Are you familiar with the anatomy of your garage door springs? It’s not something most homeowners concern themselves with. But if you take the extra time to learn how they work, it could mean the difference between a door that opens and one that doesn’t.
The complex inner workings of your garage door work together to get you in and out of your garage. And when one part breaks down, there’s usually a chain reaction that will cause some frustration.
So what should you know about garage door springs? Let’s take a peek behind the scenes and see how these springs stay springy!
1. How It Functions
Your garage door comprises many moving pieces, and the spring is one of the most important. Its main responsibility is to evenly distribute the door’s weight, enabling you to open it manually or automatically.
Garage door springs operate in cycles every time you open and close them. They usually last for about 10,000 cycles with proper care from professionals, but some types could last a lifetime, reaching up to 100,000 cycles. These are a great option if you’re looking to replace yours and don’t plan on moving any time soon.
2. What Type of Springs Do You Have
You probably have one of two types — a torsion spring or an extension spring. Springs that are above your door are torsion springs. It’s common to see more than one of these, depending on how wide or heavy your door is. Extension springs are on the sides of your door.
Torsion springs usually last longer; some can even last double the lifespan of an extension spring. They are, however, more expensive. But even so, they are generally more favorable than extension springs for a long-term investment.
3. How to Recognize When Springs are Broken
Some hallmark signs your door needs some professional attention include:
- A loud snap or bang
- The door won’t open completely
- The door feels too heavy to open manually
- There’s a gap in the spring
- The door operation is slow
If there’s any suspicious behavior coming from your door, it’s best to have it looked at by a professional. Have these issues addressed quickly for your safety and to protect your door.
We know a few things about garage doors at DBar Garage Doors! Contact us today if you need garage door services in the Portland metro area!
