Garage doors, just like any other mechanical system will require periodic maintenance to keep them functioning efficiently. The springs of the garage door are one of the most important components that many homeowners normally don’t think about but they are critical to the operation and performance of the door. The spring tension and balance of the garage door are vital when it comes to their efficiency, safety and longevity of the door. Lets get into how they work and how you can keep your garage door running smoothly.
Garage Door Springs: What are They?
First, it is important to know what garage door springs are. In simple terms the springs work with the garage door opener and other parts of the door to lift and lower it. Most residential garage doors will use either torsion springs or extension springs, with torsion springs being the more common in present time.
Torsion springs: These type of springs are located above the door and are mounted on a metal bar. When the door moves, they wind and unwind. Torsion springs use the stored tension to counterbalance the weight of the garage door.
Extension springs: They are located on either side of the garage door. They stretch out when the door is closed and provide lifting force when the door is in motion.
Why is Spring Tension Important?
The amount of force stored within the springs when they are wound (torsion springs) or stretched (extension springs) is what is known as the spring tension. The tension is what will allow the door to operate smoothly so it is necessary for their to be the correct amount of tension. If there is excessive tension, it can put too much strain on components of the door such as the opener, and tracks. If there is too little tension, the door may not have enough power to open and close the door and work as it should. If the spring tension is off, it can also cause the springs and other parts of the door to fail prematurely. Any of the follow may be a sign that your springs are not properly tensioned:
Difficultly opening and closing: If the door seems to be struggling when opening or closing or seems very heavy.
Noisy when operating: All garage doors will make some level of noise when they are working but if you hear noises that are unfamiliar or the door seems louder than usual.
Uneven door movement: One side of the door is faster than the other, causing it to open and close unevenly.
What About Garage Door Balance?
The balance is the distribution of the force across the entire garage door system. A properly balanced door will ensure that it is operating evenly and not putting strain on the door’s components. Proper balance is achieved through the spring tensioning. A balanced door will reduce wear and tear and it is also safer since it will be less likely to become stuck in a position or fall. Here is how you can check if your door is properly balanced.
Disconnect the garage door opener: Use the emergency release to disconnect the opener from the door.
Lift door manually: Lift the garage door by hand slowly, making sure that is moves smoothly. Lift the door to the halfway position. The door should not feel excessively heavy.
Check door position: Once at the halfway mark, let go of the garage door. If the door remains in place, the door is balanced. If the door moves up or down, the spring is not tensioned correctly and the door balance is off.
Reconnect opener: Reattached the door to the opener and check door operation with the motor.
When to Call an Expert
Checking your garage door balance is an easy task that can be a DIY, however if you find that the door is not balanced you should contact a professional garage door company to have an experienced technician have a look at it. Garage door springs are not something to be fiddled with unless you know what you are doing. The springs are under an incredible amount of tension which can be very dangerous.
It is important to keep your door running smoothly and efficiently to avoid breakdowns and costly repairs. Your garage door’s spring tension and balance is essential to your door’s functionality and also keeps your door safe. Always check with a professional if you suspect your springs are not tensioned correctly and you notice signs of your door’s balance being off. Maintaining your garage door well will provide convenience, safety and security.