One of the most common questions we get asked on our techline is "Should I change out my single broken spring a pair of springs?" Well we thought we'd go a little more in depth with the explanation of why we think why or why not.
Why?
If your garage door is original to the house and this is the first time its broke, more often than not it may only have a single spring. This is a common tactic done by builders (not all) and your standard run of the mill, bargain garage doors will only come with one spring to save on costs. As long as the spring can last 7-10 years they're happy and out of warranty. Generally speaking though, when you have a double car garage door that is 16ft and over wide we will recommend converting to a pair of springs if you currently only have a single. There are several benefits that come with this:
1) The springs will last longer.
2) The garage door will balance out better over a longer period of time (putting less strain on the opener)
3) If one spring would happen to break you still have another spring there to help you raise the door to get your cars out.
4) The door can be easier to balance from the start, and tune in over the cycle span of the springs.
Why Not?
Now converting to a pair of springs is not always the best solution. If your garage door weighs 150lbs or under regardless of size, one large single spring is better for the door in the long run than a pair. This is because the door requires a certain lifting force needed by the spring(s) and it can actually get to the case of the single spring will have a longer cycle life (lifespan) than either of the two lighter gauge springs that are exerting the same lifting force together. For example, a 225x2x26 has a lifting force of 31 IPPt's (Inch Pounds per Turn) and generally has a 15,000 cycle life. Now if we converted this to a pair of springs they would be so weak (because both springs together must equal the 225 spring) that they wouldn't last long at all because there's hardly any metal in the spring to counteract the wearing process. Try and think of a paper clip, if you bend it back and forth 6,7,8 times it will break. Now think of a piece of rebar, it's going to take quite a few more bends to get it to finally snap because its so much thicker. So a good rule of thumb to go by, if the door weighs 150lbs and under it should have one spring, and anything over will have a pair. (Up to 400lbs)
Still have questions? We're here to help! Give us a call or shoot us an email. We have real garage door techs standing by.
Phone: 260-691-3822
Email: Wholesalegdparts@gmail.com
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