Torsion springs are a crucial component of most garage door systems. In fact, they’re largely responsible for opening and closing the door. Whereas the garage door opener starts and regulates the motion, the torsion springs act as a counterweight to the door. When the door closes, it pulls on cables that tightly coil the springs, creating a buildup of tension. This stored energy is then released when the door opens, and the spring force pulls against the weight of the door to lift it.

If correctly installed and properly maintained, the average torsion spring has a lifespan of about 10,000 cycles or approximately seven years, depending on how frequently its used. although longer-lasting spring systems exist, all garage door springs eventually have to be replaced. If you need a new torsion spring for your garage door, here’s what you should know.

What Spring Systems Are Available?

Although torsion springs provide the same function for all garage doors, their components and setup will depend on the spring system. Here are a few you can choose from for a residential garage door:

• Standard torsion springs. Most residential garage doors are equipped with this type of torsion spring. If you look, you’ll see that it’s secured above the door with a spring anchor bracket. Although one spring may suffice for lightweight garage doors, most newer models have two. This greatly improves safety and durability.
  
  
• EZ-Set torsion springs. Generally used for larger two-car garage doors, this type of spring is manufactured with gaps between the coils. One benefit of this design is the spring can be wound using only a drill. However, due to the difference in hardware, an EZ-Set system can’t accommodate standard torsion springs.
  
  
• Wayne Dalton TorqueMaster springs. This innovative spring system features a metal tube that encases the torsion spring. Not only does it last longer and require less maintenance than the average torsion spring, its design is also safer because the metal tube acts as a protective shield in the event that the spring snaps.

How To Choose The Right Torsion Spring

Garage door torsion springs aren’t one-size-fits-all products. In addition to selecting the garage door design and material that suit your preferences for safety, durability, upkeep, appearance, and budget, the Creative Door Services^TM team will help recommend the correct spring size to accommodate the weight of your garage door. Here are four factors that our team considers before making a recommendation:

• Wire size. To determine the thickness of the wire, the distance between 10 and 20 of the coils to the nearest 1/16 of an inch needs to be measured. Keep in mind that you should never touch a spring when it’s on the bars above the door. Once the measurement is determined our team will compare it to an online torsion spring chart to determine the wire size.
  
  
• Inside diameter. This measurement will ensure the spring fits in the space and can produce a sufficient amount of torque. In many cases, the inside diameter (in inches) is indicated on the stationary cone located between the two springs above the door. Otherwise, the inside diameter can be measured by hand after the spring has been safely removed from the door by a professional.
  
  
• Overall length. The total length of a torsion spring from end to end determines its winding capacity. In other words, if you have an undersized spring, it won’t be able to lift the door. Note that it’s not possible to accurately measure the length of a spring when the garage door is open, even partially.
  
  
• Wind direction. Most newer garage doors have two torsion springs, each of which must turn in a certain direction to lift and lower the door. Torsion springs are wound either clockwise (left-wind) or counter-clockwise (right-wind). However, when you look at the door from inside the garage, the left-wound spring will typically be on the right and vice versa.

Why You Should Always Leave Installation To The Experts

Garage doors typically weigh between 130 and 400 pounds. Each time you open the door, all of that weight is transferred into the spring system. Given the amount of tension these springs are under, attempting to repair or replace them yourself is extremely unsafe. Torsion spring can be dangerous, why it’s best to leave the job to a trained professional. It’s also crucial that you schedule regular maintenance for your garage door to prevent accidents that can occur if a spring breaks.

Garage Door Parts, Sales And Repair Services In Western Canada

Creative Door Services^TM is your source for quality garage doors and openers in Western Canada from top brands like Wayne Dalton and Martin Door. Our trained technicians also offer reliable garage door installation and repair services.

For more information or to schedule a service call, contact us today at one of our eight locations. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.