garage Door Springs
Why are garage door springs important?
Garage door springs play a pivotal role in ensuring that the garage door operates smoothly. They counteract the force of gravity, making it easy for you or your garage door opener to open the door. Without functional springs, your garage door would be extremely difficult to lift, and potentially, be dangerous to use.
What are the different types of garage door springs?
There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are typically situated above the garage door when it's closed, while extension springs are mounted above the horizontal parts of the door tracks. The type of garage door you have will determine which type of spring is needed.
How do I know if my garage door springs need replacing?
Gauging the life of a garage door spring can be challenging. Some signs that your spring may need replacing include a heavy garage door, uneven opening and closing, or a loud 'bang' from your garage. If you notice any of these symptoms, it would be wise to consult a professional.
How often does a garage door spring need to be replaced?
The lifespan of garage door springs can vary greatly depending on usage, but as a general rule, most garage door springs last about 10,000 cycles. A cycle is completed every time the door is opened and then closed. So, if you use your garage twice a day, your garage door springs should last approximately 13-14 years.
Can I replace the garage door spring myself?
While it is technically possible to replace garage door springs yourself, it's strongly advised you hire a professional. The high tension in the springs can make replacement dangerous if it's not done correctly. A professional will have the necessary experience and tools to replace the springs safely.
What should I do if my garage door spring breaks?
If your garage door spring breaks, it's crucial not to attempt operating the door, either manually or with a garage door opener. Using the door with a broken spring could cause further damage to the door or the opener. Contact a professional as soon as possible to arrange for a replacement.
How much does it cost to replace a garage door spring?
The cost of replacing a garage door spring can vary depending on the type of spring your door uses, as well as labor costs in your area. However, you can generally expect the cost to range from $100-200 per spring including labor.
Can I extend the lifespan of my garage door springs?
Yes, routine maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your garage door springs. This might include oiling the springs to prevent rust, checking the balance of the door periodically, and avoiding using the door excessively. Additionally, high-quality springs can also have a longer lifespan than cheaper alternatives.
How do garage door springs work?
Garage door springs work by using tension to balance the weight of the door. When the door is closed, the springs are at their maximum tension. As the door opens, the spring's tension releases to help lift the door. Then, as the door is lowered, the springs tighten again to counter the gravitational force.
Pros and Cons of Garage Door Springs
Pros of Garage Door Springs
Ease of Operating
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Most garage door springs make operating garage doors a breeze. The garage door springs handle most of the weight of the door, meaning you don't need to exert much effort to open or close it—great for both manual and electric garage doors.
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The ease of operation also extends to automatic garage doors where the springs work in combination with the motor for smooth movement.
Durability and Longevity
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Depending on the garage door spring type and the frequency of door usage, these springs can last several years. Torsion springs, for instance, have longer life in comparison to extension springs.
Variety of Sizes and Types
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Garage door springs come in a vast range of sizes and types, such as torsion and extension springs. It enables homeowners to find a spring that perfectly fits their door's weight and size.
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The customization options of garage door springs allow for optimized performance, lifespan, and safety.
Cons of Garage Door Springs
Replacement Costs
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While garage door springs extend the lifespan of your garage door by minimizing wear and tear, they are not indestructible. The need for replacement is inevitable after a few years, and these costs can mount up, especially if you opt for high-end models like oil-tempered or galvanized torsion springs.
Complexity of Installation
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Installing or replacing a garage door spring isn't a simple DIY task. It demands particular skills and tools to carry it out safely and effectively. Many homeowners need to call a professional, adding to the cost.
Potential Danger
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Garage door springs are under constant tension, which poses potential danger if not handled properly. If a spring snaps violently, it can lead to property damage, physical injury, or worst case, even death.
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In addition, DIY repairs or installation might lead to incorrect setup, and incorrectly installed springs can cause the door to drop suddenly.
Maintenance
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Garage door springs require regular maintenance to function optimally. This maintenance includes lubrication and balancing, which not all homeowners are comfortable doing.
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Neglecting spring maintenance can reduce the lifespan of the spring and more importantly, increase the risk of failure.
Importance of Knowing the Pros and Cons of Garage Door Springs
By understanding the positives and negatives associated with garage door springs, homeowners can make educated decisions. It helps to balance the convenience and usability with the potential costs and risks involved, ensuring optimal safety and economy.
Regardless of the type of garage door springs you have or plan to install, remember that routine maintenance and inspection by a professional can effectively negate many of the cons associated with garage door springs.
Summary
Garage door spring is truly instrumental in the operation of your garage door. It's the component that takes on pressure when the door closes and releases it when you want to open it up. Fair to say that without properly functioning garage door spring, you could very well be stuck out of the garage or locked in it. Hence, regular checks and timely maintenance are essential to secure the smooth working of your garage door.
Moreover, the garage door spring plays a significant role in the longevity of the door itself. A faulty spring can lead to unnecessary damage to your door and may also pose a safety concern. Therefore, the importance of having a well-maintained garage door spring can never be overstressed. It's not something to overlook, but it's definitely something to be proactive about, ensuring its proper operation.
Finally, it's essential to realize that while the process might seem extremely straightforward, replacing a garage door spring could be a tricky business. It comes with its set of risks. Accidents can happen if you're not careful and don’t have the correct knowledge. That's why it's always recommended to seek professional help when dealing with garage door spring replacement or repair. A little precaution can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
About 1A Garage Doors
Welcome to 1A Garage Doors of Sacramento, CA, your one-stop destination for top-notch garage door services. Operating with over three decades of valuable experience, we serve the vibrant Sacramento community with unparalleled dedication and craftsmanship. Our commitment is to deliver quality, whether it's a simple garage door fix, stylish door installation, or routine maintenance. What sets us apart is our attention to detail, client-focused approach, and an amazing team of professionals who stop at nothing to ensure your satisfaction. Get to know us more and make your garage door problems a thing of the past.
