Garage Door Springs: What They Do & Why They Matter

Garage doors provide security and convenience for homeowners, allowing them to safely park their cars and access their homes without getting out of their vehicles. However, garage doors can only operate with the help of one of the most essential components in the garage door system: the garage door springs. In this blog, we explore the role of garage door springs and their importance in the overall function of your garage door system.

Garage door springs are necessary for the smooth operation of your garage door system. There are two primary types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are mounted above the opening of the garage door, while extension springs are mounted above the horizontal tracks on both sides of the door. Both types of springs are designed to counterbalance the garage door's weight, making it easier to open and close.

A torsion spring is a type of spring that is typically mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. It is designed to counterbalance the weight of the garage door, making it easier to lift manually or with the assistance of a garage door opener.

Torsion springs are made of sturdy, high-tensile steel and are tightly wound to store energy when the garage door is closed. When you open the door, the springs unwind and release the stored energy, which helps lift the door. Torsion springs are designed to handle a specific amount of weight, and the size and strength of the spring will depend on the size and weight of the garage door.

Torsion springs are more common than extension springs because they provide more balance and stability to the garage door system. They also have a longer lifespan than extension springs, typically rated for 10,000 to 20,000 cycles. In contrast, extension springs are rated for 5,000 to 10,000 cycles.

It's essential to have a professional inspect and replace garage door torsion springs as they are under a significant amount of tension and can be dangerous to work with. Attempting to repair or replace a torsion spring yourself can lead to serious injury or damage to your garage door system. A professional garage door technician will have the necessary tools and expertise to safely and effectively replace your garage door torsion springs

An extension spring is a type of spring that is typically mounted on both sides of the garage door above the horizontal tracks. Extension springs are designed to counterbalance the weight of the garage door, making it easier to lift manually or with the assistance of a garage door opener.

Extension springs are made of coiled steel and are tightly stretched when the garage door is closed, storing energy. When the door is opened, the springs release the stored energy, which helps lift the door. The size and strength of extension springs will depend on the weight and size of the garage door.

Extension springs are less common than torsion springs but are still widely used in many residential garage door systems. They are typically less expensive than torsion springs and easier to replace. Still, they do have a shorter lifespan, typically rated for 5,000 to 10,000 cycles.

Like with torsion springs, it's essential to have a professional inspect and replace extension springs, as they are under significant tension and can be dangerous to work with. Attempting to repair or replace an extension spring yourself can lead to severe injury or damage to your garage door system.

The primary role of garage door springs is to store and release energy. When the garage door is closed, the springs are under tension and store energy. When you open the door, the springs release the stored energy, which helps lift the door. The force required to open garage doors is significantly reduced thanks to the garage door springs.

Garage door springs are also crucial for the safety of your garage door system. Without them, the garage door would be too heavy to lift manually, making it a potential safety hazard. When the springs are properly balanced, they prevent the garage door from slamming shut, which can damage the door and cause injury.

When the garage door springs are not functioning correctly, it can lead to various issues with your garage door system. For example, a broken spring can cause the door to become unbalanced, making it difficult to open and close. It can also cause the opener to strain, leading to damage over time. In some cases, a broken spring can even cause the garage door to fall off its tracks, which can be dangerous and costly to repair.

You should have your garage door springs checked regularly by a professional. Garage door springs are under significant amounts of tension, and attempting to DIY repair or replace them yourself can be dangerous. A professional garage door technician can inspect your springs and determine whether they need to be adjusted, repaired, or replaced.

Garage door springs play a critical role in the operation and safety of garage door systems. They help to counterbalance the garage door's weight, making it easier to open and close. They also prevent the door from slamming shut and causing damage or injury. Regular maintenance and inspections will keep garage door springs functioning correctly, ensuring the system is safe and reliable.

If you're located in the South Florida area and need maintenance or to repair your garage door springs, contact Door Gators for help. Our expert door technicians have decades of experience, and our customer service dedication is unmatched.