Garage door springs are heavy duty metal springs attached to the door panel that provide assistance, allowing you to open and close the door effortlessly.
Without a garage door spring, or springs, opening the door would be quite an effort. These springs must be maintained or they could become dangerous.
If you are replacing garage door springs you need to know which spring types you already have on your garage door.
There are basically two types for garage doors:
Extension springs
Extension springs are less common nowadays than the torsion springs but they are still in use. They are usually attached to the sides of the garage door. One end of the spring is fixed to an extending arm on the door panel, and the other end fixed to a secure point to the door frame. When the door is closed the springs are stretch or extended. In this position the springs naturally want to resume to their normal state. The springs in this state are under a tremendous amount of tension and if failure occurs in the spring the result can be deadly. Therefore never attempt to replace extended springs when the door is in the closed position.
These springs are quite often found in up and over type garage doors.
Torsion springs
Garage door torsion springs are usually found above your garage door and are the most common type. They work on the principle of torsion or twisting motion. The more twisting in the spring the more weight i.e. the garage door the spring will lift. They are positioned horizontally above the garage door opening. The springs are attached to a shaft in two ways. With the first, is the shaft is feed through the middle of the springs, and with the second the springs may be inside the shaft. Depending on the weight of the door there may be one or two springs. If there are two springs, and one of them breaks, it is advisable to replace both at the same time.
Example of a torsion spring
A sectional garage door would use this type of spring for assisted opening.
Safety
Most people go in and out of their garage without giving a thought as to how their garage door operates. On either side, or above the door, there are deadly weapons which could have fatal consequences if they fail. Regular inspection of the garage door opening mechanisms is recommended. You are looking for corrosion in any of the parts, particularly the springs and any parts that are loose, insecure or look worn. If the door feels heavy and difficult too open, or it’s opening to quick the springs may need adjustment. If you are in any doubt call out a professional to inspect the mechanism and if they recommend repairs or replacements do it.
Can You Replace Garage Door Spring?
Garage door spring replacement is a very dangerous job and unless you are totally competent do not attempt it yourself. Even adjusting garage door springs can be dangerous. It is just not worth it. You are best to hire in a professional who has carried out this work many times and equally important has the proper tools for garage door springs replacement.
If you found this article interesting you may want to read about a guide on electrical garage door openers guide and garage door remote control.