7 min read Swift Garage Doors
Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. These powerful components do the heavy lifting.literally.making it possible for you to open and close a door that can weigh 150 to 250 pounds or more with minimal effort. Understanding how they work and when they need replacement can help you maintain your garage door system and know when to call for professional help.
Garage door springs work on the principle of stored energy. When your door is closed, the springs are under tension, storing the energy needed to help lift the door when you open it. Without properly functioning springs, the door's full weight would rest on the opener motor and make manual operation nearly impossible.
Torsion springs are mounted on a metal shaft above the garage door opening. When the door closes, cables attached to the bottom corners of the door cause the springs to wind up, storing energy. When you open the door, the springs unwind, releasing that stored energy to help lift the door.
Most residential garage doors use one or two torsion springs, depending on the door's weight and size. Double-car garage doors typically require two springs for proper balance.
Advantages of torsion springs: - Longer lifespan (typically 15,000-20,000 cycles) - Smoother, more controlled door movement, Better balance and less stress on other components, If one spring breaks, the other can help control the door's descent
Extension springs are mounted on either side of the door, parallel to the horizontal tracks. These springs stretch when the door is closed, storing energy that helps lift the door when opened.
Extension springs are typically found on older garage door systems or lighter single-car doors. They should always have safety cables running through them to contain the spring if it breaks.
Characteristics of extension springs: - Less expensive than torsion springs, Easier to install (though still dangerous for DIY) - Shorter lifespan (typically 10,000-15,000 cycles) - More moving parts mean more potential points of failure
If your garage door suddenly becomes very heavy or won't stay open on its own, broken or worn springs are likely the culprit. A door with functional springs should feel light enough to lift with one hand and should stay in place when partially opened.
Look for visible signs of wear or damage: - Gap in the spring: A broken torsion spring will have a visible gap where the coils have separated. - Stretched extension springs: Springs that appear elongated or have uneven spacing between coils may be near failure. - Rust or corrosion: Rust weakens springs and accelerates wear.
Many homeowners report hearing a loud bang, similar to a gunshot or firework, when a spring breaks. This is the sound of the stored energy being suddenly released. If you hear this noise, inspect your springs before attempting to operate the door.
If your door lifts crookedly or one side rises faster than the other, you may have a broken extension spring on one side, or one of your torsion springs may be worn more than the other.
Springs that are too strong for your door can cause it to open too quickly, while worn springs may cause the door to close faster than normal or slam shut. Both situations are dangerous and indicate spring problems.
While we encourage homeowners to handle basic maintenance tasks, spring replacement is one job that should always be left to professionals. Here's why:
Garage door springs are under tremendous tension.enough force to seriously injure or kill. A fully wound torsion spring stores enough energy to lift a 200+ pound door. Improper handling can result in the spring unwinding violently or flying off the shaft.
Proper spring replacement requires winding bars, vise grips, clamps, and other specialized tools that most homeowners don't own. Using improvised tools, like screwdrivers instead of proper winding bars, is extremely dangerous.
Choosing the correct replacement spring requires calculating the door's weight, height, and track radius. Installing the wrong spring can result in an unbalanced door that's difficult to operate and puts stress on the opener.
Improper installation can damage tracks, cables, drums, and other components, turning a $200 spring replacement into a $1,000 repair.
When you call Swift Garage Doors for spring replacement, here's what you can expect:
Our technician will inspect your entire door system, not just the springs. This includes checking cables, drums, tracks, rollers, and the opener. We'll identify any additional issues that need addressing.
We'll select the correct springs for your specific door based on weight, size, and cycle rating. We can also upgrade you to higher-cycle springs for longer life if desired.
Our technicians follow strict safety protocols for spring installation. We'll also ensure proper tension and balance before we leave.
After installation, we'll test the door multiple times and make any necessary adjustments to ensure smooth, balanced operation.
We'll remove your old springs and clean up any debris, leaving your garage clean and your door functioning like new.
While springs will eventually wear out, proper maintenance can extend their life:
- Regular lubrication: Apply garage door lubricant to springs 2-3 times per year. - Balance testing: Periodically test your door's balance by disconnecting the opener and lifting the door manually. It should lift easily and stay in place when partially open. - Visual inspections: Check springs regularly for rust, wear, or damage. - Professional tune-ups: Annual professional maintenance can catch problems early and keep your springs in optimal condition.
Garage door springs are critical components that demand respect. If you notice any signs of spring problems, don't attempt to fix them yourself. Call Swift Garage Doors for safe, professional spring replacement. We offer same-day service throughout Encinitas and San Diego County, with 24/7 emergency availability for those situations that can't wait.
Your safety is worth more than the cost of a service call. Contact us today for a free inspection and estimate.