We don’t really put too much thought into the complex anatomy of a garage door. For us, as long as it opens and closes at the touch of our remote button, there really isn’t an issue. Of course, when things do go wrong, it can really put us back in terms of our day. Imagine having your garage door go bust just as you’re about to head off for work in the morning, consequently blocking your car inside and leaving you with no means of transport in order to get to work.
If you want to reduce the likelihood of having to deal with garage door issues out of nowhere, then the best thing for you to do is to educate yourself on some of the most important aspects of a garage door, as well as the signs that indicate when your garage door is due for a repair or a replacement service. Your garage door springs are arguably the most important component in your garage door’s anatomy, as this is what works to open or close your door by either stretching out or uncoiling.
Getting a good grasp on your garage door springs is a great idea if you want to be more proactive in addressing your garage door’s servicing needs. So, if you’re ready to learn more about the ins and outs of garage door springs, just keep on reading!
What Are the Two Types of Garage Door Springs?
There are two types of garage door springs that exist:
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs, also known as sectional door springs, are mounted on something called a torsion pole, which is located just above the opening of your door. Like most other springs, these springs function by storing mechanical energy, which makes them tighten. As the door comes down, cables attached to the bottom corners of the door cause the torsion springs to wind up and tighten, storing the aforementioned mechanical energy. When the door goes up again, these springs unwind and release all that stored energy, powering the door and making it easier to lift up.
Extension Springs
Known for their durability these are attached to the tilt arms, which run alongside of the garage door. Similarly to torsion springs, extension springs absorb most of the weight of the garage door once it closes, storing this energy so that it can be released again in order to lift the door open once you press that button on your remote control.
What Are the Signs that Indicate Spring Replacement?
For torsion springs, you can easily test whether or not you’re in need of service by pulling your door half of the way up, then letting go (just be sure to stand out of the way of the door when you do this). If your door seems heavy or doesn’t stay in position, then it’s likely that your torsion springs may be needing an adjustment.
How Can I Maintain my Garage Door Springs?
Garage door springs will generally wear out over time due to daily use and abuse, as well as corrosion. That said, there’s no way for you to preserve the condition of your garage door springs forever. What you can do, however, is make sure that you’re getting your garage door serviced on a regular basis, so that you can avoid being faced with spontaneous issues with your garage door springs. Through contacting a trustworthy and reliable garage door technician, you can ensure to have all your garage door components inspected for safety. And don’t forget; regular servicing is also imperative if you want your garage door’s motor warranty to remain valid.
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