
Understanding Garage Door Spring Systems: Homeowner’s Guide
Many homeowners like to build a greater understanding of how top components in their homes actually work, and your garage door offers a few great candidates. Garage door springs are a good example – how exactly do garage door springs work? Understanding this can be not just interesting, but also practically valuable for homeownership.
At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re your one-stop shop for all things garage doors, entry doors, Pella window services and more around both Salt Lake City and St. George (in Utah) and Boise (in Idaho). Our garage door repair services include a wide array of components, garage door spring repair among them. Here are some basics on why garage doors have springs, the different kinds of springs out there and how they work, and how to think about and maintain your garage door springs on a regular basis to ensure quality long-term garage door operations.

Why Are There Springs in Garage Doors?
For those just learning about garage door springs, the first question is often why they are even necessary. After all, couldn’t a garage door just use a simple motor to function? This might be possible for smaller and lighter doors, but it’s not feasible for many modern heavy-duty models – they would require excessive amounts of energy and wear down motors far too quickly.
In reality, the majority of modern garage doors are built with springs, and often multiple springs. These pieces are responsible for both lifting the door and controlling its movement as it rises and lowers. Without springs, your garage door opener would have to work much harder – in fact, it may not even be able to lift the door at all, depending on its size and weight.
This can create all sorts of issues, from higher utility bills to more frequent breakdowns and repairs. Springs are essential components that take much of the burden off your opener and reduce strain on other parts of the door as well.
Springs also offer major safety advantages. As the door moves, springs help to keep it balanced and prevent it from slamming shut or suddenly falling – both of which could cause serious damage or injury if they occurred without warning.
Different Spring Types
There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are typically mounted above the door opening, while extension springs run along either side of the track. Torsion springs use torque to lift the door, while extension springs stretch and expand to counterbalance its weight.
Torsion springs are generally considered more durable and long-lasting than extension springs, but both play important roles in ensuring a balanced and smoothly functioning garage door. It’s important to understand which type of springs your door uses, as they require different maintenance and repair procedures.
Maintenance Tips
Regularly maintaining your garage door springs can help extend their lifespan and keep them functioning properly. Here are some tips for taking care of your garage door springs:
- Visual inspection: Every few months, visually inspect your springs for signs of wear or damage. Look for any rust, fraying, or gaps in the coils.
- Lubrication: Apply a high-quality lubricant specifically designed for garage doors to the springs every 6 months or so. This will help reduce friction and prolong their lifespan.
- Professional tune-up: It’s recommended to have a professional tune-up and inspection of your garage door and springs every 1-2 years. This will ensure any potential issues are caught early and can be addressed before they become major problems.
By following these maintenance tips, you can help keep your garage door springs in good condition and avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line. And remember, if you do encounter any issues with your garage door springs, don’t hesitate to call on Price’s Guaranteed Doors for fast and reliable repair services.
Understanding how garage door springs work and properly maintaining them is important for the safety, functionality, and longevity of your garage door. Whether you’re a new homeowner or just looking to learn more about your home’s components, we hope this information has been helpful.
And if you ever need any assistance with your garage door springs or other components, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Price’s Guaranteed Doors – we’re always happy to help with these or various entry door, Pella window or other services for our clients around Utah and Idaho. We’re standing by to take your call today!
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