How To Find The Right Torsion Springs for Your Garage Door

  If you happen to hear a loud bang coming from your garage, it’s possible you’re dealing with broken garage door springs. Replacing torsion springs is a tough and risky job. At Superior Garage Doors, we care about your safety and want to make sure you are on the right track for this project. Let us walk you through the process of measuring, selecting, and installing the right torsion springs for your door. 

What is a Spring? 

   Torsion springs are the powerhouse of your garage door system. The technician usually puts the coiled springs above the door opening. These springs store energy when the door closes. You then use this energy to help lift the heavy door when you open it. Without properly functioning torsion springs, your garage door won’t open or close correctly.

What’s the Key To Pick The Right Torque Spring?  

Measuring the spring is essential to secure an efficient garage door installation. We will give you the secrets real pro’s use to pick the right torsion springs for you. The things you should be looking out for your torsion spring are thickness, weight and the length.  

Thickness 

   The thickness is important to propel the adequate strength to open your garage door. Best way to measure the thickness of the torsion spring is to look at the color on the end of the coil. The color code refers to the density of the coil. According to the DASMA wire colors codes, there are 43 colors for the torsion springs. If you are looking to replace your spring for 180lbs garage door, which are the most common for residential houses, we recommend the red torsion spring with the 250 wire size. 

 

Weight

The weight of your garage door is crucial in determining the right torsion spring. Heavier doors require stronger springs. To estimate your door’s weight:

Wood doors: Approximately 7-8 lbs per square foot

Steel doors: About 2-3 lbs per square foot

For a 16×7 foot door, weights typically range:

Single-layer steel: 100-150 lbs

Double-layer steel: 130-180 lbs

Wood: 190-230 lbs

Always check your door’s exact weight for accurate spring selection.

Length

Spring length affects the number of coils, which impacts the spring’s cycle life. Longer springs generally last longer. To measure:

Measure the overall length of the spring while it’s relaxed (garage door open)

Count the number of coils in the spring

Divide the length by the number of coils to get the wire size

Standard lengths for residential garage doors are usually between 15-36 inches.

Here are 5 easy steps to select the right torsion spring for a 180 lbs garage door:

1. Check the Door’s Weight

Accurately determining your garage door’s weight is extremely important  for selecting the correct torsion springs. For a 180 lbs door:

• A 16×8 foot door weighing 180 lbs is likely a double-layer steel door

2. Match the Spring to The Door

For a 180 lbs garage door, you’ll need:

• Spring length: 30-32 inches
• Wire size: Approximately .2253 inches
• Inside diameter: 2 inches
• IPPT (Inch Pounds Per Turn): Typically around 130-140 for this weight

Remember, you’ll need a pair of springs – one for each side of the door.

3. Check The Color Code of The Spring

Torsion springs use a color-coding system:

• Wire color: Look for red, indicating a .2253 inch wire size
• Red cone: Right-wound spring (install on left side)
• Black cone: Left-wound spring (install on right side)

These colors help identify the spring’s properties quickly, but always verify measurements.

4. Compare with Older Springs

If replacing existing springs:

• Measure the length and inside diameter of your current springs
• Count the number of coils
• Divide the length by the number of coils to get the wire size
• Compare these measurements with the recommended specifications

5. Look At Life Cycle

Consider how frequently your garage door is used:

• Standard springs: Last about 10,000 cycles (open/close operations)
• High-cycle springs: Can last 30,000 cycles or more

For a frequently used door, investing in high-cycle springs can save money and hassle in the long run

6. Select Correct Diameter

The inside diameter of the spring is crucial:

• Most 180 lbs doors use springs with a 2-inch inside diameter
• This measurement affects how the spring fits on the torsion tube
• Using the wrong diameter can lead to poor performance or damage

The Role of a Technician

     If you followed all these steps, you should be closer to your goal of installing a torsion spring to repair your garage door. However, as certified professionals, we must warn you about the dangers of installing a new torsion spring. The Reiff Law Firm states, “If a spring breaks while the door is closed, it can fall suddenly. It may come down with a force of 200 to 300 pounds.” While garage doors are there to protect our home and our families, if you don’t maintain the proper care, it can turn into a liability. That’s why we recommend getting an expert technician for all your garage door repair necessities, click here to get a Dallas garage door technician near you!

Conclusion

Finding the right springs for your garage door is a crucial step in ensuring its proper function and longevity. By understanding the key factors – thickness, weight, and length – you can make an informed decision when selecting torsion springs. Remember that accurate measurements and careful consideration of your door’s specifications are essential for choosing the correct springs.