Calculating the Spring Size by the Weight of My Garage Door

Weighing Your Garage Door

The first thing you need to do if you need to weigh your garage door is to find a scale that you would normally use to weigh yourself. Try to find an older scale that is not digital because sometimes if you add weight to a digital scale it will not give you the new reading; it will just give you the original reading when weight was applied to the scale. The kind of scale I am talking about is one that has a dial and it spins back and forth when you step onto the scale. 

 

 

Peparing for the Weighing Process

You will need a couple of things before you start to attempt to weigh your door: the first is an assistant or somebody to help you read the scale as you are putting the full weight of the garage door on it. The other is a set of winding bars that a garage door technician would use to wind up the torsion springs. You will probably not find a professional pair of winding bars at a retail hardware store like Lowe’s or Home Depot, so the next best thing is to go to a retail hardware store and buy two pieces of all-thread that are 5/8 of an inch thick and at least 18 inches long; it would be better to have two bars, but just to weigh the door, most of the time you can get away with just one.

Necessary Tools and Steps

Also, you will most likely need a ladder to reach the torsion springs. Anytime I have had to weigh a garage door, this is the procedure that I would use. The first step would be to open the garage door with the garage door opener. If you do not have a garage door opener, this does not apply. Once you have your winding bars, your assistant to read the weight on the scale, and your ladder, it’s time to begin.

Preparing to Weigh the Door

If you have an opener and you have opened the garage door with your garage door opener, then you will need to pull down on the emergency release cord. This is the red cord and handle that hangs down from the trolley on your opener; this allows you to open the door manually by hand. You will need to place the scale in the middle of the garage door, and the window where you read the weight should be on the inside.

Taking the Measurement

Once the door is resting on the scale, you will need to put the ladder as close to the door as you can and stick your winding bars into the torsion spring cone on the ends of the springs. There will be four holes total, and what you will need to do is push up on the spring with the bar and look to your left or right at the cable drums where the cable wraps around the drum. Once you see separation between the cable and the drum, that means the full weight of the garage door is on the scale, and that’s when you take your reading of the weight.

Measuring the Height of the Door

The next thing you will need is the height of the garage door. Just get a tape measure and measure from the garage floor to the top of the top panel on your garage door, and that will give you your height. Unless you are a mechanical engineer, the formula for determining this is pretty much like reading gibberish equations.

Final Steps for Spring Selection

If you need to let somebody know how much your door weighs and how tall it is for the correct spring, this is the only information you should need. The best way to determine what spring to use is to measure the existing springs, whether they are intact or broken, to determine what size spring to replace.

 

