Garage door springs play an essential role in the overhead door’s functionality.
However, most people overlook their significance and contribution.
Thanks to the innovation and continuous development of overhead and garage doors through the years, lifting doors made out of heavy materials has never been easier.
These springs are why an overhead door can be raised or lowered, whether it be automatic or manual.
Garage doors could easily not function when it is missing its springs, that’s how important they are.
The springs of an overhead door create tension as it is being lowered.
On the other hand, the springs release tension, which helps with the opening of the door.
Below are the types of overhead door springs and the indicators that need to be fixed or even replaced.
Types of Garage Door Springs
There are two main types of overhead doors springs: torsion and extension springs.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are the most common springs and are usually found right above the overhead door and sometimes on the garage’s rear.
A torsion spring is hefty and is mounted to a metal rod that is aligned to the door.
It is known to be the most potent and durable type of spring for overhead doors, so it is common to use only a single large torsion spring for more expensive overhead doors.
But, the usage of two torsion springs can still be an option since this can prevent the overhead door from crashing on the ground if one of the torsion springs breaks.
When the overhead door is closed, the cables are connected to the bottom corners of the door tug on pulleys that make the metal rod turn.
This action allows the springs to twist and create tension so that the springs unwind and assist the lifting of the door as it is opened.
These types of springs enable the overhead door to be balanced in a way that means it is taking on the same amount of pressure in opening and closing.
Some torsion springs are the standard, early set, steel rolling, and torque master torsion spring.
However, because of its strength and toughness, tension springs are unfortunately more expensive and risky to work with, so it is vital to have assistance from an overhead door specialist.
Extension Springs
Extensions springs, on the other hand, can be found above the upper tracks of the door, or it is mounted vertically on the sides.
Extension springs are longer and lighter in weight than torsion springs.
They generate tension as they are being extended or stretched out.
Since they are lightweight and not as capable of keeping energy as much as torsion springs, it is best to have two extension springs for functionality and safety as well.
Instead of being mounted to a rod, these springs are suspended between two brackets with safety cables in each spring to prevent breakage.
These springs are attached to cables that save and absorb energy from when the door is closed.
This energy helps in lifting the door open.
Extension springs have various types, such as double lupus, open looped, or clipped ends.
Compared to torsion springs, extension springs are cheaper and it does not take up a lot of space.
This is ideal for smaller garages and homeowners who have a strict budget.
Signs of Faulty or Damaged Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are not immune to getting worn as time passes by.
If it is being used excessively then, it is more likely to grow weak.
Rust can also contribute to an overhead door’s lifespan since the corrosion on the spring can lead to complications with the overhead door’s functionality.
In terms of extension spring, they include safety cables for the overhead door that helps supervise broken springs to avoid accidents.
If these safety cables are missing, then it is best to contact overhead door repair technicians to have them installed.
Without proper maintenance, the overhead door springs will surely fail in time.
Contact your overhead door specialist
Should issues with overhead door springs arise, it is best to contact professional technicians who can fix or repair springs with the proper tools and training.
Services are offered in areas like Southeast Edmonton, Spruce grove, Fort Saskatchewan, or Beaumont and the locations near them.
