Garage Door Springs 101
Looking at a garage door, there are a bazillion parts of all shapes and sizes. One of the big, important parts are the springs of the garage. The size and number of springs depends on the garage door(s) you have, but we’ll cover the basics. That way, you can continue to be a knowledgeable home owner.
What are garage door springs?
Garage door springs are the most important part of raising and lowering your garage door. Without the springs, your motor and door could not work together for the seamless performance we’ve come to expect. They counterbalance the heavy door and the up or down motion needed. For the most part, there are two types of springs: torsion and extension.
Torsion
Torsion springs are attached horizontally above the closed garage door. They are connected to a metal shaft and balance the weight of the door by applying torque to it. As the door comes down, cables attached to the door’s bottom corners cause the spring to wind up, which energizes the system. As the garage door opens, the tension spring begins to unwind and energy is sent to the door and helps lift it. These are what easily lift garage doors that weigh hundreds of pounds.
Extension
Extension springs are connected to cables that are connected to the bottom corners of the door. Instead of being wound, they are stretched and contracted as the door opens and closes. When the door is opened, the energy stored in the extension springs is used to lift and close the doors. Depending on the size and weight of the door, it could have a varying number.
Inspect your garage door springs
Garage door springs are very tightly wound, so they are under a lot of tension. It’s important to remember when inspecting them that they can cause a lot of damage — both injuries to anyone nearby and/or to your home and garage. In order to ensure that your springs are in great working condition, perform a monthly visual inspection and take note of any obvious flaws or unusual noises when it opens and closes.
Have your garage door professionally examined
Garage doors are huge parts of your home, literally. It’s vital that they are in the best working condition possible. Along with your own inspections, once a year, you should have your door inspected by a trained professional. Our Overhead Door Company of Garden City professionals can easily spot minor fixes to prevent major problems and will stick to the highest safety standards.
Garage maintenance can be a hassle! Here at Overhead Door Company of Garden City we’d like to help make it a simple task! For any garage door needs, inspections, repairs, or appraisals, give us a call 620-275-4602 or contact us for a service appointment today!
