How much weight can a garage door opener lift: Over 100 pounds!

Like many other motors, garage door openers are rated with horsepower (hp) or horsepower similar (hps) for DC motors. Based on this rating a 1/2 HP opener should be able to lift about 185 pounds and a 3/4 HP opener should be able to lift over 370 pounds. Unfortunately, this is not the case since......

Average Steel Garage Door Weight (With Quick Reference Chart)

Garage door weight is determined by size, material, steel gauge, thickness, insulation and glass. The average modern steel single car door weighs around 125 pounds while double car doors weigh about 200 pounds. Door weight is important when trying to figure out what torsion or extension springs are needed to counterbalance the door.  Older doors......

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Garage Door Springs Color Code Chart

Garage door springs are color coded to aid in proper identification for repair, ordering and warehousing purposes. Garage door springs have been given color codes based on DASMA (Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association) guidelines and specifications. Torsion springs are color coded based on wire gauge sizes. Extension springs are color coded based on the......

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How to Weigh a Garage Door

The weight of your garage door is a major factor in determining what type of torsion springs or extension springs you need. Door weight, along with other information like door height, track radius and drum size are used to calculate a spring that will balance out your door. In order to properly weigh the door,......

Garage Door Extension Spring Replacement Cost

Garage door extension spring replacement cost varies by door weight , overhead door size and specific market area. Extension springs are commonly called “stretch” springs and can be easily replaced by most homeowners. Unlike torsion springs that wind up under tension, extension springs stretch to balance out the door. These springs can be ordered online......

Garage Door Extension Springs

Garage Door Extension Springs Garage door extension springs are installed along the horizontal track. Unlike torsion springs, extension or stretch springs fasten to a cable pulley system. As the garage door lowers the springs stretch out half of the door height.  When the door is closed the springs are under full tension, helping to raise......

How to Check Garage Door Balance

Most homeowners don’t know how to check garage door balance.  This leads to poor overhead door performance and worn out parts like stripped nylon gears. Springs are calibrated by the size, weight and type of track on a garage door. When balanced properly, garage doors require little effort to open by hand or with the......