Garage Door Extension Springs

Garage door extension springs are on type of garage door parts that are used when homeowners decide they want a higher garage door. Springs on a seven-foot garage door are not suitable for eight-foot doors. If you force the springs to work on a taller door, they will lose their strength over time, making the door’s operation malfunction.

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This is where the extension springs come into play. A garage door employs a pulley system, so the spring’s stretch only reaches up to half of its length. The weight that the extension spring is able to lift is also half of its capacity because of the pulley system. Extension springs are located on both sides of the garage door, so the lifting capacity of each spring should be one half of the door’s weight. This will distribute the door’s weight equally to both springs, and in turn lifting the door with the right balance.

After several years, the springs tend to lose their strength, and you may need to replace them. Do not replace just one spring and retain one old spring. The lift will no longer be equal because the new spring will be stronger and the old one will only be able to lift what little weight it can with its loose state. Extension springs are under a lot of tension, so replacing or repairing them is not advisable for those who do not have inkling on how to repair them. They are very dangerous to handle. They can snap and injure a person if handled incorrectly.

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