History

Our History

The history of garage door springs traces back to the evolution of garage doors themselves, which have undergone significant developments over the past century. Here's a brief overview:

icon

Early Garage Doors

In the early 20th century, as automobiles became more common, homeowners needed a secure place to store their vehicles. This led to the development of the first garage doors, which were often manually operated and made of wood.

icon

Introduction of Torsion Springs

Initially, early garage doors were counterbalanced using various mechanisms, such as weights and pulleys. However, in the 1920s, the torsion spring was introduced. This innovation greatly improved the ease of opening and closing garage doors by providing a more efficient counterbalance system.

icon

Expansion Springs

Alongside torsion springs, expansion springs were also used in garage door mechanisms. These springs are typically located above the horizontal tracks on both sides of the door and stretch as the door closes.

icon

Advancements in Materials and Technology

Over time, advancements in materials and manufacturing processes led to improvements in the durability and efficiency of garage door springs. Springs began to be made from high-strength steel alloys, which offered greater longevity and reliability.

icon

Safety Innovations

Safety has always been a concern with garage doors, especially regarding the high tension of the springs. In recent decades, safety features such as containment cables and safety brackets have been developed to prevent injury in case of spring failure.

icon

Modern Garage Door Springs

Today, most residential garage doors are equipped with torsion springs due to their efficiency and reliability. These springs are typically mounted horizontally above the door opening and are capable of handling the weight of the door through the torsion created by their winding.

icon

Smart Technologies

With the advent of smart home technology, some garage door systems now incorporate features such as remote monitoring and control via smartphone apps. While these advancements primarily focus on the opener mechanisms, they contribute to the overall evolution of garage door systems.

Throughout their history, garage door springs have played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of garage doors, allowing for the convenient access and security of vehicles and belongings stored within the garage.

Types

Types of Spring

Garage doors typically use two main types of springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Each type has its own characteristics and applications. Here's an overview of each:

Torsion Springs

Location

Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening, typically on a metal shaft.

Operation

When the garage door opens, torsion springs unwind and store energy. When the door closes, the springs wind up, releasing stored energy to help lift the door.

Advantages

Torsion springs offer smoother and quieter operation compared to extension springs.
They provide better balance and control over the movement of the garage door.
Torsion springs are generally considered safer because they are installed on a shaft and have fewer exposed parts.

Durability

Torsion springs tend to last longer than extension springs due to their design and placement.

Extension Springs

Location

Extension springs are typically mounted vertically on both sides of the garage door, parallel to the tracks.

Operation

Extension springs stretch and contract as the garage door opens and closes. When the door is closed, extension springs are fully extended. As the door opens, they contract to assist in lifting the door.

Advantages

Extension springs are usually less expensive than torsion springs.
They are simpler in design and installation.

Disadvantages

Extension springs can be noisier and less smooth in operation compared to torsion springs.
They may require more maintenance and adjustment over time.
Extension springs are considered less safe than torsion springs because they are prone to sudden failure and can cause more damage if they snap.
TorqueMaster

TorqueMaster spring system

The TorqueMaster spring system is a specific type of garage door spring system developed and patented by Wayne Dalton, a manufacturer of garage doors and related components. The TorqueMaster system is designed as an alternative to traditional torsion and extension spring systems, offering certain advantages in terms of installation, maintenance, and safety.
Here are some key features and characteristics of the TorqueMaster spring system:

icon

01

Enclosed Design

The TorqueMaster system utilizes a closed barrel housing that encases the spring, which is different from traditional torsion spring systems where the spring is exposed. This design helps to protect the spring from dust, debris, and tampering, enhancing safety and longevity.

icon

02

Ease of Installation

Installation of the TorqueMaster system is often considered simpler and safer compared to traditional spring systems. Since the spring is enclosed within the barrel, there is reduced risk of injury during installation and maintenance.

icon

03

Counterbalance Mechanism

Similar to other spring systems, TorqueMaster springs serve as a counterbalance mechanism for the garage door, assisting in its opening and closing. The spring is wound and unwound to store and release energy as the door operates.

icon

04

Customization

TorqueMaster springs are available in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different types and sizes of garage doors. They can be customized based on factors such as door weight, height, and frequency of use.

icon

05

Safety

While all garage door spring systems carry inherent risks, the enclosed design of the TorqueMaster system may offer additional safety benefits by minimizing exposure to the spring and reducing the likelihood of accidents or injuries.

icon

06

Maintenance

Like any mechanical component, TorqueMaster springs require periodic inspection and maintenance to ensure proper functioning and safety. Lubrication and adjustment may be necessary over time to optimize performance.

Specification Per Type

Criteria / Type Torsion Spring Extension Torquemaster EZ Set
DIY Not Recommend Can be Not Recommend Not Recommend
*Cycles Tens of thousands Few Thousand Few Thousand Few Thousand
Waranty Up to Lifetime Few years Few years Few years
Safety 5/5 3/5 5/5 5/5
Relaible 5/5 3/5 3/5 3/5
Maintenance Easy Easy Complicated Easy
Cost (Range) $200-$500 $200-$400 $200-$400 $200-$400
*One Cycle = Door Open & Close
- Send a message

Feel free to message

captcha

Can't read the image? click here to refresh