| Even the smallest and lightest of steel garage doors | | | | top panel where it's attached. |
| weigh in at about 100 pounds. Others are heavier, | | | | Extension springs are usually found on garage doors |
| depending on the size, type of material used, | | | | that are wide enough for only one car. These can be |
| different types of glass, etc. In order to make it | | | | found nearly parallel to the tracks near the ceiling, |
| operable by hand, or by an opener, it needs a | | | | one on each side. Many times, the extension type will |
| counter balance system. That's where the springs | | | | relax to the point that they need replacement, |
| come in. They provide the force necessary to make | | | | instead of actually breaking. When this happens you |
| such a heavy object functional. There are two types | | | | can usually see repeated gaps in the coils, and you |
| commonly used in residential settings: torsion and | | | | may consider having them serviced or replaced. |
| extension. | | | | Extension systems, while more inexpensive to install |
| Torsion springs are usually installed on larger or | | | | and maintain than torsion, are not suitable for |
| heavier garage doors. Most models wide enough for | | | | installation on models wide enough for two cars due |
| two cars will commonly have this type. They're found | | | | to the lack of balance. Torsion systems use the |
| on the wall above the opening, and look like a long | | | | shaft, along with the drums and cables, to provide |
| metal coil. Most people barely notice them until one | | | | equal amounts of lift on each side. Extension springs |
| breaks, and everything becomes too heavy to lift. | | | | are independent of each other, and require proper |
| When it has broken, you'll see the separation in the | | | | tension to ensure level operation. One advantage of |
| coils. You'll need professional service for this kind of | | | | having extension, is the ease of replacement. Local |
| repair. The counter balance system is under extreme | | | | hardware stores typically carry them, and a do it |
| tension, and for that reason, homeowners should | | | | yourself job is possible for those who are |
| never attempt to adjust or repair any of it's | | | | mechanically inclined. Don't forget to use caution, as |
| components. Additionally, forcing the opener to pull | | | | the extension counter balance system is also under |
| too much weight can damage the opener, and the | | | | extreme pressure, and can cause injury or death. |