There are two types of springs available for garage doors: the extension springs, which are positioned on the sides of the garage doors. The extension springs come in sets of two (one for each side of the door) or four (two for each side of the door, usually employed to lift heavier doors). The other type of springs is called torsion springs and are installed on top of the garage doors. Light doors have only one torsion spring, while doors which weigh more than 150lb have two torsion springs. The extension springs’ installation is regarded as more suitable for DIY projects than the replacement of torsion springs. Yet, if you have the necessary skills as well as basic DIY knowledge, you can replace a torsion spring in a few hours. We help you with a few tips about how to install torsion spring on garage doors.
When to change the torsion spring
The answer is simple: when it is broken. On average, the torsion springs resist to 10,000 cycles of opening (one opening and one closing equals one cycle). Therefore, depending on how much you use the garage door, the changing operation can occur in 5 to 7 years. Of course, you may also have the bad luck of having to replace a torsion spring after 3 years, but since most of the torsion springs have a 3 to 5 years guarantee, the chances for that to happen are limited.
Tools needed for torsion spring installation
The actual steps of installation are specified on the garage door installation instructions (if the door is new or you still have them after all those years) or on the torsion spring package. Therefore, follow them carefully for a safe and successful operation. Yet, before getting to the point when you actually have the spring, let’s see what you need for a successful installation.
- Ladder
- Electric drill
- Carpenter level
- Sawhorse
- Hacksaw
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Wrenches
- Winding bars
- Tape measure
- Safety goggles and gloves
If you have all these in your garage and you know how to use them safely, then you probably have performed some DIY projects and ready to take on a new task.
Choosing the torsion spring for your garage door
When the garage door is new, the task is simple as the torsion spring comes with it. Yet, when it needs replacement, things become complicated. The first thing to consider is the weight of your garage door and the number of springs needed to lift it (one or two). Then, if you live in a humid area, choose a coated or galvanized spring that will prevent corrosion and will prolong its life expectancy. Choosing a spring with a longer warranty can be a good tip, but only if the price different is minor. Search online for options and take a closer look at the specified features of each spring for an informed choice.
The replacement of a torsion spring may only last a few hours, but can be dangerous is you do not know what you are doing. If you need help with garage door spring repair in Passaic County give us a call and we provide the necessary torsion spring to match your needs and we will install it in the shortest time possible and at the best price in the area.