Imagine it is early morning, and you are getting ready to start your day. You heard a cracking sound when you pushed the button to open your garage door. Then, the door stopped moving all of a sudden. You felt frustrated when you learned your garage door extension springs had broken. Many of us have been in this situation at some point or another, and it is a reminder of how important those simple springs are to how our garage doors work.
In this blog, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these springs to help you decide if they are right for your garage door. Whether you are a homeowner or just want to know how they work, these facts can save you time, money, and a lot of trouble.
What Are Garage Door Extension Springs?
An extension spring system uses stretched springs alongside horizontal tracks to lift the door. These springs work with pulleys and cables connected to the door’s bottom corners. When you open the door, these springs stretch and help you lift the door by releasing tension. They usually use 11 gauge galvanized steel. The spring’s length depends on the garage door’s height, and you can identify their weight capacity by the color painted on their ends.
Extension springs are important garage door parts of overhead garage door systems. They help the door move smoothly and in a controlled way. They help balance your door’s weight, making it easy to open and close. However, they can wear out over time, so they might need checks or replacements to keep your door running smoothly.
The Pros of Garage Door Extension Springs
Garage door extension springs offer several advantages for residential and commercial applications. Here are some of them:
Cost-effectiveness
Garage door extension springs are a budget-friendly option for homeowners. They are cheap and come in different sizes to fit in different garage door sizes. They are a good choice for homes with garage door systems that would not break the bank. Moreover, their replacement parts are often cheaper, which saves money on repairs and maintenance in the long run.
Simplicity of installation and maintenance
Easy installation and maintenance set garage door extension springs apart. The design makes these springs easy to use for people who want to do DIY home improvement jobs. Apart from it, maintenance of these springs is also easy to do. All you have to do is lubricate the springs and look for signs of damage or wear from time to time. Because they are easy to use, even people with little technical know-how can install and maintain them without much trouble.
Versatility for varying garage door weight
Extension springs for garage doors work well with a wide range of weights. These springs are a good choice for home and business use because they work with doors of different sizes and weights.
The adaptability and ability to change make garage door extension springs suitable for any door. It does not matter how heavy or light the garage door is. Simply adjust these extension springs to provide the best balance and smooth operation.
Accessibility of replacement parts
It is very easy to find new parts for garage door extension springs. Most local hardware shops sell these important parts, making them easy for homeowners to find. That way, you can keep your garage doors in good shape. So whether it is a broken spring or a worn-out part, there are many ways for you to get these important garage door hardware parts.
The Cons of Garage Door Extension Springs
There are many problems with extension springs that homeowners should think about before choosing to use them on their garage doors. Here are a few of them:
Short lifespan
Garage door extension springs usually do not last as long as torsion springs, so you must replace them more often. In the long run, this can lead to higher costs for homes. This regular need for garage door spring replacement is inconvenient and adds to maintenance costs.
Safety concerns
One of the primary issues is that extension springs can break any time. These springs are under a lot of pressure. Over time, they can get weaker or develop flaws that make them break quickly. That can suddenly cause the door to fall, putting anyone or anything in danger. In addition, there is a high chance of getting hurt when installing or fixing garage door extension springs. Even people with a lot of knowledge can face dangers when doing these things.
Noisy operation
These extension springs can make loud, annoying noises when the door moves. The constant noise might not only disturb the peace of the house but might also annoy neighbors and people who live nearby.
Aesthetic drawbacks
Extension springs for garage doors are useful because they provide the counterbalance needed for the door to glide with ease. Their appearance, however, can take away from the general look of a garage. The fact that the springs are on both sides of the door tracks gives them a heavy look.
When to Use Extension Springs?
For your safety and the life of your garage door system, you must make an informed choice about your door springs. It is not enough to choose the right type of spring. You also need to keep it in good shape. Garage door springs can last longer and require less repair if you lubricate and check them regularly.
Extension springs might be a good choice if you do not often use your garage door. Do not forget that your garage door is an investment in your home. Keeping all the garage door elements in good shape will save you money in the long run. So, talk to licensed professionals about installation, repair, and maintenance, and always put safety ahead of cost when making decisions.
Garage Door Service Near Me
Do you need a reliable garage door parts supplier in Omaha, NE? Look no further than Titan Garage Doors NE. Our team specializes in top-notch garage door installation, ensuring your new door operates smoothly and enhances your home’s curb appeal. So whether you need high-quality garage door repair parts or the garage door repair itself, we can help. We guarantee to offer quality products and services at competitive prices. Contact us today for free estimates.
