How Garage Door Springs Work

Garage door springs are found in all garage doos, In contemporary homes, a garage is a standard feature. Each day, as you pull your vehicle in and out of the garage, the door opens and closes with the click of a button, but have you ever considered the mechanics behind this technological marvel?

When you push the power button, a chain of events is set in motion that results in the raising or lowering of the door. While all the parts of the garage door opener must work in unison for it to operate effectively, arguably no part of the opener is as important as the garage door springs.

There are two different types of springs used on garage doors: the extension spring and the torsion spring.

The extension spring has been used for a long time, but it’s not without its faults. A superior option, and the one that’s now most commonly used, is the torsion spring system.

Broken garage door spring in a dallas house

What is a Garage Door Spring?

Most garage doors weigh over 130 pounds, and the motor can’t comfortably lift all that weight by itself. The purpose of a garage door torsion spring is to help the cables and motor operate the door.

Garage door torsion springs are mounted above the garage door, and they look like a simple horizontal bar. When the garage door closes, the torsion spring twists and tightens, storing energy. When the garage door opens, the energy is released from the torsion spring as it untwists. This release of energy helps to lift the garage door’s weight. Thanks to the torsion spring, it does not take as much effort for the motor to open the garage door.

Garage door torsion springs are not a one-size-fits-all piece of equipment, however. Various springs are made to work with different garage doors. They are manufactured to accommodate the varying weight, thickness, and design elements of a range of garage doors.

A torsion spring intended for a small one-car garage door will not be able to store enough energy to operate the door of a two-car garage. It is crucial to use the correct type of torsion spring for your specific situation. Commercial doors usually use very large springs while residential have smaller ones 

Unfortunately, no matter what precautions you take, eventually torsion springs will begin to develop problems. Factors such as the repeated opening and closing of the garage door, exposure to the elements, as well as simple age-related issues, are common causes of torsion spring malfunctions.

A garage door torsion spring that’s damaged will become weaker until it no longer works effectively. When the spring is not able to store the necessary energy, opening the garage door will become increasingly difficult.

If the spring becomes defective, it can cause considerable damage to your property and even pose a danger to you, because a weak torsion spring can’t handle the weight of the garage door.

This means the door could slam down unexpectedly, even if something or someone is below it. You can’t be too careful when a spring shows signs of wear, and you should act promptly to avoid a nasty accident.

The replacement of a torsion spring is not a project that you can complete through an online search and a DIY fix.

These doors can be under a great deal of pressure. Many weekend warriors have wound up in a great deal of pain while trying to fix their garage door torsion springs, so this is a job that’s best left to the professional garage door technicians—unless you want to land in the hands of a medical professional.

Lift master smart garage door opener
Garage Door Blog

2023 New LiftMaster Garage Door Openers Guide

2023 New LiftMaster Garage Door Openers Guide (972) 391-3610 Have you considered upgrading your garage door opener? There’s this very big chance that you haven’t …

Read More →

How Can a Professional Help?

Issues with your torsion springs can mean that your problem is a garage door broken spring, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to have a garage door spring replacement. You might very well get away with a garage door spring repair.

However, only a skilled garage door repair specialist can know the correct solution for your situation, so don’t leave it to chance.

FAQ

How do I know if it’s a broken spring?

You will know If the spring is permanently broken because you won’t be able to get your garage door open. The electric button won’t work, nor will you be able to operate the door manually. If this is the case, you’ll need to call a professional for assistance, so don’t delay.

Do I need a garage door spring replacement?

Not necessarily. However, if your door won’t open at all, it’s highly likely that your garage door has a broken spring. If this is the case, do not attempt the fix yourself. Replacing a torsion spring calls for specialized equipment and tools as well as a skilled technician.

Can I get a simple garage door spring repair?

When it comes to torsion springs, nothing is simple. A professional can let you know if repairing the garage door springs is a viable option. This is not a determination you can make yourself. You must trust a professional technician to examine the springs and let you know the best course of action.

How long do torsion springs last?

Different torsion springs have varying lifespans, so there’s no way to determine just how long your garage door springs will last. Some will last through 10,000 cycles of opening and closing, while others can last triple that timeframe. It’s vital to maintain the springs properly throughout their lifetime to get the most extended lifespan, so don’t neglect routine maintenance. 

Calling a professional ensures a correct diagnosis of the problem and remedies the situation quickly, effectively, and most importantly, safely. If your torsion springs are repaired or replaced by a professional, you’ll have a smoothly operating garage door again in no time.