Springs do the heavy lifting on a garage door. The opener only guides it. When a spring breaks, the door can feel like it weighs a few hundred pounds, because it does.
Torsion and Extension Springs
- Torsion springs sit on a bar above the door and wind up as the door closes. Most newer doors use them.
- Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on each side and stretch as the door closes. They show up on older and lighter doors.
Both wear out by cycles. A door that goes up and down four times a day uses up a spring years faster than one opened once a day.
Why Springs Fail in Cold Weather
Steel gets more brittle in the cold, and many springs break on the first hard freeze of the season, often first thing in the morning. A spring that is already near the end of its rated life is the one that goes.
What Spring Replacement Includes
- Correct springs sized to the weight and height of the door.
- Cables and bottom brackets checked, since they carry the same load.
- The door balanced so it stays put when stopped halfway, and the opener force re-checked.
If a spring has broken, leave the door closed and don’t try to force it open with the opener. Call for a free estimate.