Garage door spring thoughts

[Sugarkryptonite]

Hi guys

For context I had a 9' wide x 8' tall garage door. It's layout was as follows: 4 x 24" panels, one torsion spring (0.250" x 2" ID x 30" long). The total weight of the door was 173 lbs. It worked well. I had the spring cranked about 32-33 1/4 turns (around 8 full turns).

Now, I have modified the garage door with some of the same panels that I had (I had bought 2 x doors and only installed one, mixed and matched the panel sizes). Now I have the following: 24", 21", 21", 24", 21", totaling 111" total height. The new weight of the door is about 192 lbs.

I have added 19 lbs to the door, and 15.5" total height.

Wondering what your thoughts are about my current spring situation, and or thoughts about which spring I should switch to exactly if needed?

I thought about going with dual springs, but having trouble deciding on the sizing. I thought maybe 2 x 0.243" x 2" ID x 30" long from some research I did online, but not 100% sure. I can install myself.

I just modified the door today and installed. Have not installed the spring yet, as I was still deciding what to do.

Before and after pics just for fun

 

[couch67]

are those PVC air lines?

 

[Lorydr]

Restore the door back to it's previous configuration of 4 panels. That's where it worked well. Done.

 

[Sugarkryptonite]

are those PVC air lines?

Pex

Restore the door back to it's previous configuration of 4 panels. That's where it worked well. Done.

Wow, if only I would have thought of that before!

 

[BillK]

I think DDM has a calculator on their site:

Garage Door Springs | Garage Door Repair | DDM Garage Doors

Shop for Residential & Commercial Garage Door Springs, Parts, Motors, Extension Springs, Dock Leveler Parts, High Lift Kits, In-House Training. Detailed DIY Instructions Available.

ddmgaragedoors.com

 

[Sugarkryptonite]

I think DDM has a calculator on their site:

Garage Door Springs | Garage Door Repair | DDM Garage Doors

Shop for Residential & Commercial Garage Door Springs, Parts, Motors, Extension Springs, Dock Leveler Parts, High Lift Kits, In-House Training. Detailed DIY Instructions Available.

ddmgaragedoors.com

Appreciate your response. I had saw that on their site already, and unfortunately their calculator only seems to go up to a door height of 8'. My door is 9.3' now...unless I missed it somewhere on their site.

Anyway, I ordered a couple different springs a bit larger than what I have to see if it works. I have the original spring back on now with the new larger door and it still does the job. I will be switching to a dual spring setup just for longevity and safety.

 

[Sugarkryptonite]

For anyone looking at calculating springs in the future, I have found a great free tool.

SSC Spring Engineering has graciously provided us with phone apps and even a desktop app. Let's you calculate garage door springs depending on door dimensions, weight, how many springs you want, etc. Invaluable tool.

Spring Engineering Mobile Apps | Desktop & Mobile

Desktop and mobile apps to help you on the job with your garage door projects. Visit our website to learn more and download.

www.servicespring.com