Types of Garage Door Springs
Northern Colorado Spring Repair Experts
Jim Beam's Garage Doors offers fast and reliable spring changes, replacements and upgrades. Typically we can provide same-day service to get your springs working safely and effectively again.
Torsion Springs
Overview
Torsion springs are the most common type of garage door springs found in residential and commercial garage doors. They are typically mounted horizontally above the garage door opening.
Function
Torsion springs work by twisting and storing mechanical energy when the door is closed. This stored energy is then released to lift the door smoothly and evenly when it's opened.
Applications
- Residential Garage Doors: Ideal for single and double garage doors.
- Commercial Garage Doors: Suitable for heavy-duty and high-cycle commercial doors.
Advantages
- Durability: Torsion springs have a longer lifespan compared to other types of springs.
- Smooth Operation: They provide a balanced and smooth lifting motion, reducing wear and tear on the door and opener.
- Safety: Less likely to break abruptly, making them safer to use.
Commercial Garage Door Springs
Overview
Commercial garage door springs are robust and durable springs engineered to handle the substantial weight and high cycle counts of commercial garage doors.
Function
These springs store energy by being wound tightly when the door is closed, which is then released to assist in lifting the heavy door smoothly.
Applications
- Warehouses: Ideal for large warehouse doors.
- Loading Docks: Suitable for frequent use in loading and unloading goods.
- Storage Facilities: Perfect for commercial storage units.
- Factories: Suitable for industrial environments.
Advantages
- Durability and Longevity: Withstands frequent use.
- Smooth and Reliable Operation: Ensures consistent performance.
- Enhanced Safety: Reduces the risk of sudden failures.
- Cost-Effective: Longer lifespan with fewer replacements needed.
Extension Springs
Overview
Extension springs are mounted on either side of the garage door track and stretch along the horizontal track when the door is closed.
Function
Extension springs store energy by stretching and contracting to counterbalance the weight of the garage door. They extend when the door is closed and contract when the door is opened.
Applications
- Lightweight Residential Garage Doors: Commonly used in smaller, lighter garage doors.
Advantages
- Cost-Effective: Typically less expensive than torsion springs.
- Simple Installation: Easier to install and replace.
High Cycle Springs
Overview
High cycle springs are designed for heavy-duty use, providing a higher number of cycles compared to standard springs.
Function
These springs are built to withstand frequent opening and closing cycles, making them ideal for doors with high traffic.
Applications
- Commercial and Industrial Garage Doors: Perfect for businesses with frequent garage door use.
- High-Traffic Residential Garage Doors: Suitable for homes where the garage door is used multiple times daily.
Advantages
- Longevity: Lasts significantly longer than standard torsion or extension springs.
- Reliability: Designed to handle the demands of high-frequency use.
High-Lift Garage Door Springs
Overview
High-lift garage door springs are designed to extend the vertical rise of your garage door before it begins to curve back horizontally. This system allows the door to travel further up the wall, creating more overhead space when the door is open.
Function
High-lift systems use a combination of torsion springs and additional lifting mechanisms to achieve the extended vertical lift. The springs are engineered to handle the increased weight and tension associated with the higher lift, ensuring smooth and reliable operation.
Applications
- Residential Garages: Ideal for homeowners needing additional vertical storage space, car lifts, or other utilities.
- Commercial Garages: Perfect for businesses that use tall vehicles or require extra storage space above the garage door.
Advantages
- Maximized Overhead Space: Increases overhead space, beneficial for storage and accommodating taller vehicles.
- Enhanced Functionality: Provides greater clearance and allows for overhead storage solutions without obstructing the door’s path.
- Improved Aesthetics: Higher-positioned tracks offer a cleaner look and make the garage feel more spacious.
- Increased Property Value: Adds versatility and modern appeal, potentially attracting higher offers when selling your home.
- Enhanced Safety: Reduces obstructions and ensures balanced, controlled door movements, decreasing the risk of the door becoming unbalanced or difficult to operate.
Heavy-Duty Garage Door Springs
Overview
Heavy-duty garage door springs are designed to handle the substantial weight and frequent use associated with larger, commercial, or industrial garage doors.
