Everything You Need About Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs are essential components, yet most homeowners only think about them when they break and require an urgent garage door spring repair. These powerful springs do the heavy lifting, making it possible to open and close a several-hundred-pound door with ease. At Garage Door Services Osprey, we want to help you understand these crucial parts, including the different types and their functions, so you can better maintain your garage door system.

The Two Main Types of Garage Door Springs

While they serve the same purpose—counterbalancing the weight of the door—garage door springs come in two primary designs: torsion springs and extension springs. Identifying which type you have can help you understand how your system works. Most modern homes use torsion springs, but extension springs are still common, especially on older or smaller garage doors.

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are typically mounted on a metal shaft horizontally above the garage door opening. As the door closes, cables unwind from drums at the ends of the shaft, causing the spring to wind up and store powerful rotational energy. When you open the door, this stored energy unwinds, helping to lift the door’s weight. Because of their design, torsion springs generally provide a more controlled and balanced lift. They are also considered safer because if one breaks, it usually stays on the shaft.

Extension Springs

Extension springs are located on either side of the door, running parallel to the overhead tracks. These springs work by stretching and extending as the door lowers, storing energy through tension. When the door opens, the springs contract, pulling the door up along the tracks. Extension springs are often equipped with a safety cable that runs through the center. This cable is vital because it prevents the spring from flying across the garage if it breaks, which could cause significant damage or injury.

Understanding your garage door’s spring system gives you insight into its operation and maintenance needs. While homeowners can perform basic tasks like lubrication, spring replacement is complex and dangerous. When your springs show signs of wear or fail completely, always rely on a professional. For expert and safe service, you can count on the team at Garage Door Services Osprey to handle the job correctly.

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