What Garage Door Springs Do and Why They Are Important

Garage door springs are tightly coiled pieces of stainless steel that are under a great deal of pressure when contracted and relaxed when loose. The springs are responsible for reducing the weight load of the door, allowing it to more easily be closed by a motorized opener or by hand. If the springs show signs of wear and tear, it is important to arrange for a prompt garage door spring repair performed by an experienced garage door repair technician.

Extension Springs

Extension springs grow in length as a garage door is lowered to the floor of the garage. They contract when the garage door is fully opened. This type of a spring experiences a lot of stress on the metal. They also undergo a lot of wear and tear. These springs may need to be replaced every couple of years due to the stress on the metal.

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs have several functions. They balance the garage door as it opens and closes. The springs also provide the necessary force for the raising and lowering of the garage door. The lifting and lowering is performed by several cables, so torsion springs experience less force and less wear and tear. This type of a spring may only need to be replaced every eight to ten years.

When to Replace Garage Door Springs

The springs should be replaced if any of the parts become rusted or corroded. If the garage door is not lifting or lowering evenly, this is also a sign that the springs need to be replaced. It is a good idea to have both springs replaced at the same time. This is because uneven wear and tear could put additional stress on the opener, causing it to wear out faster than would be expected.