8 min read Garage Door Yalaha Team
Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. They do the heavy lifting.literally.counterbalancing the weight of your door so that your opener can move it with minimal effort. When springs fail, your door becomes nearly impossible to operate. Here's what every homeowner should know about garage door springs and replacement.
There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Understanding which type you have helps you communicate with repair technicians and understand the work being done.
Torsion springs are mounted on a metal shaft directly above your garage door opening. They work by twisting to create stored energy, which is released when the door opens. Most modern homes use torsion springs because they're safer, last longer, and provide smoother operation.
A standard residential garage door typically has one or two torsion springs, depending on the door's weight. Heavier doors require two springs working together.
Extension springs run parallel to the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. They stretch and contract to open and close the door. While extension springs are less expensive, they're also less durable and can be more dangerous when they break.which is why safety cables should always be installed with extension springs.
Several warning signs indicate that your springs are wearing out:
The door won't stay open. If your door slowly closes on its own or won't stay in the partially open position, the springs are losing their tension.
The door is heavy to lift manually. When springs are working properly, you should be able to lift your door with one hand. If it feels extremely heavy, the springs aren't doing their job.
Visible gaps or stretching. On torsion springs, look for gaps between the coils. On extension springs, look for stretching or deformation.
Unusual noises. Creaking, groaning, or popping sounds during operation can indicate spring fatigue.
The door opens unevenly. If one side lifts faster than the other, you may have a broken spring on one side.
We cannot stress this enough: garage door spring replacement is not a DIY job. Garage door springs are under extreme tension.enough to cause serious injury or death if they snap or are improperly handled. Every year, thousands of people are injured by garage door springs.
Professional technicians have the training, tools, and safety equipment to replace springs safely. They also know how to properly size and adjust springs for your specific door, ensuring smooth operation and maximum lifespan.
When you call Garage Door Yalaha for spring replacement, here's what happens:
1. Inspection: We examine your entire door system to identify any additional issues. 2. Spring selection: We select the correct spring size and type for your door's weight and size. 3. Safe removal: We carefully release tension from the old springs and remove them. 4. Installation: We install the new springs and adjust tension for proper balance. 5. Testing: We test the door multiple times to ensure smooth, balanced operation. 6. Safety check: We verify all safety features are working correctly.
You can extend the life of your garage door springs with proper maintenance:
- Lubrication: Apply a garage door lubricant to springs twice a year. - Balance checks: Periodically disconnect the opener and test the door's balance. - Limit cycles: Every open/close is one cycle. Average springs are rated for 10,000 cycles. - Upgrade to high-cycle springs: These are rated for 25,000+ cycles and are worth the investment.
At Garage Door Yalaha, we use only premium springs and back all our spring replacements with a lifetime warranty. If your spring fails under normal use, we'll replace it at no cost.guaranteed. Contact us today for fast, professional spring replacement service.