All about Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs play a vital role in the efficiency of your garage door system. Many home and business owners understand the need to repair a broken spring, yet they don’t quite understand the function of the springs – or where they’re even located in the garage! That’s why we’re dedicating this blog post to garage door springs. Here we will explain what the springs are, what they do, and how they get fixed or replaced…

What are they?

The first thing to know about your garage door springs is that there are two different types. Torsion springs are situated above the closed door, and the extension springs are located right above he upper tracks on both sides. While each type has its differences, both torsion and extension are very tightly wound – meaning they are under an immense amount of pressure. It’s for this reason that repairs should only be done by professionals, as the springs possess the capability to cause severe harm.

What do they do?

Springs are both very involved in the opening and closing of your garage doors. If your garage doors buckle as they move or raise/lower slower than usual, this is typically a sign that your springs may be damaged.

Extension springs are the lesser common model of garage door spring. If you have these, you should notice long springs that are stretched parallel to the tracks when the doors are closed. The springs generate energy from this pressure, which helps to raise your door smoothly.

Torsion springs are the most commonly encountered type of system in garages. Typically mounted above the door opening and horizontal, these springs also help to open your doors through pressurized energy. When you activate your garage door opener, the tension in the stretched springs helps lift the door.

How to Fix Garage Door Springs?

The more you open and close your garage doors, the weaker the steel in the springs becomes – regardless of whether you have torsion or extension. This can lead to your springs becoming damaged or even broken. A garage door with broken springs can fall rapidly and poses severe risks, like injury or death. The more common spring-related injuries, however, occur when an inexperienced DIYer (Do It Yourself) decides to take on this project on their own.

With a system that is under as much pressure as garage door springs, it’s important to make fixes and replacements with a careful eye and precise maneuvers. Failure to do so puts you at great risk. This is why any job relating to your springs should only be completed by a licensed, insured professional. They can repair or replace your springs in a safe way that guarantees that no damage will be done to you or your property.

For all of your garage door spring needs, please call the experienced technicians at A1 Door Company. We’re here
to help!

Helpful Links & More Garage Door Spring Information