Residential Garage Door Spring Types Explained

The function of garage springs is very important in making any residential garage door safe to open and use properly, with minimal amount of effort. Garage spring systems are responsible for the weight of a garage door, with especially heavy garage doors needing more powerful spring systems to fully account for their entire weight.

This article reveals of the different types of garage spring systems used on residential garage doors and how they all function, as well as how proper maintenance affects the efficient operation of the entire method.

The Functional Role of Garage Door Springs

Depending on size and types of materials used to construct them, the average weight of a residential garage door will vary from about 130 to more than 300 pounds in total weight. A spring system is designed to support that total weight (through its counterbalance), as it allows the garage door to close upon itself (also known as closing), and when opening allows the springs to collect/release the garage door's mechanical energy, which makes it possible for the garage door to operate in a smooth and controlled manner.

If your door has functional springs, using the door would be very difficult and could even be dangerous. Only using springs that function properly reduces strain on the garage door opener, which allows the garage door opener system to have an increased functional lifespan.

Types of Garage Door Springs Used in Residential Systems

On most residential garage doors, there will be 1 of 2 different types of spring systems-either the torsion spring system or the extension spring system. Both types are used to tension suspension systems of a garage door, and their locations and operation procedures are different from one another.

Torsion Springs

• Torsion springs are the most frequently installed spring system type found on modern residential garage doors, as they are installed on a metal shaft located horizontally above the garage door opening.

  
  

• Torsion springs utilize the twisting motion of the spring to hold/store the energy needed to open the garage door. The spring(s) will unwind when the door is opened and release the energy to smoothly and evenly raise the garage door.

  
  

• The distribution of force across the garage door will generally provide strength and consistency of operation to the torsion spring systems. Thus, the door will move up and down with very little movement and the door will remain in alignment as it travels the entire distance.

  
  

• The torsion spring system should provide the most reliable means of producing torque for the homeowner's garage door operation daily.

Extension Springs

• Extension springs are typically found on either side of a garage door (with one spring on each side) and are situated parallel to the horizontal tracks. The spring stores/holds energy when the garage door is closed (with the garage door open) and then uses the energy from the extension spring to assist in the vertical-upward movement of the garage door.

  
  

• Because each extension spring operates independently from the other, it is vital that the extension springs are balanced and installed correctly to ensure that the garage door operates smoothly.

  
  

• Extension springs are more commonly provided on older garage door systems and are often found in garages where there is limited headroom; while they perform reasonably well for their intended purpose, additional parts commonly referred to as "safety parts" (i.e. extension spring safety cables) are necessary for appropriately controlling the movement of the garage door during operation.

Safety Considerations for Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs will be subject to very high levels of tension while operating. Spring systems, regardless of whether they use torsion or extension springs, can store considerable amounts of mechanical energy. If released rapidly or handled dangerously, this energy can cause considerable damage and/or injury.

If the spring mechanism of a garage door fails, the immediate result could be the garage door either slamming shut, or becoming stuck, or otherwise creating undue stress on the garage door opener (i.e., pushing the opener beyond its normal working limits). For this reason, any inspections, adjustments, or replacements must be performed by a qualified professional with the appropriate tools and compliance to safety protocols.

Although homeowners often think they can fix or replace their own garage door springs, hiring an experienced service technician can ensure that the correct size is selected; it will also provide added peace of mind knowing that their new springs will be installed properly and will operate safely.

Common Signs of Garage Door Spring Issues

Homeowners can look for signs that indicate issues with their garage door springs, including:

• Garage door feels too heavy to lift

• Garage door opens irregularly or comes to a sudden stop

• There are loud snapping or banging noises coming from the garage

• Opener struggles or won't lift the garage door

If any of these symptoms are present, a qualified technician should be contacted for an immediate inspection. This will reduce the possibility of additional damage, along with any possible safety-related issues.

Why Choose OC Garage Door Guys for Spring Services

OC Garage Door Guys has earned the trust of many of their clients by providing service in the residential garage door spring-related industry.

Our technician produces a quality of workmanship that the customer can trust. Every customer will receive clear communication as to the expected work to be completed, and the technicians will ensure customer safety while providing quality garage door spring service.

Homeowners can feel secure in knowing that knowledgeable technicians perform the appropriate function of garage door spring systems. Moreover, the technicians make every effort to provide long-term performance with consistent reliability.