Even among those who understand the role of the springs there is a common misconception that all garage door springs are alike. That is, that garage door springs are a one-size-fits-all affair. In reality, that's not the case.
There are two primary types of garage door springs: torsion and extension. While they serve the same purpose – counterbalancing the weight of the door – they function in different ways. Torsion springs are the most common type.
You must use springs that are matched to the weight of the door. You cannot compensate for the wrong size spring by adjusting the number of winding turns.
Understanding Spring Dimensions
However, we specified above that it is perfectly fine to have two unmatched springs, but only if the garage door is designed that way or the technician has a reason for using two different dimension springs.
A Door That Falls Off Its Tracks – Whether your new springs are too strong, too weak or just not the right type, one possible consequence is that they could derail your door, i.e. cause it to fall off its tracks. In such an event, anybody standing in the garage or just outside could be in very serious danger.
It is clear that opening a garage door with a broken spring, whether manually or using the opener, is dangerous and potentially damaging to the door and the opener and can incur additional costs. The safety risks involved cannot be overstated.
Replacing a garage door spring yourself isn't impossible, but it does require special knowledge about the springs and how a garage door works.
Remember, the spring is a counterweight so it needs to be the right size to properly lift and lower the garage door. Operating a door with the wrong size spring can cause damage to the door operator and potentially create a dangerous situation where the door could fall.
Replacing garage door springs takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. New garage door springs last 7 to 14 years, or between 10,000 and 20,000 up-and-down cycles. It is important to hire a professional to help, because changing a garage door spring can be dangerous.
Replacing both springs at the same time offers a significant benefit. It reduces the risk of one spring failing shortly after the replacement, saving you from having to repeat the entire repair process.
Technically, a garage door can open and close without springs, but it poses significant challenges and risks. Operating a garage door without springs can lead to: Increased Physical Effort: The absence of springs makes the door extremely heavy, requiring more force to move.
Torsion Springs
The most common garage door springs are called a torsion spring. While an extension spring extends to perform its function, torsion springs use torque to perform its function. These springs are sturdy and generally last longer than other kinds.
Torsion springs will generally have two different colors. First, each spring will be marked with red or black. Red springs are 'right-wound springs' while black springs are 'left-wound springs'. The other color on the torsion spring is the DASMA color. The color signifies the wire size or wire gauge.
Wear and Tear Over Time
On average, garage door springs are rated for 10,000 cycles, which translates to about 7-10 years of regular use for most households. For homeowners who use their garage as the primary entrance, the springs may wear out even faster.
The short answer is, yes, the coil direction of your spring does make a difference. It won't change the performance or lifespan of a spring, but it will determine if it will be able to be installed in specific types of products or applications.
A 7 ft tall garage door with a standard 12 inch drum, will require 29-30 quarter turns on the spring. An 8 ft garage door with a standard 12 inch drum, will require 33-34 quarter turns on the spring.
The length of the torsion spring often correlates with its life cycle. A longer spring doesn't just affect the door's operation; it can also indicate a longer lifespan, meaning fewer replacements over time.
Expect to spend $120–$350 to replace your garage door spring, including material costs and professional installation. While these heavy-duty springs are built to last, they'll eventually need replacement due to wear and tear. Garage door spring replacement isn't your average DIY project, either.
In reality, that's not the case. Garage door springs come in different sizes and strengths and it's important that you have the right spring for your particular door.
If you have a broken spring, do not attempt to use the opener to open your garage door. It doesn't matter if you have the best opener on the market: Don't use your opener at all. Using your opener with a broken spring can result in all sorts of expensive problems, such as: Cracking or crumpling the door panels.
When you open a garage door by hand, make sure to stay safe. Unplug the automatic door opener: Unplugging the garage door opener before you try to manually open or reconnect your garage door will keep you safe.