How to Select Garage Door Springs: A No-Sweat Guide for Calgary Homeowners
Let’s be real—garage door springs aren’t exactly the stars of homeownership. They’re more like the unsung heroes quietly doing the heavy lifting while your garage door opener hogs the spotlight. But when a spring snaps? Suddenly, that “background player” becomes the reason your car is trapped inside (or your garage door sounds like a screeching dinosaur). At Kald Gart Garage Doors here in Calgary, we’ve seen it all—from DIY disasters to springs that clearly picked the wrong week to quit. So, let’s talk springs: how to choose ‘em, when to replace ‘em, and why you might want to leave the heavy stuff to the pros.
Step 1: Know Your Springs—Torsion vs. Extension
Garage doors use two main types of springs, and picking the right one isn’t just about size—it’s about physics, weight, and not turning your garage into a scene from Final Destination.
Torsion Springs: The Heavy-Duty Workhorse
- What they do: Mounted horizontally above the door, these coils twist (hence “torsion”) to lift the door.
- Best for: Larger doors (like double-car garages) or commercial garage door repair jobs.
- Why we love ‘em: Smooth operation, longer lifespan, and quieter than your neighbor’s leaf blower at 7 a.m.
- Downside: Installation? Let’s just say it’s not a “watch a YouTube video and wing it” situation.
Extension Springs: The Budget-Friendly Option
- What they do: Stretch vertically along the tracks, expanding and contracting to lift the door.
- Best for: Lighter doors or tighter budgets.
- Why they’re okay: Cheaper upfront cost. Great if you’re doing a basic garage door installation.
- Downside: Shorter lifespan, louder operation, and a tendency to wear out faster—especially in Calgary’s -30°C deep freezes.
Pro Tip: Not sure which you have? Look up! Torsion springs sit on a metal bar above the door; extension springs run parallel to the tracks.
Step 2: Measure Twice, Buy Once (Or Just Call Us)
Choosing the right spring isn’t like grabbing milk at the store. It’s all about door weight, spring size, and cycle life (how many times it can open/close before retiring).
Here’s the bare-minimum math:
- Weigh your door: Disconnect the opener, lift it manually, and use a bathroom scale. Yes, really.
- Measure spring length: Stretch a broken spring out straight and measure end-to-end.
- Check wire size: Use calipers or a ruler to measure the thickness of the spring’s coil.
OR skip the guesswork and let Kald Gart handle it. We’ve calibrated more springs than we can count—and we’re pretty good at avoiding rogue spring shrapnel.
Step 3: Spot the Red Flags (Before Disaster Strikes)
Springs don’t last forever, and ignoring the warning signs is like pretending your car’s “check engine” light is just a friendly greeting. Look out for:
- A noisy garage door: Grinding, popping, or creaking? Your springs are begging for adjustment—or replacement.
- Gaps in the coils: Worn-out springs develop gaps. If yours look like a slinky that’s lost its will to live, it’s time.
- Door imbalance: Close the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay put, your springs are slacking.
- Visible damage: Frayed cables? Bent tracks? That’s a recipe for a garage door track repair emergency.
Fun Fact: Most torsion springs last 10,000 cycles (about 7–10 years). If yours predates the first iPhone, let’s talk garage door torsion spring replacement.
DIY vs. Pro: When to Call a Garage Door Contractor
We get it—DIY projects are satisfying. But garage door springs store enough energy to launch a cinderblock into orbit. Here’s our take:
You might handle it if…
- You’re replacing extension springs (still risky, but simpler).
- You own winding bars, safety glasses, and a healthy fear of tension.
Call Kald Gart Garage Doors if…
- It’s a torsion spring. Seriously, we’ll bring the tools and the expertise.
- Your door is commercial-grade. Commercial garage door repair isn’t a “learn as you go” gig.
- You’d rather binge Netflix than risk a trip to urgent care.
FYI: We service Calgary, Okotoks, and Strathmore—and yes, we’re the “near me” search result you’ve been looking for.
Cost Breakdown: What to Expect
Let’s talk numbers (because nobody likes sticker shock).
| Service | Average Cost (CAD) | Why Prices Vary |
|---|---|---|
| Torsion Spring Replacement | $200–$400 | Door weight, spring quality, labor |
| Extension Spring Replacement | $150–$300 | Simpler install, but often replaced in pairs |
| Garage Door Track Alignment | $100–$250 | Severity of bends or damage |
| Full Garage Door Replacement | $1,000–$3,000+ | Material (steel vs. wood), insulation, size |
Cheeky PSA: Skipping maintenance to save $50 now could cost you $500 later. Ask us about garage door spring adjustment services to keep things running smoothly.
4 Burning Questions (Answered Without the Jargon)
1. “Can I just replace one spring?”
Nope. Springs work in pairs, and uneven tension strains the door. Replace both—unless you enjoy garage door opener repair calls.
2. “Why does my new spring squeak like a haunted house?”
Lubricate it! Use a silicone-based spray (not WD-40—it attracts gunk). Still noisy? Let’s check the garage door track alignment.
3. “How urgent is a broken spring?”
Very. Your door’s a safety hazard, and the opener is overworking. We offer same-day garage door repair in Calgary for these “oh crap” moments.
4. “What’s the lifespan of an automatic garage door opener?”
10–15 years—but it’ll croak faster if your springs are busted. Think of us for automatic garage door opener installation that plays nice with your system.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Spring Into Regret
Choosing the right springs isn’t rocket science, but it’s close. Between weights, measurements, and tension, even a small mistake can leave you with a door that’s stuck, unsafe, or louder than a toddler’s meltdown in a toy aisle.
At Kald Gart Garage Doors, we’ve been fixing DIY oopsies and installing springs across Calgary, Okotoks, and Strathmore for years. Whether you need a quick garage door cable repair or a full garage door replacement, we’ve got your back.
So, next time your door starts singing the song of its people (read: screeching), give us a shout. We’ll handle the heavy lifting—you handle the Netflix queue. 😉
Ready to silence that noisy garage door? Contact Kald Gart Garage Doors today—because nobody should negotiate with a broken spring alone.