Type spring size and Garage Door weight for reference – 

Door Size Steel Gauge Door Weight Spring Size
8×7 25 Classic 79 lbs 207x2x23.5
8×7 25 insulated 87 lbs 207x2x21.5
8×7 24 84 lbs 207x2x22.25 or 218x2x28.75
8×7 24 insulated 94 lbs 207x2x20
8×7 steel back 1 3/8inch 94.02 lbs 207x2x20
8×7 steel back 2 inch 113.99 lbs 218x2x21.5
Door Size Steel Gauge Door Weight Spring Size
8×8 25 Classic 90 lbs 207x2x20.75 or 218x2x27
8×8 25 insulated 100 lbs 207x2x18.75 or 218x2x24.25
8×8 24 98 lbs 207x2x19 or 218x2x24.75
8×8 24 insulated 108 lbs 218x2x22.5 or 225x2x26
8×8 steel back 1 3/8inch 107.45 lbs 218x2x22.75 or 225x2x26
8×8 steel back 2 inch 131.37 lbs 225x2x21.5 or 234x2x25.75
Door Size Steel Gauge Door Weight Spring Size
9×7 25 Classic 85 lbs 207x2x22 or 218x2x28.5
9×7 25 insulated 95 lbs 207x2x19.75 or 218x2x25.5
9×7 24 91 lbs 207x2x20.5 or 218x2x26.5
9×7 24 insulated 102 lbs 207x2x18.5 or 218x2x23.75
9×7 steel back 1 3/8inch 104.58 lbs 207x2x18 or 218x2x23.5
9×7 steel back 2 inch 127.03 lbs 225x2x22.25
Door Size Steel Gauge Door Weight Spring Size
9×8 25 Classic 89 lbs 207x2x21 or 218x2x27.25
9×8 25 insulated 109 lbs 218x2x22.5 or 225x2x25.75
9×8 24 106 lbs 207x2x17.75 or 218x2x23
9×8 24 insulated 118 lbs 218x2x20.75 or 225x2x24
9×8 steel back 1 3/8inch 119.52 lbs 218x2x20.5 or 225x2x23.75
9×8 steel back 2 inch 146.39 lbs 234x2x23.5 or 243x2x28.5
Door Size Steel Gauge Door Weight Spring Size
10×7 25 Classic 97 lbs 207x2x19.25 or 218x2x25
10×7 25 insulated 108 lbs 218x2x22.5 or 225x2x26
10×7 24 104 lbs 207x2x18 or 218x2x23.5
10×7 24 insulated 116 lbs 218x2x21 or 225x2x24.25
10×7 steel back 1 3/8inch 115.71 lbs 218x2x21.25
10×7 steel back 2 inch 140.6 lbs 234x2x24.25 or 243x2x29.25
Door Size Steel Gauge Door Weight Spring Size
10×8 25 Classic 112 lbs 218x2x21.75 or 225x2x25
10×8 25 insulated 124 lbs 218x2x19.75 or 225x2x22.75
10×8 24 116 lbs 218x2x21 or 225x2x24.25
10×8 24 insulated 130 lbs 225x2x21.75 or 234x2x26.25
10×8 steel back 1 3/8inch 132.24 lbs 225x2x21.5 or 234x2x25.75
10×8 steel back 2 inch 162.08 lbs 243x2x25.5 or pair 207x2x22.75
Door Size Steel Gauge Door Weight Spring Size
12×7 25 Classic 111 lbs 218x2x22 or 225x2x25.25
12×7 25 insulated 124 lbs 218x2x19.75 or 225x2x22.75
12×7 24 119 lbs 218x2x20.5 or 225x2x23.75
12×7 24 insulated 133 lbs 225x2x21.25 or 235x2x25.75
12×7 steel back 1 3/8inch 136.75 lbs 234x2x25 or 243x2x30
12×7 steel back 2 inch 166.69 lbs 243x2x25 or 250x2x28
Door Size Steel Gauge Door Weight Spring Size
12×8 25 Classic 127 lbs 225x2x22.5 or 234x2x26.75
12×8 25 insulated 142 lbs 234x2x24 or 243x2x29
12×8 24 141 lbs 234x2x24.25 or 243x2x29.25
12×8 24 insulated 156 lbs 250x2x30
12×8 steel back 1 3/8inch 156.28 lbs 250x2x30
12×8 steel back 2 inch 192.12 lbs 262x2x30.75 or pair 207x2x20
Door Size Steel Gauge Door Weight Spring Size
14×7 25 Classic 132 lbs 225x2x21.5 or 234x2x25.75
14×7 25 insulated 147 lbs 234x2x23.25 or 243x2x28
14×7 24 145 lbs 234x2x23.5 or 243x2x28.5
14×7 24 insulated 160 lbs 243x2x25.75 or pair 207x2x23
14×7 steel back 1 3/8inch 162.68 lbs 250x2x28
14×7 steel back 2 inch 193.83 lbs 262x2x30.5 or pair 207x2x20
Door Size Steel Gauge Door Weight Spring Size
14×8 25 Classic 151 lbs 243x2x27.25 or pair 207x2x24.5
14×8 25 insulated 168 lbs 243x2x24.75 or pair 207x2x22.25
14×8 24 172 lbs 250x2x27.5 or pair 207x2x21.75
14×8 24 insulated 191 lbs Pair 207x2x19.5
14×8 steel back 1 3/8inch 185.92 lbs 262x2x31.75 or pair 207x2x20
14×8 steel back 2 inch 223.5 lbs 218x2x21.75 or 225x2x25
Door Size Steel Gauge Door Weight Spring Size
15×7 25 Classic 149 lbs 250x2x31.25
15×7 25 insulated 165 lbs 250x2x28.25 or pair 207x2x22.5
15×7 24 156 lbs 250x2x30
15×7 24 insulated 174 lbs 250x2x28
15×7 steel back 1 3/8inch 173.25 lbs 250x2x27.5 or pair 207x2x21.75
15×7 steel back 2 inch 206.88 lbs Pair 218x2x23
Door Size Steel Gauge Door Weight Spring Size
15×8 25 Classic 172 lbs 250x2x27.5 or pair 207x2x21.75
15×8 25 insulated 190 lbs Pair 207x2x20
15×8 24 181 lbs Pair 207x2x20 or pair 218x2x26
15×8 24 insulated 201 lbs Pair 225x2x27.75
15×8 steel back 1 3/8inch 198 lbs Pair 207x2x19 or pair 218x2x24.5
15×8 steel back 2 inch 238.52 lbs Pair 234x2x28
Door Size Steel Gauge Door Weight Spring Size
16×7 25 Classic 151 lbs 243x2x27.25 or pair 207x2x24.5
16×7 25 insulated 168 lbs 243x2x24.75 or pair 207x2x22.25
16×7 24 164 lbs Pair 207x2x22.5
16×7 24 insulated 183 lbs Pair 207x2x20
16×7 steel back 1 3/8inch 182.56 lbs Pair 207x2x20 or pair 218x2x26
16×7 steel back 2 inch 219.39 lbs Pair 225x2x26
Door Size Steel Gauge Door Weight Spring Size
16×8 25 Classic 184 lbs Pair 207x2x20
16×8 25 insulated 204 lbs Pair 218x2x23
16×8 24 210 lbs Pair 218x2x23
16×8 24 insulated 232 lbs Pair 244x2x30
16×8 Steel back 1 3/8inch 208.64 lbs Pair 225x2x27
16×8 Steel back 2 inch 252.88 lbs Pair 243x2x32