Function
These springs store energy by winding tightly when the door is closed. This energy is released as the door opens, assisting in lifting the heavy door smoothly and reducing the load on the garage door opener.
Applications
- Commercial Garage Doors: Suitable for heavy-duty and high-cycle commercial garage doors.
- Industrial Garage Doors: Ideal for factories and industrial environments.
- Large Residential Garage Doors: Suitable for oversized or custom garage doors that require extra support.
Advantages
- Durability and Longevity: Built to last with high-strength construction.
- Smooth and Reliable Operation: Ensures balanced and controlled lifting motion.
- Enhanced Safety: Minimizes the risk of sudden breaks or failures.
- Cost-Effective: Extended lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements.
Light-Duty Garage Door Springs
Overview
Light-duty garage door springs are designed for smaller, lighter garage doors, providing the necessary support and balance for smooth operation.
Function
These springs counterbalance the weight of the garage door by storing energy when the door is closed and releasing it when the door opens.
Applications
- Single-Car Garages: Ideal for standard single-car garage doors.
- Smaller Residential Garage Doors: Suitable for lightweight, sectional, or panel garage doors.
- Manual Garage Doors: Perfect for manually operated garage doors.
Advantages
- Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than heavy-duty springs.
- Smooth Operation: Reduces strain on the door and the opener.
- Ease of Installation: Simpler and quicker to install.
- Safety: Designed to handle the specific weight of lighter garage doors.
High-Lift Garage Door Springs
Overview
High-lift garage door springs are designed to extend the vertical rise of your garage door before it begins to curve back horizontally, creating more overhead space.
Function
These springs use a combination of torsion springs and additional lifting mechanisms to handle the increased weight and tension for higher lift operations.
Applications
- Residential Garages: Ideal for additional vertical space for storage or car lifts.
- Commercial Garages: Perfect for businesses with tall vehicles or extra storage needs.
Advantages
- Maximized Overhead Space: Increases vertical space for various uses.
- Enhanced Functionality: Greater clearance and improved storage options.
- Improved Aesthetics: Higher positioned tracks offer a cleaner look.
- Increased Property Value: Adds versatility and modern appeal.
- Enhanced Safety: Reduces obstructions and ensures balanced movements.
Low-Headroom Garage Door Springs
Overview
Low-headroom garage door springs are designed for garages with limited overhead space, allowing for smooth operation even with minimal ceiling clearance.
Function
These systems use specially configured torsion springs and cable drums to function efficiently within confined spaces.
Applications
- Residential Garages: Ideal for homes with low ceilings.
- Commercial Garages: Suitable for commercial spaces with restricted overhead clearance.
Advantages
- Space Optimization: Maximizes usable space in garages with low headroom.
- Versatile Installation: Suitable for various garage configurations.
- Smooth Operation: Ensures efficient operation in confined spaces.
- Enhanced Safety: Minimizes risk of operational issues.
Steel Rolling Door Springs
Overview
Steel rolling door springs are heavy-duty springs designed for rolling doors, commonly found in commercial and industrial settings.
Function
These springs facilitate the transfer of energy by winding and unwinding cables, ensuring smooth operation of rolling doors.
Applications
- Commercial Buildings: Ideal for storefronts, warehouses, and storage facilities.
- Industrial Facilities: Suitable for factories and loading docks.
- Security Doors: Commonly used in secure areas.
Advantages
- Durability: High-strength steel ensures long-lasting performance.
- Space-Saving Design: Maximizes vertical space by rolling up compactly.
- Smooth and Reliable Operation: Ensures consistent performance.
- Enhanced Security: Provides robust protection for commercial and industrial spaces.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of garage door spring is crucial for the performance and safety of your garage door. Whether you need durable torsion springs, cost-effective extension springs, modern TorqueMaster springs, or high cycle springs for frequent use, Jim Beam's Garage Doors has you covered. Our expert technicians are here to help with installation, repair, and maintenance of all types of garage door springs.
For more information or to schedule a service, visit our Contact Us page or call us today.
Explore our other services:
- Garage Door Repairs
- Garage Door Installation
- Garage Door Spring Repair
- Commercial Garage Door Installation
For a deeper dive into garage door maintenance and tips, check out our blog.
