Should I Replace Both Garage Door Springs?

It would be nice if this were a simple yes or no answer, but unfortunately, it is more complicated than that.  It is essential to understand what garage door springs do and what must be done to replace them before deciding to replace one or both garage door springs.  It is also advised that you have a professional garage door repair companies come out and inspect the garage door and its components and give you a written estimate, so you have all the information required to make the right decision.  At San Antonio Overhead Pros, we always provide clients with a free written estimate before beginning any work and other reputable garage door repair companies should do the same.

 

Garage Door Springs

Garage doors are extremely heavy, and depending on size and material they are constructed from they can weigh between 100 and 400 pounds.  For the garage door to open and close its weight needs to be counterbalanced, and this is where the garage door springs come into play.  The garage door springs offset the weight of the garage door allowing the garage door to be opened and closed.  There are two types of garage door springs, and they are listed below:

• Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are mounted on the garage door right above the door opening.  Torsion springs are heavy-duty and store mechanical energy through a twisting action when the garage door opens and closes.  To counterbalance the weight of the garage door as it closes the torsion springs twist and create tension when the garage door opens the torsion springs unwind, releasing tension to assist with lifting the door.

• Extension Springs

Extension springs are mounted above the horizontal parts of the garage door tracks.  Extension springs are longer and a lighter weight spring and utilize cables and pulleys to create tension.  Extension springs should have safety cables attached because if an extension spring breaks while under tension, it can create a hazardous situation.

Signs Garage Door Springs Need to Be Replaced

We recommend calling us to get a free estimate to replace both garage door springs. Now that you know the types of springs used in garage door systems and their purpose listed below are signs that these springs may be damaged or are failing and need to be replaced:

• Crooked Garage Door
• Garage Door Falls When It is Closing
• Garage Door is Excessively Heavy
• Garage Door Jerks as it Opens and Closes
• Garage Door Only Opens a Few Inches
• Loose Cables
• Visible Gaps in Torsion Springs