What are the advantages of having two springs vs one spring on my garage door?
Garage door torsion springs are normally mounted on top of the garage door. The spring functions by counterbalancing the weight of the door by winding and unwinding each time the garage door closes or opens. The torsion springs come in various lengths, diameter, gauge, and finish. It’s very common for many garage door installers to avoid using the two spring garage door system. Using one torsion spring is very cheaper and less time consuming to the garage door installer. American Veteran Garages says that using two springs have many advantages that will benefit the garage owner in the long run.
The advantages of using a two spring system include:
• Prevents hardware wear
When operating the door the torsion spring winds and unwinds. This causes the spring to stretch horizontally along the torsion bar as it winds up. This creates pressure on the side drums and bearing plates. Having a two spring system means the springs work against each other preventing the torsion bar from sliding sideways eliminating pressure on the drums.
• Safety when the spring breaks
When a single torsion spring system breaks the complete weight of the door is transferred instantly to the motor. If this happens while the door is in motion, the sudden force might break the opener arm and the door will come down like a guillotine. This is also the case when the spring breaks when the door is disengaged from the garage opener.
This is a life-threatening situation if someone or something is under the door when the spring breaks. When the second spring is installed, then the case will be a little different. The door will still be supported by the second spring holding half the door’s weight. The second spring will, therefore, minimize the risk and potential damage to property and life that could have been caused when the spring breaks.
• Extended cycle life options
Whenever one opens or closes their garage door, one cycle life of the garage door spring is eliminated. The cycle life of a spring refers to the expected number of cycles that spring makes. Installing two springs will give the homeowner more options when it comes to the cycle life of the springs. This means more years of having an effective garage door. Therefore, in the long run, the two springs are indeed cost effective and economical.
• Functionality
Most garage doors, even full-view garage doors, weigh well over 150 pounds. Having a one spring system means when the system breaks(springs, cables, logic board) it will impossible to lift the door. Such a scenario will need the help of a garage technician to come to your rescue. But on a two spring system with one functioning spring, you will only need to lift half the weight of the door. Lifting the garage doors by hand will allow you to get your car and be able to drive yourself to work.
The effectiveness of a two spring system for garage doors is indeed important and that’s why many residential garage doors have adapted the two spring systems, mounted on the torsion bar. Commercial garage doors have also implemented the system by some using even 2-8 springs.