How to order garage door springs?

Welcome to the MM Garage Door Repair Utah blog! As your trusted local garage door experts, we’re dedicated to providing you with the information you need to keep your garage door operating safely and efficiently. Today, we’re tackling a common question: “How do I order garage door springs?” Ordering the correct springs is crucial for the proper functioning and safety of your garage door. Incorrect springs can lead to damage, injury, or even complete garage door failure. Let’s dive into the details.

Why You Shouldn’t Replace Garage Door Springs Yourself

Before we get into ordering springs, a critical safety note: Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or even death if handled improperly. We strongly recommend that you contact a qualified garage door technician like those at MM Garage Door Repair Utah to handle spring replacement. This blog post is for informational purposes only, primarily for those who want to understand the process before calling us. Attempting to replace springs yourself without the proper tools and experience is extremely dangerous.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of your garage door, making it easy to open and close. There are two main types of garage door springs:

• Torsion Springs: These are mounted above the garage door opening and wind and unwind to provide lifting force.
• Extension Springs: These are located on either side of the garage door, running along the horizontal tracks. They stretch and contract to provide lifting force.

Identifying the type of spring you have is the first step in ordering the correct replacement.

Steps to Identify and Order the Correct Garage Door Springs

If you insist on ordering the springs yourself (again, we strongly advise against DIY replacement), here’s how to gather the necessary information:

Step 1: Determine the Spring Type

As mentioned above, identify whether you have torsion springs or extension springs. Look at the location of the springs to determine the type.

Step 2: Measure the Spring

Accurate measurements are crucial. For torsion springs, you’ll need the following:

• Inside Diameter (ID): Measure the inside diameter of the spring. Common sizes are 1 ¾ inches and 2 inches.
• Wire Size: This is the thickness of the wire. The easiest way to determine this is to use a spring wire gauge. If you don’t have one, you can measure the length of 10 or 20 coils and use a spring chart to determine the wire size.
• Length: Measure the overall length of the spring.
• Wind Direction: Determine whether the spring is right-wound (red marking) or left-wound (black marking). If you’re facing the garage door from the inside, a right-wound spring will be on the right side of the center bracket, and a left-wound spring will be on the left side.

For extension springs, you’ll need the following:

• Length: Measure the relaxed length of the spring.
• Diameter: Measure the diameter of the spring wire.
• Weight Capacity: Determine the weight capacity of the spring. This is often indicated by the color of the spring ends. However, color coding can vary by manufacturer, so it’s best to weigh the door or use the original spring’s specifications if available.

Step 3: Determine the Door Weight

Knowing the weight of your garage door is essential for selecting the correct spring strength. You can find the weight in the garage door’s manual or by contacting the manufacturer. Alternatively, you can weigh the door using a bathroom scale and some ingenuity. (Be careful!)

Step 4: Find a Reputable Supplier

Order your springs from a reputable supplier that specializes in garage door parts. This will ensure you receive high-quality springs that meet industry standards. Be wary of extremely cheap springs, as they may be made from inferior materials and have a shorter lifespan.

Step 5: Double-Check Your Order

Before placing your order, double-check all measurements and specifications to ensure accuracy. Ordering the wrong springs can be a costly mistake.

What Happens If I Order the Wrong Springs

Ordering the wrong springs can lead to several problems:

• Door Imbalance: The door may be difficult to open or close, or it may slam shut.
• Premature Wear: The springs may wear out quickly, requiring frequent replacements.
• Damage to the Opener: The garage door opener may be strained, leading to premature failure.
• Safety Hazard: An improperly balanced door can be a safety hazard, posing a risk of injury.

Final Solution: Call MM Garage Door Repair Utah

The safest and most reliable solution is to call MM Garage Door Repair Utah. Our experienced technicians can accurately assess your garage door spring needs, order the correct springs, and install them safely and efficiently. We have the tools, knowledge, and experience to ensure the job is done right the first time.

FAQs About Garage Door Springs

Q: How long do garage door springs last?

A: The lifespan of garage door springs depends on several factors, including the quality of the springs, the frequency of use, and maintenance. On average, springs last between 7 and 12 years, or around 10,000 cycles (one cycle is one opening and closing of the door).

Q: How do I know if my garage door springs are broken?

A: Common signs of broken garage door springs include a loud bang, a door that is difficult to open or close, a door that hangs unevenly, or visible gaps in the spring coils.

Q: Can I replace just one of my two torsion springs?

A: No. Torsion springs should always be replaced in pairs. Replacing only one spring will cause an imbalance and put undue stress on the remaining spring, leading to premature failure.

Q: Can I replace just one of my extension springs?

A: Similar to torsion springs, it’s generally recommended to replace extension springs in pairs to ensure balanced operation and prevent premature failure of the remaining spring.

Conclusion

While understanding how to order garage door springs can be helpful, remember that safety should always be your top priority. Replacing garage door springs is a complex and potentially dangerous task that is best left to the professionals. At MM Garage Door Repair Utah, we’re committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable garage door services. Don’t risk injury or damage to your property. Let our experienced technicians handle your garage door spring replacement needs.

Ready to get your garage door working smoothly and safely again? Contact MM Garage Door Repair Utah today for a free consultation and expert service. Call us at 801-418-9217 or visit our website at mmgaragedoorrepair.com. Let us take the spring out of your stress – we’ll handle the springs for you!