How to Choose Garage Door Extension Springs
A successful spring replacement begins by ordering the correct parts. Installing the wrong springs can be stressful and result in a poorly balanced door. In this guide, we’ll explain what extension springs are, what doors you’ll find them on, and how to choose the right garage door extension springs.
What Are Extension Springs?
Extension springs↗ are tightly wound coils of metal wire that are used as garage door counterweights. When garage doors are open the weight of the door is supported by the horizontal tracks overhead. As the doors open the weight shifts to the springs and tension increases as the springs control the lowering speed of the door.
The spring is attached to a cable and pulley system that is connected to the bottom of the door. If you suspect there is a problem with the garage door springs, make sure to also inspect the condition of the cables and pulleys.
What Type of Garage Doors Use Extension Springs?
Both sectional doors and one-piece garage doors use extension springs but they aren’t the same. Extension springs on one-piece doors are called single-panel one-piece garage door extension springs. Springs for one-piece doors are wound more tightly and operate differently than extension springs for sectional doors. In this post, we’ll focus on extension springs for sectional doors because they are more common.
How To Choose Garage Door Extension Springs
Garage door springs must properly match the door’s weight. Choosing springs that can support the weight will provide you with a properly balanced door. Balanced doors:
- Stay flat on the floor when closed
- Suspended halfway up or down the door
- Won’t have any problems staying open
Remember to look for springs for sectional garage doors. Extension springs for one-piece doors are different and won’t work for sectional doors. This should be easy to avoid if you are working with your existing springs.
Get The Correct Measurements
Measurements you’ll want to note include:
- Height of the door
- Weight of the door
Height is important because springs are designed to stretch a certain length. Extension springs for 14’ high doors won’t work for a standard 7’ high door.
Calculate the weight of the door using an analog scale. The actual weight of the door likely won’t be the exact weight on the scale, the weight calculation also needs to consider how many springs are holding the weight and how many (broken) have released the weight. A professional door repair technician can determine the approximate weight of the door.
You can also measure the spring length but this may be trickier for a DIY project because springs can stretch out over time leading to a bad measure.
Order Extension Springs
Have your measurements ready when you order your replacement extension springs. You’ll also want to make note of the type of end on the spring and, if visible, the color on the end of the spring and the model number. All of this information will ensure you choose the right extension springs for your garage door.
You can order extension springs from your local garage door experts or from another hardware store. Garage door specialty shops typically carry more options and can offer valuable assistance.
Heritage Garage Door has served Southern California homeowners for over 30 years. Explore our website to learn more about us or contact us to schedule a repair, replacement, or installation service.
