Garage Door Springs – Efficient Garage Door Opener Mechanism

Garage Doors operate via a garage door spring. There are two basic types; the Extension Spring, and the Torsion Spring. Torsion Springs are much more trickier to handle and dangerous too as compared to Extension Springs.

Garage door extension springs are used for lighter doors, including sectional doors and one-piece tilt-up garage doors. Extension springs hang from the top of the door. These springs are anchored near the back of the upper tracks. Extension door springs are safer for the “Do It Yourself person”, but there’s still danger involved.

On the other hand, heavier doors like sectional doors use torsion springs. Installing torsion springs necessarily requires professional help, because handling them yourself can lead to serious injuries. In some cases, even deaths have been reported. For every door, two torsion springs need to be installed on each side.

Some people produce tutorials on how to install torsion garage door springs, others say that it is as easy as fixing a car. However, you should remember that a regular door weighs 300-400 pounds, and these springs are capable of lifting this heavy door easily. Only try to imagine the power secluded in these springs, and the danger of them hitting you, especially in the head.

Keep in mind that safety always comes first. Never stand directly below the garage door, or place any object in the path of the door while in operation. Also, all buttons that operate the garage door should be installed in a place where children cannot reach them. Placing buttons out of the reach of children can help prevent terrible accidents from occuring; because children can get playful and they love playing with buttons.

Garage door springs often become damaged with time. It is very important to carry out regular checks on the condition on your springs. Usually, whenever one spring needs repair, the other one is likely to get damaged soon too. Therefore, it is better to replace both springs together.

Installing or repairing your springs will cost anywhere from $75 to $350, so be sure to shop around to get the best deal.

The springs are at work most when the garage door is closed. This way, even if the spring fails, the door will remain closed and won’t hurt anyone. However, unfortunately if the springs fail when the door is open, it is likely to come crashing down on an object or a person.

The frequency with which a spring would need repair depends upon the usage, maintenance, and of course, the quality. The garage door specs affect the life span of the spring too.

Garage door springs are very powerful mechanisms. To ensure good safety, garage doors require regular maintenance and periodic inspection. In order to prevent any accidents, door springs must always be checked and replaced promptly.

About the author: Adam Stranton has done extensive research regarding garage door springs. He has a lot of great information about garage door spring and garage door spring replacement.