Garage door springs are critical components of your garage setup. They are necessary for opening and closing the garage door, providing the right amount of tension and energy to protect the system and keep it functioning efficiently. Below is a brief guide to garage door springs and how to take care of them.

The Different Types of Springs

Garage doors have one of two types of springs: torsion or extension. Torsion springs are mounted horizontally over the door’s opening, winding up and down as the garage door opens and closes. Cables attached to the bottom of the door assist with this process and provide lifting energy.

Extension springs, on the other hand, are set on cables on the underside of the garage door. These stretch as the door opens and closes instead of winding and unwinding. In the closed position, the springs stretch; as the garage opens, the stored energy helps lift the door. The safety cable running through the center of the spring keeps property and people safe if the hardware wears down.

Maintenance Needs

Over time, the springs in both systems will weaken, making it difficult to open and close the garage doors. There is no fixed time frame for changing out garage door springs since their wear depends on usage. If you use the system repeatedly each day, it will need more frequent replacement than if the door opens and closes only twice a day. After 20,000 cycles or approximately 14 years, have a professional replace your springs.

The easiest way to figure out which type of springs you have is to determine their location. Torsion springs are usually on newer installations and will sit above the middle of the garage door. Compromised torsion varieties will make a loud snapping noise, and you may see gaps or breaks. Extension springs run parallel just above the door tracks on either side of the garage. You may see loose tension or have trouble maneuvering the doors when there’s an issue.

When you need garage door springs for your property, call MP Garage Doors. For more than 25 years, these experts have offered the Southeast Alabama tri-state area everything from regular garage door maintenance to repair services. Their high-quality work and trained employees make them a reliable choice for any size job. Call (334) 793-2089 for an appointment or visit them online to view their gallery.