Why does a heavy garage door need different springs?

A spring's job is to offset the door's weight so the door is easy to lift and stays balanced. A heavy door, such as a solid wood, insulated, oversized or reinforced steel door, needs springs with more lifting capacity than a light single-layer door. If the springs are too weak for the door, they cannot balance it, and the opener ends up carrying the difference.

What happens when springs don't match

• The opener strains and wears out faster
• The door drops or drifts down when partway open
• Cables, drums and bottom brackets carry extra load
• The springs themselves are overstressed and wear out sooner

Lifting capacity and cycle rating are separate choices

Lifting capacity, set by the spring's wire size, diameter and length, has to fit the door's weight and height. Cycle rating is how many open-and-close cycles the spring is designed for, and it is chosen based on how often the door is used. A heavy door does not automatically need a high-cycle spring, and a high-cycle spring does not lift more weight.

When a door's weight changes

Adding windows, insulation, a replacement panel or decorative hardware can change a door's weight enough to throw off its balance. If you have made changes and the door now feels heavier or the opener struggles, have the springs checked rather than turning up the opener's force. Matching springs to a door is a technician's job, not something to adjust by hand. On every spring replacement, we select springs for the door weight, dimensions and hardware.

Read more

• Garage door spring replacement
• Garage door springs guide

Related questions

• Can any garage door use high-cycle springs?
• How long does a garage door spring replacement take?
• How do I know if my garage door has high-cycle springs?
• Does cold weather mean my garage door needs new springs?
• What is the difference between standard and high-cycle garage door springs?

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