Springs are what actually lifts your door. A door weighs between 160 and 500 pounds yet your opener will lift a maximum of around 40 pounds. Thus, the springs do most of the work.
If one of your springs breaks, disconnect your opener immediately to halt any damage being done from extra strain. Next, have someone replace the door's springs. Usually there are two springs. Most of the time both were installed at the same time, from the same source, and experienced the same amount of use. This means that if one spring broke, the other is close behind. Always replace both springs.
Types of Springs:
There are extension springs and torsion springs. An extension spring needs to be replaced with a torsion system. Why? Extension springs are extremely dangerous and can cause death or damage to you, your house or your car. When extension springs break, they can fly across the room and go through walls. Always replace extension springs with the torsion system that only costs about $100 more. Considering that your car could endure hundreds of dollars in damage and you could be killed, the small added cost is worth it.
There are extension springs and torsion springs. An extension spring needs to be replaced with a torsion system. Why? Extension springs are extremely dangerous and can cause death or damage to you, your house or your car. When extension springs break, they can fly across the room and go through walls. Always replace extension springs with the torsion system that only costs about $100 more. Considering that your car could endure hundreds of dollars in damage and you could be killed, the small added cost is worth it.
The torsion system has springs wrapped around a tube at the top of your door. Normally made with steel, these last between 6 and 10 years, depending on usage and whether it is a high cycle spring. High cycle springs can last up to 15 years. These can be requested and cost a bit more.
Galvanized Springs:
These are torsion springs made with a different material. Galvanized springs have become very popular since they cost only $24 more and last about 30% longer. Only a few companies in Denver install galvanized springs.
These springs come with a complete warranty for 10 years. Galvanized springs are the spring of choice, and are what we recommend.