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An automatic garage door is one of the many modern conveniences we have come to depend on. To keep it working, you need to know what type of spring system it uses to schedule appropriate maintenance. The garage door experts at Thornville Overhead Door in Perry County, OH, explain that most homes have either a torsion or an extension spring system in place. Below, they review how each system works and provide a few maintenance tips.

Torsion Spring

The torsion spring system consists of either one or two springs mounted above the garage door. Those springs are attached to cables, which are fastened to the bottom corners of the door. When the door closes, the cables tighten and pull the springs in, storing energy. When it’s time to open the door, the energy stored in the springs is released as they stretch out and pull the door up.

Garage DoorWhat makes this design stand out, however, is that a cable runs through the springs so that if it breaks, it is held in place and won’t cause damage or injury. You still need to replace the broken spring, but you won’t deal with any other damage in the process. The repeated opening and closing wears down the steel of the spring, however, which makes repairs and replacements fairly common.

Extension Spring

This system is more common in older homes. It also uses springs to pull the garage door open and closed in the same way that the torsion system does; however, instead of being mounted above the door, they are placed along the walls on either side of the opening.

This arrangement puts more strain on the springs. Because there is no cable running through it, the spring will fly with a lot of force if it snaps, potentially damaging anything in its range. If you have this system in your garage, it’s important to schedule regular maintenance and repairs to make sure springs are replaced or restored before they break.

If your springs need to be repaired, call Thornville Overhead Door. They can not only fix issues after they take place, but their technicians can also inspect your system regularly to replace springs before they break. Additionally, they can help you update your garage door, repair the existing springs, or replace your garage door opener. You can reach them at (740) 246-5616 to set an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services.

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