Tag Archives: garage doors inspection

Torsion Springs versus Extension Springs

Springs are one of the most important parts of any garage door. No garage door can do without one. These parts perform the function of providing tension and power that enables the door to move on its tracks. Hence, your garage would not move in case you have a faulty spring.

Keeping this in mind it is imperative that you take effective steps in order to maintain your garage door springs. Get in touch with a professional if needed. These professionals can be easily located whether you live in Seattle or in any part of the US. These experts specialize in offering 24 hour garage door services. Hence, you don’t need to stress out in order to locate one in case your garage door spring breaks down at odd hours.

Springs are basically of two kinds: Torsion springs and Extension Springs. This write-up will give you detailed information regarding both the types. Hence, you can decide for yourself the one which would be better equipped to meet your needs.

Torsion Springs

Store mechanical energy in order to function effectively. When twisted the spring exerts force in the opposite direction that enables the door to move. These are the most popular types of garage door springs used. So what is it that makes these type of springs a first choice for most American families?

Mentioned below are some of the effective features that torsion springs are equipped with:

  • Torsion springs take much less room to operate.

 

  • Traditional springs can cause a lot of noise and that can be a cause of constant hassles. Torsion springs, however, do not create unnecessary noise while being operated.
  • Using torsion springs is the best decision in case you have double wide doors. These springs lift from the center and prevent the door from wobbling as and when it gets lifted. This in turn enhances the overall safety proposition of the garage door. You can use a couple of springs as and when the need arises.

 

However like everything else there are some cons of using these springs. Some of the shortcomings of these springs are:

 

  • Torsion springs are much expensive as compared to the Extension ones.

 

  • Repairing a torsion spring requires specialized know how on the part of the user. Hence, it would be almost impossible for you to repair the spring all by yourself.

 

Extension Springs

 

Extension springs are installed on both the tracks and pull the door sideways. However, these type of springs are not popular today. It is advisable that you refrain from opting this type in case you have wider doors. These springs also occupy more space.

This being said there are some advantages associated with using extension springs. Some of these plus points are:

  • Are much cheaper as compared to torsion springs.

 

  • Are easier to install. Hence you can effectively install this spring all by yourself in case you decide to opt for the same.

 

10 Homeowner Tips for Garage Door Safety

Garage is important for parking the car securely in a home. In fact, they are needed for all kinds of reasons - from storing objects, to doing home projects, playing apart from simply keeping the car. Perhaps that’s why garage doors are designed to be sturdy and effective. However, garage doors can also be dangerous. That’s why we at Seattle Garage Door Experts would like to share simple tips for garage door safety for Seattle residents.

First and foremost, keep it safe. Ensure that the garage door opener is always out of the reach of small children. You don’t want them to be trapped inside.

  • Seattle Garage Door Experts recommend that you get garage doors inspected at least once a year by a professional.
  • Explain the right way to operate garage doors to older children or teens. If you are using an automatic garage door, ensure that your children don’t play with door remote controls.
  • A number of garage door accidents are caused due to garage doors closing over someone or something. The best way to avoid this is to invest in a door opener with reverse mechanism.
  • To protect your property and for the safety of your children, always check the door’s release mechanism at least twice a month. Test it manually, by lifting off the door through the handles. In case you witness a resistance, call a professional.
  • The door opener’s reversing mechanism should be checked every month. For this purpose, place a 2×4 board in door’s path. If the door doesn’t reverse upon contact, call a professional at Seattle Garage Door Experts to get this sorted out.
  • Garage door should be inspected every month. Check if the springs, cables, pulleys or rollers are working fine. Look for any kind of wear and tear on your garage door in Seattle.
  • Test garage door openers’ emergency release feature at least once a month. This can be beneficial if someone attempts a robbery or is stuck inside.
  • Avoid damaging the opener. Before operating it, ensure that the door locks are disabled and no ropes or cables are in the way.
  • When you are going for a vacation, unplug the garage door opener unit. This will make the door un-operational through remote and therefore, no one would break-in.
  • In case of damage to cables or springs, always call a professional since improper handling can cause breakage or injury.