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How do Torsion Springs Work?

garage door maintenance

716 Garage Door Repair > Garage Door Repair > How do Torsion Springs Work?

It is necessary to have a mechanism to open and close garage doors because they are heavy and need assistance. For counterbalancing, you will need torsion springs or extension springs. You should understand the function of springs so you know what’s at stake if they break. We at 716 Garage Door Repair in Buffalo have put together a brief explanation of what springs do so you know why it’s important to hire a professional to maintain and repair your garage door.

Torsion Spring Fundamentals

By twisting the springs, torque causes the drums to rotate. Once the force reaches the drums on either side of the door, it transforms into a linear force. When this motion occurs, tension is created on the cables attached to the edges of your garage door.

With tension springs, anyone can easily lift a 150-pound door over their head. In addition, it helps the garage door opener pull and push the door during operation. With the shaft, springs, and drum working together, the heavy door can be lifted easily due to its counterbalance.

broken torsion spring

Garage door cables serve a variety of purposes

Both sides of your door will have a cable attached to the bottom panel. The cables are only attached to the bottom panel, not the rest of the panels. Pulling up the cables causes all of the other sections to move along the tracks as well.

Another thing that helps your equipment lift easily is that pushing 150 pounds of panels requires little effort compared to the physics of lifting that same weight.

The door is supported by the tracks

In addition to the cables, the tracks also contribute to the weight of the equipment. As the door moves along the track, the weight of the door decreases. In the fully closed position, the garage door might weigh around 150lbs. Once the cables start pulling upward, and the panels start rolling onto the tracks, the weight significantly decreases. If the door is halfway open, the weight of the door would be around 70 pounds. When it’s fully raised onto the tracks, there is no weight left on the cables.

Breaking the tension can be dangerous

It would be very difficult to move this heavy equipment without the spring torque, the roller function, and the cables. You have to deal with the full weight of the door during repairs if the spring is broken and no tension has been created. That weight can be very dangerous and cause you harm or damage your property if not addressed properly. We recommend that such repairs be handled by professionals.

Get your springs repaired today by calling us

The team at 716 Garage Door Repair will send a technician out to your home as soon as possible if your torsion spring breaks. They are highly trained and know how to replace a spring quickly and safely.

We look forward to hearing from you. Give us a call today!

Customer Service is our #1 Priority

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