Menu
In addition to the types of springs covered in the previous two Know It All! posts, Torquemaster and torsion springs, some doors may be counterbalanced using garage door extension springs.
While most garage door extension springs will be oil-tempered, some are galvanized steel. Extension springs counterbalance the garage door via a cable pulley system. One end of the spring is affixed to a bracket on the horizontal track, while the other is connected to the door by a pulley. One end of the cable will be attached to the bottom of the door, while the other will be connected to the horizontal track using an S-shaped hook.
Extension springs have several important parameters you should familiarize yourself with. As with other types of springs, the length, inside diameter, and wire thickness are crucial. The initial tension is the force needed to separate the coils on an extension spring. Lastly, the type of ends on your extension springs will dictate how they will be connected to your garage door.
There are three types of ends for extension springs, listed in order of durability:
*Open Looped
*Double Looped
*Clipped
Safety cables are an essential part of the garage door extension spring system. As they are under tremendous pressure, these springs can severely maim or even kill a bystander when they break. They can cause extensive damage to property stored in the garage as well. A safety cable runs through the length of the extension spring, preventing the pieces from becoming dangerous projectiles upon breaking.
When one of the extension springs breaks, it is advised to replace both, as they have the same cycle rating and have typically endured the same amount of wear. Checking the pulleys for wear is also essential, as well as examining the cables for signs of fraying or other damage.
Extension springs have a lower cycle rating than others unless you have installed specially manufactured longer-life extension springs. The typical rating is 7000-10000 cycles for a standard extension spring, compared to 10000-15000 for torsion springs.
To replace extension springs, your door’s height and weight must be accurately measured. Extension springs are also colour-coded, aiding in finding the correct spring for your garage door.
We do not recommend installing extension springs due to the safety hazard they can potentially represent in your home and their diminished life cycle compared to torsion springs. If you currently have a broken or otherwise damaged extension spring system, we recommend converting to a safer, sturdier torsion spring system.
Feel free to send us a message with your questions!
Advantage Garage Doors