Your garage door is an integral part of your home and you may rely on it every day to perform a simple task. The mechanics behind this piece of technology (dating back to the first automobiles) may seem simple, but do you know exactly how your garage door works? Precision Garage Door of Charleston has expert knowledge about garage doors and can give you a peek into the inner-workings of this valuable invention.
Two System Types
Your garage door is operated by a counterbalance system, which uses a force to offset a weight, in this case, the garage door. There are two types of systems and both depend on garage door springs to provide the assisting force.
– Extension Spring System
An extension spring system uses springs that are attached to cables and are in turn attached to the bottom corners of the door. When the door is closed, the springs are stretched and when the door is opened, the energy stored in the extended springs lifts the door. This system does not last forever, however, and as the door travels up and down many times, the steel in the springs will weaken and eventually break.
It is important to check these types of springs to ensure that there is a safety cable running through them. When these springs break, a large amount of energy is released and can cause property damage or injury.
– Torsion Spring System
The most common type of garage door system is a torsion spring system. Torsion springs are typically mounted horizontally above the door opening. As the door comes down, cables that are attached to the bottom corners of the door cause the springs to wind up and this winding creates stored energy. When the door is opened, the springs unwind and the energy helps lift the garage door. As the door is cycled up and down, though, the steel in the springs weakens and can no longer lift the door.
Professional Assessment
Precision Garage Door of Charleston knows garage doors inside and out, and if you have an issue with your garage door, our professional technicians can quickly determine the problem and get your door running smoothly again. Whether you have a torsion spring system or an extension spring system on your garage door, it is important that you have your garage door checked regularly to ensure proper operation and to avoid any potential safety issues.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the way your garage door is working or feel like it could be functioning better, contact Precision Garage Door of Charleston for a complete garage door check.
