How Do I Know Which Garage Door Spring To Buy In Ontario?

Garage door springs are the most important yet overlooked component of any garage in Ontario. Many people believe that once you install them, they will work just fine until they do not. However, one thing you need to be aware of is that you can actually extend their lifespan with regular maintenance and checks. 

Nevertheless, if that is not an option anymore and your garage door has started to show signs of wear and tear, such as partial opening, banging noise, visible gaps, and crooked doors. It is about time you replace the broken springs. 

Much like any other part of your outside home management plan, choosing the correct garage door springs can be tricky, especially if you are replacing the springs for the first time. Door size, weight, wire size, type of spring, and other factors play a huge role in determining which garage door spring is best for your garage door. 

In this article below, we will discuss all you need to know to buy a garage door spring in Ontario. From discussing the type of garage door spring to learning about other important factors, we will cover different aspects so you can make an informed choice.

2 Types of Garage Door Springs to Buy in Ontario

The springs are an essential component of any garage door as they ensure smooth and safe functioning. They help manage the weight of the door and allow it to lift and lower down without any problem. So, when it comes to choosing the garage door spring, there are two main types of springs that you can choose from, i.e., Torsion and extension. If you are not thinking of replacing the whole garage door, you must select the one you have already installed. Let’s learn about these springs and their function in garage doors. 

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are the most common type of garage door spring. They are primarily used in residential garage projects as they are durable, operate smoothly, and do not easily damage other garage door parts. Since these springs can manage more weight, you will also see them in commercial projects as well. For most residential garage doors, there are one or two visible springs responsible for managing the weight. However, depending on the size and weight, some doors may require up to four springs to handle weight. 

These springs are installed horizontally just above the sectional garage door to provide smooth lifting and closing of the door. They are tightly coiled on the metal shaft and are constantly under extreme amounts of tension. Simply put, torsion springs work by storing mechanical energy, which is equally distributed across the metal or torsion shaft to open and close the door.

When the garage door opens, the spring begins to twist on the shaft along with the attached cable, and the tension on the torsion spring lifts the door. Similarly, when the door closes, the same spring twists in the opposite direction to increase the tension or get back into a loaded “torsioned” state. 

Typically, torsion springs come in a few different types, such as standard torsion springs, early set torsion springs, steel rolling door torsion springs, and torque master torsion springs. All these types are used in both residential and commercial garages depending on the need. 

Extension Springs

As the name suggests, extension springs run parallel to each side of the garage doors and store energy by expanding and contracting. These types of springs are usually found on older and smaller garage doors in garages with lower ceilings. They are further categorized into three different types: open-looped end, double-loop end, and clipped end.

However, you will not find them in modern garages because they are less durable and less smooth compared to torsion springs. Also, they are only used in residential properties as they have a lower capacity for handling weight and load than torsion springs. When it comes to the cost, they are a more affordable option compared to torsion springs.

Extension springs work by stretching and extending, and there is at least one spring on each side of the door. So, when the door closes, the spring fully stretches, adding tension to the weight of the door. Though the springs on both sides of the garage door operate independently, they must share the weight of the door equally for it to operate correctly.

However, one of the downfalls of using these springs in the garage door is that they may break when fully stretched, which can be dangerous. Therefore, extension springs must also have safety cables attached to them in case the springs break. If the springs are not working in harmony, the uneven opening and closing of the door can add stress to the tracks, therefore requiring you to buy a new one.

In summary, after thousands of opening and closing cycles, both types of garage door springs will eventually lose their resiliency. When it happens, it is better to buy a new garage door spring so that the door continuously works smoothly and safely. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door Spring

Now that you have learned about both torsion and extension springs in detail, let’s discuss how the door’s weight, size, wind direction, and other factors come into play. Considering these factors below will eventually help you decide which garage door springs you should buy: 

Garage Door Weight and Size

The garage door weight and size are two of the most important factors to consider when choosing door springs. Just like discussed earlier, torsion springs offer excellent durability and functionality to large doors that are also heavier. These springs are used in garages for both residential and commercial properties as they can effectively handle weight when opening and closing doors. In contrast, smaller doors with less weight can benefit from extension springs. To learn which one works best for you, use a bathroom scale to weigh the door and consult a spring selection chart. With the correct height, weight, and size, you will be able to buy the proper garage door springs. 

Spring Durability and Material

There are two primary types of materials used for door springs: oil-tempered and galvanized. Oil-tempered is the most reliable option as it is known to last for the longest time and offer excellent resilience. Plus, they are mainly used for heavy-duty applications, making them ideal for enhancing the longevity of garage door systems. Torsion springs come in both oil-tempered or galvanized materials, which means they can work for any garage door system. 

Extension springs, on the other hand, are usually made from oil-tempered wire and may not be as durable and long-lasting as oil-tempered springs. At the end of the day, it comes down to the usage frequency and weight of the door to determine which option is the best for your garage door. 

Wire Size and Length

When selecting the garage door springs, pay attention to the wire size and the length. This is because the wire size directly impacts the durability and strength of the spring. The thicker the wire, the more tension it will offer, making sure the springs last for a very long time. Depending on the usage frequency and the weight of the door, you can choose between wire gauges ranging from 10 to 20. 

As for the length of the wire, it influences the lift capacity of the spring. The length of the wire should fit perfectly within your garage door system; neither short nor extra to ensure the door lifts smoothly. 

Color Code of the Spring

Garage door springs are color-coded, which typically indicates the lifting capacity of the spring. The color codes are a technical identification system that will help you find the right garage door spring for replacement or repair projects. So, when buying new springs for the replacement project, be sure to know the color code of the spring to determine the overall weight capacity of the springs. This will also assist professionals who will be working on your garage door spring replacement project. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When buying a garage door spring in Ontario, avoid these common mistakes that people usually make, which end up costing them a lot more than anticipated: 

• Both sides of the garage door springs are usually different in size. So, take precise measurements of both before buying the replacement. 

• Never overlook early signs of spring damage, such as rust, gaps, and cracks, to extend the lifespan of the springs. 

• Do not forget to clean tracks and apply lubrication on the springs every few months to ensure they operate smoothly for years. 

• Never use the wrong tools to carry out the project. If you do not have the proper knowledge and tools, you should call Custodia, which specializes in home improvement and renovation projects and offer affordable handyman services in Ontario. 

Final Words

If you are thinking of buying new garage door springs to replace your old and damaged ones, you must consider the factors mentioned above. Understanding the types of springs and how to choose the right one can help you carry out the project successfully, and your springs will work in optimal condition year after year.