A Homeowner’s Guide to Garage Door Spring Replacement
Garage door springs are small but mighty! Without them, your garage door wouldn’t be able to open and close properly. They are also one of the most likely garage door components to wear down and break, causing garage door spring replacement to be one of our most common repairs. Continue reading to learn more about garage door springs, including:
- The purpose of garage door springs
- Types of garage door springs
- Signs you need a garage door spring replacement
- How to care for your garage door springs
Why Garage Door Springs Matter
The primary purpose of garage door springs is to bear the garage door’s weight as it opens and closes, making it easier to operate manually or with an automatic garage door opener. Small garage doors may only require one spring, but larger, heavier, double-wide garage doors will require two springs. Garage door springs contribute to smooth door operation at a safe speed.
The Difference Between Torsion Springs and Extension Springs
The two main types of garage door springs are torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are more expensive but last longer than extension springs. They tend to be more durable and offer quieter door operation. The initial investment is more with torsion springs, but homeowners will ultimately save money because garage door spring replacement or garage door opener repair will be less likely. Extension springs are easier and cheaper to install but typically require more maintenance and repair.
Torsion Springs
These garage door springs use torque and stored energy to help open and close the garage door. As the door closes, the springs twist and store potential energy until the door opens. As the door opens, the stored energy is slowly and steadily released. Torsion springs are installed horizontally above the garage door, lasting approximately 15-20,000 cycles.
Extension Springs
Unlike torsion springs, extension springs last about 10,000 cycles. As the garage door opens and closes, these springs expand and contract, producing energy. Extension springs tend to wear out faster than torsion springs because when a garage door shuts, they remain stretched to almost twice their original length! This eventually results in gaps between the coils, reduced functionality, and garage door spring replacement.
When to Schedule a Garage Door Spring Replacement
Several signs indicate you might need a garage door spring replacement. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell which garage door part is the main cause of the issue. There might even be more than one component that needs garage door repair. Even if you’re unsure a garage door spring replacement is the repair you need, contact Fairmount Door Corporation near Marion and Lafayette, IN if you experience the following:
- You hear a loud popping sound coming from the garage
- You see large gaps in the garage door spring’s coils
- Your garage door opens at an angle or not at all
- Your garage door opens or closes partially, then stops
- Your garage door attempts to open but slams shut
- You notice rust or other visual damage on the springs
- The garage door opens and closes with slow, jerky motions
- You hear grinding or squeaking noises during operation
Caring For Gage Door Springs
The best way to extend the life of your garage door springs and avoid needing a garage door spring replacement is to schedule regular maintenance.
The three leading causes of broken garage door springs are:
- Unbalanced garage door parts
- Lack of maintenance
- Advanced age (10+ years old)
Professional garage door maintenance covers two out of three of these issues! An unbalanced garage door will cause undue stress on the garage door springs. They will have to work harder to open and close the door, causing them to wear out faster. During a tune-up, a skilled technician will test the door’s balance and make necessary adjustments. They will also lubricate the springs and other moving parts. Without proper lubrication, springs will rust and deteriorate faster, leading to premature breakage. Schedule a tune-up today!
Have More Questions? Ask Fairmount Door Corporation!
Our team at Fairmount Door Corporation is always happy to answer your questions about garage door spring replacement and our other residential and commercial garage door services. Contact us today to learn more about garage door spring repair near Lafayette and Marion, IN.