You might not think of them very often, but the garage door springs on your garage door are an essential safety feature for the garage door itself and your home. The springs help the garage door operate safely and efficiently. However, like other components on the garage door, the springs can break and need to be replaced periodically. There are several types of springs that your garage door may need. Contacting an expert for garage door repair in Visalia is highly recommended to ensure you get the right component. 

Types of Garage Door Springs 

 There are two main kinds of door springs that you can get: torsion springs and extension springs. 

Torsion springs are located over the opening of the garage door. They generally include springs that are attached to a bar. Torsion springs are the most common kind of spring on a garage door. Torsion springs are relatively sturdy and last a longer amount of time than other springs. Torsion springs, however, can wear out or break and need to be replaced. Torsion springs are produced in various sizes and lengths. The size spring that you need to use depends on the size of your garage door. If you are unsure what kind of torsion spring to get, a professional can help you out. 

Extension springs are another type of garage door spring. Extension springs are located in the upper part of the garage door in the horizontal tracks that run along the garage door’s sides. The extension springs are a commonly used component for garages that do not have as much headroom. As the name implies, the extension springs extend when the garage door is opened. This creates a counterbalance of forces that help to support the garage door. When the garage door is opened wider, and the springs are extended, more force is placed on the extension springs. The additional force placed on the springs also means that you will have to have more safety measures in place when operating your garage doors. 

Which Kinds of Springs Should You Get? 

When you are thinking of replacing your garage door in Visalia or simply getting a few new components, you’ll want to think about the kinds of springs you can get and which ones should be replaced. Extension springs are typically less expensive than torsion springs. They are also more frequently used in residential garage doors. Extension springs are commonly used in new homes. However, extension springs tend to have a shorter lifespan than torsion springs. Although their initial cost is lower, it might be less expensive in the long run to get torsion springs. 

Additionally, torsion springs have fewer moving parts than extension springs, making them safer to operate. They tend to last longer than extension springs, and they are generally easier to use. Torsion springs also translate to smooth and easy garage door operation. Torsion springs last longer than extension springs, but they are also more expensive. 

When to Replace the Springs? 

You’ll want to know when it’s time for new garage door springs, no matter which kind of door spring you need. Generally, the springs have about a four-year to nine-year lifespan. If the springs haven’t been replaced in years, it may be time to get new springs based on age. If the garage door seems heavier than usual or doesn’t open as quickly as it once did, aging springs may be to blame. Another issue you might face has springs that are the wrong size for your garage door. If the springs are not the correct size, the garage door might feel lighter than it should when you try to open it. While that might not seem like an alarming problem, it may be a clue that the springs are not the right size and are, therefore not the safest choice for your garage door. The garage door may also appear out of alignment if the springs are not working properly. The door may appear lopsided, and you may also notice that it is difficult or virtually impossible to lift the garage door on the affected size. Upon a visual inspection, you may also notice physical problems with the door, including damage to the loops and the clips. If you notice any of these problems, it is also likely that the springs won’t be able to function properly. 

 Whether your garage door Visalia has torsion springs or extension springs, the springs can eventually break or need to be repaired or replaced for safe and efficient garage door operation. If you think there’s something wrong with the springs on your garage door, contact the professionals for garage door repair in Visalia today.