How do I weigh a garage door?
ONLY USE THIS METHOD ON RESIDENTIAL GARAGE DOORS
There are two ways to get the correct torsion springs for a garage door. This method requires you to measure and weigh the garage door. Use this method if the garage door does not balance correctly, the garage door has been altered or you think the garage door has the wrong springs. Method two requires you to measure the garage doors existing springs. Use this method if the door worked properly before the springs broke and the garage door has not been altered. Moving Up Garage Door Company carries springs of all sizes for residential garage doors. Once you get the door weight and measurements contact us and we will calculate which springs you need. We can be reached at 877 379 4947 or info@movingupgaragedoors.comStep 1: Measure Garage Door Height and Width
First measure the height and width of the garage door. Typical garage door heights are 7, 8 or 10 feet but can vary in 3 inch increments. Typical garage door widths are 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 feet but custom doors can be made in 1 inch incrememnts.
Step 2: Measure Garage Door Track Radius
To measure the track radius measure from the top of the vertical track to the straight part of the horizontal track. Typical garage door track radius is 12" or 15" but can vary if the garage door uses low headroom or high lift tracks.
Step 3: Weigh the Garage Door
Weighing the garage door takes several steps. Please follow each step carefully and use common sense.
1. The garage door will have one or two torsion springs. If all the springs are broken check the cables and reinstall them on the cable drums if nesessary.
2. If there is a garage door opener attached to the garage door then remove the door arm from the garage door. Only pulling the release handle may give an incorrect reading.
3. Place an analog scale next to the middle of the garage door with a piece of wood on it. If the garage door is double wide and insulated or made of wood then use two scales. When using two scales place them under the first and last set of garage door hinges. Do not use digital scales as they are likely to give an incorrect weight.
4. Insert a winding bar into the cone of the broken spring and pull down. The garage door will lift off the ground. Slide the scale under the garage door (if you are using two scales this will require a second person). Slowly lower the garage door back down until the garage door is sitting on the scale.
5. If the garage door has a spring that is not broken push up slightly with the winding bar until the cables loosen and the entire garage door weight is on the scale. Read the scale for the garage door weight. If you are using two scales add the weights together for the total garage door weight. Reverse steps 1-5 to remove the scale from under the garage door.
Step 4: Contact Us
Contact us with all the measurements and we will use them to calculate the correct torsion springs for the garage door. We can be reached at 877 379 4947 or info@movingupgaragedoors.com
