Garage Door Springs And What They Do

Garage doors use springs to balance the weight of the door and to make it easier to lift. The springs provide counterbalance so that the opener does not have to lift the entire weight of the door, which can be quite heavy. The springs also help to absorb some of the shocks of the door closing, which helps to prolong the life of the opener and the door itself. Additionally, the spring tension can be adjusted to ensure that the door closes and opens smoothly and that it stays open in the desired position.

How Do You Replace Garage Door Springs?

Replacing garage door springs is a difficult and potentially dangerous task that should only be done by a professional. The process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Disconnect the opener by pulling the red emergency release cord.
  2. Manually lift the door to the fully open position and secure it in place with a locking pliers or C-clamp.
  3. Locate the springs on the sides of the door and use a winding bar to release the tension on the spring.
  4. Remove the old springs and replace them with new ones.
  5. Use the winding bar to tension the new springs and test the door to ensure that it opens and closes properly.

It is very important to note that garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury or death if not handled properly. It is highly recommended to hire a professional who has experience and knowledge in this field.

Do all garage doors use springs?

Not all garage doors use springs. Some garage doors use a counterbalance system that uses cables and pulleys instead of springs to lift and lower the door. These types of doors are called “torsion spring doors” and are the most common type of garage door in use today. They use a system of springs and cables to lift the door, which is under a lot of tension and can be dangerous if not handled properly. Another type of garage door is the “extension spring door” which uses a pair of springs, one on each side of the door, to assist in lifting the door. They are typically less expensive than torsion spring doors, but also less safe as they are under high tension and can cause injury or death if they break while the door is in use.

Additionally, there are also some garage doors that use electric motors and tracks to open and close, these are called “overhead sectional doors” or “roller doors” and don’t use any springs at all.

It is important to know the type of garage door you have, in order to be able to maintain or repair it correctly.

 

When did garage door springs begin being used?

 

The use of springs in garage doors dates back to the early 20th century. The first patented design for a spring-operated garage door opener was filed in 1921 by C.G. Johnson. This design used a torsion spring system, which is still the most common type of spring system used in garage doors today. Torsion spring systems use a steel shaft and drums to wind and unwind the springs, which provide the force needed to lift and lower the garage door.

In the early days of garage door springs, the tension was adjusted by winding the spring with a hand crank or a drill, but today’s garage doors are typically equipped with an electric opener that automatically adjusts the tension on the springs.

The use of extension springs in garage doors also began in the early 20th century, but they were not as popular as torsion spring systems. Extension springs are placed on either side of the door and are used to assist in lifting the door. They are less expensive than torsion spring systems but also less safe, as they are under high tension and can cause injury or death if they break while the door is in use.

In summary, garage door springs have been used since the early 20th century, and the most common type of spring system used today is the torsion spring system.

How Much Do Garage Door Springs Cost?

The cost of garage door springs can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of spring, the size of the spring, and the manufacturer.

On average, a single torsion spring can cost between $40 and $100, while a set of two can cost between $75 and $200. Extension springs typically cost less, with a single spring costing between $20 and $50, and a set of two costing between $30 and $80.

It’s important to note that the cost of the springs is not the only expense to consider when replacing garage door springs. The labor cost for a professional to install the springs can be just as expensive, if not more so, than the cost of the springs themselves. A professional garage door repair company would charge anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the location and complexity of the job.

In addition, it’s important to consider the safety issue when replacing garage door springs, if you do it yourself it may cause injury or even death. It’s highly recommended to hire a professional who has experience and knowledge in this field.

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