When this client in Bennington, NE, moved into their brand-new home, they discovered their garage door came with builder-grade extension springs. But unfortunately, the builder-grade extension springs did not have the cycle rating required to handle the weight of their heavy-duty garage door reliably. That meant there was a higher chance of premature wear and tear, which could cause future problems with the door. So after looking online for a local contractor with reliable service, they selected Titan Garage Doors NE to replace the springs. We upgraded their builder-grade springs to ones with higher cycle ratings and greater reliability. The garage door spring replacement project was completed on time and within budget. Thanks to our expert team, the client can rest assured that their new springs will last them for many years to come.
Builder-grade garage door springs are cheaply made and often fail within the first few years. That is why they must be replaced frequently, which can be expensive and time-consuming. In comparison, high-grade springs have been professionally engineered and tested for thousands of cycles. These longer-lasting springs are specifically designed for the wear and tear of everyday use, making them more reliable and cost-effective over the long run. So, replacing builder-grade springs with heavy-duty ones helps ensure smoother operation, quieter closing, and a more durable system that will not need frequent repairs.
Two Types of Garage Door Springs
Torsion Spring
Torsion springs are among the most important components of a functioning garage door. Constructed from high-grade steel and held together with metal rods, these powerful springs provide reliable operation of single- or double-car garage doors. When twisted, these springs create torsion or torque, which helps raise and lower the door. When the door is open, the coil of the spring stores energy. Afterward, it releases this energy to help counterbalance the garage door’s weight.
Torsion springs are rated based on the number of cycles they can endure before needing replacement. Both left-wound and right-wound torsion springs are available, designed to fit different sizes and weights of garage doors. Torsion springs are made to last for a long time but can wear out over time. To keep them from breaking, you should have a professional look at them.
Extension Springs
Older garage door systems use extension springs. They are designed to extend and contract to offset the door’s weight, making it easier to open and close. They have two ends that connect to other parts, like cables, hinges, and spring mounting brackets. Tension is created when a spring is compressed or stretched, and energy is stored in its coils. Usually, one or two springs are installed on each side of the door and connected to a pulley system that runs along the garage wall. On the other end of the spring is either a single loop, double loop, clip, or hook.
Extension springs are usually made from heat-treated high-carbon steel for superior strength and durability. In addition, the tension in these springs is adjusted to ensure the door operates safely and smoothly. Extension springs also feature an exclusive cycle rating system to ensure long service life. The higher the cycle rating number, the more cycles the spring can endure without significant wear or failure.
Lifespan and Cycle Rating
In garage door springs, the cycle is defined as one full opening and closing of the garage door. Cycle ratings indicate how long springs can last before needing to be replaced, and different brands vary in durability.
Most extension springs for residential applications can last between 5,000 and 10,000 cycles. This lifespan may vary depending on weight, frequency, and other factors. If you need to replace both sides of your spring, try to get the same size and type. That ensures both springs have the same life ratings and do not cause unbalanced tension or strain the opener unnecessarily. With proper care and maintenance, your garage door will continue operating smoothly for years.
The average lifespan of a torsion spring is 10,000 cycles. A 10,000 cycle-rated torsion spring is designed for about ten years of service - the equivalent of opening and closing the door more than 5,000 times during its lifespan. High-cycle-rated garage door torsion springs are crafted using materials that have been stress-tested to last up to 30,000 cycles or more. That means they will hold up better against daily wear and tear and extend the life of your garage door system. If you need one for heavy-use applications, selecting a torsion spring with a higher cycle rating is important.
Are you looking to upgrade your garage door’s springs? Look no further! Our team of licensed technicians at Titan Garage Doors NE can provide you with the highest-quality garage springs. We provide replacement springs constructed with durable steel designed to handle thousands of cycles without failure. In addition, with our extensive inventory of springs, you will not have to worry about finding the correct size for your door. Call us for free estimates on our garage door repair services.
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