If you’re like most people, you operate your garage door several times a day. Unfortunately, you don’t give much thought to it until it has a problem. One such common issue you might experience is a garage door spring that’s broken.
There are some common signs when it’s time to replace garage door springs. We’ll tell you a few tests to determine when it’s time to replace garage door springs.
When your garage door needs new springs, Arizona’s Best Garage Door and Repair Company has certified technicians for replacing garage door springs in Arizona. Garage door spring replacement isn’t a job you should do alone, so if you notice that your springs are past their life cycle, call in a professional garage door service to take care of the job.
What Are the Types of Garage Door Springs?
Before learning to identify a problem with your garage door springs, it’s best to know the different types of springs it uses. There are two main types of springs: torsion and extension springs. Each serves a different purpose to help your garage operate efficiently.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are a garage door system’s most common type of spring. These springs generate torque to lift the doors and get mounted directly above your garage door.
A stationary cone holds one end of the torsion spring in place while the winding cone connects the torsion springs to the winding bars. Most garage doors have a pair of torsion springs that turn when your door is opened and closed.
When your garage door is closed, these springs store considerable energy. Torsion springs use this energy for the garage door opening process.
Extension Springs
If your garage door opener uses extension springs, they get mounted above the tracks on either side of the door. Safety cables connect them to each corner at the bottom of the garage door.
Extension springs stretch as the door closes, fully extending when the door gets closed. They also store energy for opening the door and contract when you push the button to open the door.
Extension springs constantly get stretched and left in a fully extended position. This action subjects them to more wear and tear than torsion springs, resulting in more frequent spring replacement.
Studies have shown that extension springs can last about 10,000 cycles, while torsion springs usually last from 15,000 to 20,000 cycles before replacement. Knowing how long they last on average helps you determine when you should replace garage door springs.
When to Replace Garage Door Torsion Springs
Torsion springs in good condition should balance your garage door. It should require approximately the same force when your door opens and closes.
You can test the torsion springs by disengaging your automatic garage door opener and raising the door manually. It may move a bit when you release it from the opener, but the door should stay open after you raise it. If it doesn’t remain fully upright, it’s a sign to replace your garage door springs.
Another way to test the torsion springs is to raise the door halfway. It should remain in this position if the springs have proper balance and haven’t worn out. If your garage door feels heavy, the possibility of a spring breaking soon exists.
When to Replace Garage Door Extension Springs
The signs of failure for extension springs are similar to those of torsion springs, but there are also some additional signs that your extension springs have already failed.
First, do a visual check for any gaps in the coils. Gaps signal that the steel in the springs has worn out, and the spring can’t produce the energy it needs to move the garage door.
Another thing to check is whether your garage door’s left and right sides are misaligned. This issue usually means that one of the springs has broken and can’t lift or close that side of the door anymore.
Finally, check for wear and tear on the springs, including on the clips and loops. If any of these have given out, the spring won’t be able to function anymore.
Call Arizona’s Best Garage Door and Repair Company to Repair Your Garage Springs
When it’s time to replace garage door springs, it’s not a DIY project that you should attempt. Torsion and extension springs are under a lot of pressure, which can cause personal injury or property damage if you aren’t a certified technician.
Arizona’s Best Garage Door and Repair Company is your reliable team for garage door repair and new garage doors in Phoenix, AZ, and the surrounding areas. When you need a garage door spring replaced, our professional technicians will provide quick and knowledgeable service. Contact us today!
