Garage door repair can be a tricky process without a proper understanding of the important garage door components, especially the springs. These components are a crucial part of the garage door opener system as they help lower and lift the door in order to alleviate stress on the actual opener motor.
Wear and Tear From Use
Garage doors are opened at least two times a day. That is over 700 times a year. Due to all this opening and closing, it is imperative to inspect your garage door springs on a regular basis. They are always under intense tension and strain and become very unsafe when damaged or not properly maintained.
Well, there are two primary types of garage door opener springs. They are known as extension and torsion springs.
Both are pretty effective and need to be properly understood before doing any door repair. Each works in a different manner and call for varying parts and designs in order to ascertain that they run effectively and efficiently.
Torsion Springs
The torsion type is often found on a rod directly above the garage door. Usually, there are two springs, separated by the spring’s centrepiece. They lift the door either with the help of an electric garage door opener or manually.
Torsion springs have a life cycle of about 10 to 15 years, depending on the level of maintenance. If a spring gets damaged, you should replace both springs at the same time. Door springs tend to become ineffective around the same time.
Extension springs, on the other hand, are found on the right and left positions of each of the side garage door tracks. These springs are generally easier to fix compared to the torsion type. However, there is still a safety risk due to the tension and strain these springs are under.
You should be able to tell what type of mechanism your garage door is using by simply inspecting it. However, it is advisable to use a garage repair service provider to handle the repair or replacement of these springs.
This is primarily because there’s a huge safety risk involved with these springs and unless you know what you’re doing, it is best to get the services of a qualified professional.
By comprehending the type of springs that your garage door uses, you should be able to make an informed decision on what kind of repairs need to be done and this will ultimately save you some time and money.