When it comes to garage doors there are thousands of wood finishes and metal options, but when it comes to springs there are only two types. Torsion and extension springs are the most common for garage doors.
A spring in works in by twisting under pressure, that is it flexes to store the mechanical energy when it is twisted. Depending on the force necessary to open or close the door it proportions that amount by twisting. A familiar example of this to many is a mousetrap. This type of force and storage of mechanical energy is used to kill rodents. The pressure stored in the spring before it impales the creature is stored there until a change is made. An extension spring is coiled and designed absorb and store up power just like a normal spring. The spring can be manipulated to hold the load you desire. This is applied in two’s when it comes to garage doors. Both springs in the door manipulate the stress applied to them to either open or close the door. If one breaks this becomes a problem. This is not a DIY type of job, unless you are an experienced garage door repair person this job is best left to someone who knows exactly what they were doing. Those who have tried have ended up hurt, so be advised that this is for sure a job left to the pros.
When you are shopping for a door here are some tips. These tips will help you in the shopping process and allow for you to do it right once.
First measure the possible door area. Most doors measure about six feet and six inches some are seven. This is the easiest step in the process. This requires a bit more effort. Open the door completely, make sure to disconnect the power once the door is in the appropriate position. After the door is open fasten it with “C” clamps or vice grips under the bottom rollers to keep the door in the appropriate position. Measure then remove the “C”clamps and lower it down by hand. More than one individual is required to weigh it at this point. You may have to use two scales for this part. If you do just remember to add both scale amounts to get the right type of door. Getting the right weight down is important because you will need it to buy the proper springs.
Once all the math is done, you can head to your local hardware store and talk with a representative to get the right door the first time. Once you get the door install and enjoy your new easier life with your brand new garage door. you will love it.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 at 5:56 pm and is filed under Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.