All You Need to Know About Garage Door Springs

Most people don’t think about their garage door springs until something goes wrong. These components are the workhorses of your garage door system, but they eventually wear out and require professional attention. A broken spring can render your door unusable and create a significant safety hazard, making prompt garage door spring repair a necessity. At Local Garage Door Repair Englewood FL, we want homeowners to understand how these crucial parts work and why their maintenance is so important for the safety and reliability of their garage door.

The Fundamentals of Garage Door Spring Systems

Garage door springs are designed to do one primary job: counterbalance the immense weight of the garage door. Without functioning springs, your garage door, which can weigh several hundred pounds, would be nearly impossible to lift manually and would put an unbearable strain on your automatic opener. The springs store mechanical energy to make lifting the door feel light and effortless. Every time you open or close the door, the springs go through a cycle of tension and release. This constant work is why they have a limited lifespan, typically measured in cycles, with one cycle being a full opening and closing of the door.

Torsion Springs: The Modern Standard

If you look above your closed garage door, you will likely see a torsion spring. This type of spring is mounted on a metal shaft horizontally above the door’s opening. As the door closes, cables attached to the bottom of the door cause the spring to wind up, storing energy. When the door opens, the spring unwinds, and this stored energy helps lift the door’s weight. Torsion spring systems are generally considered safer and more durable than their counterparts. They often come in pairs, especially for heavier doors, which helps distribute the load more evenly and provides a backup if one spring breaks.

Extension Springs: A Common Alternative

Extension springs are an older but still common type of spring system. You can find these springs running along the horizontal tracks on each side of your garage door. Unlike torsion springs that twist, extension springs work by stretching and contracting. As the door lowers, the springs extend, storing energy. When the door opens, the springs retract, pulling the door up. A critical safety feature for extension springs is a safety cable that runs through the center of each spring. If an extension spring breaks, this cable prevents it from flying across your garage and causing injury or property damage.
Understanding the type of springs your garage has can help you recognize potential issues. However, regardless of the system, a broken spring is a job for a professional. If you suspect a problem, contact Local Garage Door Repair Englewood FL for safe, expert service to get your door operating correctly again.

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