"SPRINGS"
Many times a homeowner has asked THE DOOR MAN if they can get a credit for the springs after the new opener is installed. No, no and no. Every garage door has springs to counter balance its weight. Most garage doors installed by companies have a torsion spring set-up. Do-it yourself doors and other companies use extension springs. Extension springs are less expensive to the company, but more dangerous to the homeowner.
The torsion springs are located over the door on a long torsion bar. The springs are under the most extreme tension when the door is closed. Torsion springs are wound up and locked into the torsion bar. The springs wanting to unwind is what balances a garage door. You never know when a torsion spring will break. Depending on your climate, they can last from 8-20 years, or more. The average life span of a torsion spring in Reno is 8 years. The dryness of the climate shortens its life span. At sea level or in parts of the country with plenty of humidity, springs can last 15 years or more. The only sure-fire way to get the longest life out of torsion springs is to keep them lubricated. Torsion springs should be lubricated with a penetrating lubricant like WD-40, often enough to keep them looking shiny and wet.
The extension springs are at the back of the tracks. They stretch forward as the door closes. They work on a pulley system and should have a safety containment cable running trough the middle of the spring. If they don't, get some installed now! The containment cable is designed to catch the spring if it breaks. I have seen extension springs break and go through windshields, sheet rock walls and even rip the track back hangs right out of the ceiling. One word, dangerous! To check these springs for wear, first open the garage door. Then look at the spring when it's not stretched. If there are any gaps or uneven separation in the coils your spring is losing tinsel strength and should be replaced. Please leave that job to a professional only! When the door is open you can spray the springs with some WD-40 and spray the spring pulley bearings too.
ALL SPRINGS ARE DANGEROUS AND UNDER EXTREME TENSION. NEVER PULL ON THE CABLES OR HIT THE SPRINGS. THAT CAN CAUSE A SPRING TO BREAK. PLEASE LEAVE ALL SPRING ADJUSTMENTS UP TO THE DOOR MAN OR OTHER PROFESSIONALS!!!
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