If you want your garage door to work smoothly without malfunctioning, it is important that you know a few things about it. The typical overhead garage door is a series of panels that are hinged together and roll along a system of tracks that run on rollers. There is usually a system of springs in place to balance the weight of the door. These may be of two kinds.
The mechanism that a garage door works on may employ two kinds of springs – extension or torsion. The latter balances the door better than the former. It is also easier to fine-tune, which makes it superior. However it is important that the systems are regularly maintained for them to work without the garage door breaking down.
Torsion spring lift system facts:
- This kind of system usually involves one or two tightly wound springs that are supported by a steel shaft with two rolled cable drums at the ends. This is mounted above the door When the door is raised, the coils unwind and the release in tension lifts the door by revolving the shaft. The cable drums turn and the cable wraps itself around the grooves on the drums. When the door is lowered on the other hand, the cables unwind and the tension is restored to the coils.
- These springs are long-lasting – they typically last between 3 to 7 years. However a number of factors determine their longevity. If the weight of the door is increased by adding several coats of paint or insulation or glass, their life can be greatly shortened.
- The torsion spring should be regularly maintained. It should be oiled regularly – about once a month – to get rid of any noises, to reduce the friction between the coils and to increase the longevity of the system. If maintenance is not done as prescribed, loose tracks and other loose components can also shorten the life of the system.
- However because of the high tension that this kind of spring system has, it can be dangerous for an amateur to try and fix himself. It is highly recommended that if anything goes wrong with the garage door, a professional should be called immediately. Otherwise there are chances of the spring bouncing off and hurting someone.
Extension spring system lift facts:
- This kind of system involves a pair of stretched springs that are mounted parallel to the tracks. There is a system of pulleys and cables that lift the door when the springs contract and tension is released. Repairs of this kind of system usually involve the replacement of parts, and you can do this yourself if you are good with tools.
If you need repairs of garage door springs Viera FL, a number of professionals who can do this for you. However, remember that if you keep them well-maintained then you can save yourself a lot of repair costs. Talk to a professional for more details on how to maintain your garage door.
