Your garage door springs do a lot of heavy lifting, and that hard work can take a toll in Michigan’s intense climate. We have professional garage door solutions that last when you need garage door spring replacement in Troy, MI.
How Garage Door Springs Support Safe Door Operation
Garage door springs support safe door operation by providing a counterbalance to the heavy door. This means that when you lift the door, it feels much lighter than it really is. Garage door springs also help to control the movement of the door so it doesn’t open or drop suddenly. All of this protects the other components of your door and reduces strain so the whole system lasts longer.
Why Garage Door Springs Wear Out Together
Garage door springs are installed together, meaning that they also typically wear out together. They share the same load of the door and experience the same number of opening and closing movements, so they start to break at the same rate. When one spring breaks or snaps, the other one is usually close behind.
Why Replacing Both Garage Door Springs Is Often Recommended
Since garage door springs wear out together, it’s much more cost-effective and convenient to schedule garage door spring pair replacement. If one spring is broken, chances are the next spring will break shortly after. Rather than having to remove your garage door and perform service twice, it’s usually recommended to simply replace both garage door springs at the same time.
When Replacing Only One Garage Door Spring May Be Appropriate
In some cases, your garage door technician may confirm that it’s safe to only replace one spring. This can happen if your springs were replaced independently in the past and one is newer than the other. However, it’s still important to inspect both springs and confirm that the remaining spring is safe for operation.
Torsion Springs vs Extension Springs
There are two main types of springs that are used in garage doors: torsion springs and extension springs. Although they both serve the same purpose of balancing the weight of your garage door, they work differently and offer different advantages and disadvantages.
Torsion springs
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above your garage door and may have one or two springs. When you close the door, the springs twist and store rotational energy. When you open the door, they release this energy, making it easier to lift the weight of the door.
Torsion springs typically have a longer lifespan than extension springs and are considered safer, particularly for heavier garage doors. These springs have a higher upfront cost, and are usually recommended for residential garage door spring installation for double garage doors and heavy doors.
Extension springs
Extension springs are mounted vertically on either side of your garage door, typically in line with the tracks of your door. They stretch up and down when you open and close the door, allowing for easier door operation.
Garage door extension spring replacement is typically recommended for lighter and smaller garage doors, as they can be installed in low-ceiling garages with less space. They also come at a lower upfront cost, although they usually need to be replaced sooner than torsion springs.
Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are Failing
Usually, the biggest sign that there’s an issue with your garage door springs is if your door feels heavy or hard to open. Other signs that you need garage door spring repair in Troy can include:
- Clunky, crooked, or uneven movement
- Loose, broken, or dangling cables
- Your garage door opener struggles to work
- You hear a loud bang that could indicate the spring has snapped
- There’s a gap in your torsion springs
- An extension spring is hanging loose
How Matched Springs Help Maintain Proper Door Balance
When your garage door springs are properly matched, they’re able to evenly share the load of your garage door. Having springs with different tension ratings, or having one spring that’s older and more worn out, can mean that one spring is doing more work than the other. This can lead to uneven garage door movement and strain on other components. In some cases, homeowners may choose to convert a single-spring door to a double-spring door for added balance and ease of movement.
The Risks of Operating a Garage Door With a Broken Spring
It’s extremely dangerous to operate a garage door with a broken garage door spring. Because the spring is no longer capable of balancing the weight of the garage door, the door can fall suddenly, particularly if the other spring breaks. This poses an intense health and safety hazard. Operating a garage door with a broken spring can also further damage your garage door and lead to more costly repairs.
If your garage door springs are broken, always call a professional to repair or replace them. DIY Repair attempts can be very dangerous and should never be attempted.
How Technicians Select the Correct Garage Door Springs
When you schedule a garage door spring replacement, your technician will start by checking whether you need an extension or torsion spring replacement. Next, they’ll measure the weight and dimensions of the door and match this to specifications from spring manufacturers to select the correct garage door springs for your system.
What Happens During Garage Door Spring Installation
During garage door spring installation in Troy, your technician will begin by inspecting your garage door lift cables and bearings and performing safety protocols, including disconnecting garage door power and securing the door. Next, they’ll remove the old hardware and install your new garage door springs. Your technician will apply tension to the door to make sure the system is correctly balanced. Finally, they’ll perform safety and quality testing, including a manual garage door spring balance adjustment test to make sure everything in your system is running properly.
High-Cycle Garage Door Springs and Long-Term Durability
High-cycle garage door springs are designed for long-term durability and last significantly longer than standard springs. While most standard garage store springs last about 10,000 cycles, high-cycle systems can last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 cycles.
How Michigan Weather Affects Garage Door Spring Performance
Michigan’s weather cycles between hot summers and extremely cold winters, forcing metal components in your garage door to expand and contract and speeding up the rate at which they wear out. Summer humidity can cause your garage door springs to rust, while freezing winter temperatures can impact lubricant in your garage door and make it harder for the components to slide freely. All these factors wear out your garage door springs, making inspections, maintenance, and garage door spring replacement in Oakland County especially important to prolong the lifespan of your system.
Why Troy Homeowners Choose M&M Garage Doors
As a locally owned and operated company, we know how to handle the unique challenges of installing and caring for garage doors in Michigan. We carry a wide range of different materials and styles to fit your home. With M&M Garage Doors, you can always feel confident knowing your home is in the hands of an experienced technician who will get the job done right. Hear what local homeowners have to say about our service to discover why Troy homeowners choose us.
Schedule Garage Door Spring Installation in Troy
Do you need Garage Door repair or installation, or would you like to look into a custom design? M&M Garage Doors is experienced and 5 Star rated! Upgrade your home’s curb appeal with a garage door built for Michigan weather! Explore our premium options featuring Aluminum Garage Doors, Copper Garage Doors, Faux Wood Garage Doors, Glass, Hardwood, and Steel!
Contact M&M Garage Doors to schedule a Garage Door Spring Inspection today!
