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How do I know what size garage door extension spring I need?
For a one car garage door, carefully lower the garage door onto a bathroom scale in the center of the garage door. Read the scale. The weight that shows on the bathroom scale is the size extension spring you need to order. For a two car garage door, carefully lower the garage door on to two bathroom scales.
What weight garage door springs do I need?
This is determined by the pitch with which the springs are wound. On sectional garage door springs, this normally is 15 percent. For example, a 100-pound pull spring requires 15 pounds of weight to separate the coils; when a door is open, the two springs will support 15 pounds of door weight without any stretch.
Does garage door extension spring length matter?
Length. Since extension springs have to stretch during the loading phase and contract to help the door raise, length plays a major role in door operation. Extension springs for a 7ft tall garage door are a standard 25 inches and stretch 42 inches. Springs for an 8ft tall door are usually 28 inches and stretch 48 inches.
Can garage door springs be too strong?
When garage door springs are too large, they provide more strength than the door needs. It will open with too much force, rolling up very quickly and compromising its safety. Kids or even unprepared adults could be knocked over by the sudden force when they try to open it.
What is the color code on garage door springs?
Garage Door Extension Spring DASMA Color Code Chart Color Pounds Kilograms Brown 60/160/260 xxx Orange 70/170/270 30/75/120 Gold 80/180/280 35/80/125 Light Blue 90/190/290 40/85/130.
Which is better torsion or extension springs?
Torsion springs tend to be stronger and more durable than extension springs. And though they are more expensive, they last longer, between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles as opposed to 10,000 cycles with extension springs. They also offer greater balance and show more control when moving, not jerking as the door moves.
How do I know if my garage door springs need to be adjusted?
More Noise Than Usual. A balanced garage door should be relatively quiet when traveling up or down the door tracks. If your garage door is making excessive creaking, grinding, or squeaking noises when opening or closing, your springs may be strained and most likely need to be replaced.
Can I use a different size garage door spring?
When you add everything up, you have the exact weight once done; you can then use two different size springs if it yields optimal balance. If you are a homeowner and the technician used two different size springs, don’t be alarmed. What matters is that the garage door is balanced.
Should my garage door have 2 springs?
Doors with extension springs should always have two springs. The pair work together to provide a counterweight to the door. If one of your garage door springs breaks or is in poor condition, replace both springs. In order for the springs to provide a balanced lift, both must provide equal strength and support.
Which garage door springs are best?
Coated torsion springs are best. Torsion springs are safer than extension springs and often last twice as long. Coating a torsion spring makes it last even longer than a regular torsion spring.
How do you tell a right and left spring on a garage door?
Look at the end of the spring to determine the wind direction. If the end of the spring points in the clockwise direction it is left-wound and if the end of the spring points in the counter-clockwise direction, it is right-wound.
Can I replace garage door spring myself?
You can definitely replace garage door springs on your own, but it can be a bit tricky and dangerous, and the skill required depends a lot on the type of springs that you have.
What is the average lifespan of garage door springs?
How long do garage springs last, typically? The average garage door spring, if correctly installed, should last about 10,000 cycles of opening and closing. If you only go in and out of your garage once a day, that means you should expect a broken garage door spring around 14 years after the spring is first installed.
Can I use a garage door opener with extension springs?
Can I Use A Side Mount Opener With Extension Springs On My Door? You can, but in most cases you can only use a side mounted garage door opener on your garage door if certain conditions exist and the the required parts can be installed.
How long does it take to change out garage door springs?
Replacing garage door springs takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the type and size of the garage door and number of springs. Old garage doors with several failing parts take up to two hours to replace. A garage door spring tune-up takes 10 to 15 minutes per door.
What is the difference between extension springs and torsion springs?
Extension springs fully expand and contract when operating an overhead door. Torsion springs turn. Torsion springs are sturdier and last longer. Torsion springs do cost more, but generally last between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles, whereas extension springs last up to 10,000 cycles.
