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The Importance Of Garage Door Springs

ceasor | Dec 16, 2009 |

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Garage door springs are one of the most overlooked parts in our homes. The funny thing is that they are really important to making our life incredibly comfortable by actually opening and closing the garage door when you want. However, when the springs are damaged, your life can become a lot more stressful. How are you going to get your car in and out of the garage everyday? How are you going to access your lawn equipment when you want to mow the lawn? I want to help you avoid all of that. I'll be breaking down what garage springs are and what to do if they break on you.

There are two types of springs: garage door torsion springs and extension springs. I'm going to jump into extension springs first. They're generally used for lighter doors, which included sectional doors and one-piece tilt-up garage doors. Extension springs are installed at the top of the door and anchored near the back of the upper tracks. If you plan on installing or repairing your garage springs, extension springs are safer to do then torsion springs.

Torsion springs are used for much heavier doors. They are also installed above the door, two on each side. Since these springs lift garage doors that start at 4oo plus pounds, they are extremely dangerous. There have been numerous reported injuries and death from torsion springs. If your torsion springs become damaged or you need them installed, you should hire a professional contractor.

There are some people out there that produce high quality garage spring installation guides, while others give generalizations and make it sound as though it's as easy as changing your car's oil. Always remember that the average door weighs about 400 pounds, and these springs are capable of easily lifting them. Now imagine the power and force the spring produces and picture it hitting your head if it snaps while you're fixing it. That's a death sentence if I ever saw one.

The more and more you use your garage door, the more the springs become worn out. That's why it's important to check them periodically; at least 3 times a year. Moreover, if one of your springs breaks, the other one is probably going to break soon too. So when one of your springs breaks, just replace both of them at the same time.

The quality of the springs determines how long it'll last for. Of course things like usage and maintenance also impact the life-span of the door springs.

If you decide to hire a professional contractor, it should cost you anywhere from $75 - $300 for the labor. If someone is charging you more than that, run away in the other direction. They're trying to rip you off.