Frequently Asked Questions

Genie garage door openers are highly reliable, but there are always questions about how to maintain and optimize their functionality. Here are five more FAQs to help you.

1. How do I adjust the force settings on my Genie garage door opener?

Adjusting the force settings can help your garage door opener function smoothly. Here’s how:

  1. Locate the adjustment dials: These are typically on the back or side of the motor unit.
  2. Identify the “Up Force” and “Down Force” dials: Adjust these settings according to the door’s performance.
  3. Test the door: Make small adjustments and test the door’s movement after each change.

Ensure the door opens and closes fully without stopping or reversing unnecessarily.

2. Can I use LED light bulbs with my Genie garage door opener?

Yes, but ensure you choose the right type:

  • Look for LED bulbs designed for garage door openers: These are engineered to minimize interference with the remote control signal.
  • Check wattage compatibility: Use bulbs within the recommended wattage range for your Genie model.
  • Install properly: Secure the bulbs tightly to avoid vibrations causing malfunctions.

Using the right LED bulbs improves energy efficiency and longevity.

3. How do I clean and maintain the safety sensors?

Keeping the safety sensors clean ensures reliable operation. Follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the opener: Disconnect the power to avoid accidental activation.
  2. Inspect the sensors: Check for dirt, cobwebs, or obstructions.
  3. Clean the lenses: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the sensor lenses gently.
  4. Align the sensors: Ensure the sensor beams are aligned, indicated by a solid light on both sensors.

Regular cleaning prevents false triggers and ensures safety.

4. What are the benefits of upgrading to a Genie Wi-Fi-enabled opener?

Upgrading to a Wi-Fi-enabled Genie opener offers several advantages:

  • Remote control access: Operate your garage door from anywhere using a smartphone app.
  • Notifications: Receive alerts when the door opens or closes.
  • Enhanced security: Monitor usage and set schedules for opening or closing the door.
  • Integration with smart home systems: Connect to platforms like Alexa or Google Assistant.

This upgrade adds convenience and peace of mind to your daily life.

5. Why is my Genie opener making unusual noises?

Unusual noises from your garage door opener might indicate:

  • Worn-out parts: Check the motor, belts, or chains for wear.
  • Lack of lubrication: Apply lubricant to the moving parts, including the rollers and tracks.
  • Loose components: Tighten any bolts, nuts, or screws that may have come loose.
  • Track misalignment: Ensure the tracks are aligned and free from obstructions.

If the noise persists, consult a professional to prevent further damage.

Final Thoughts

By addressing these common concerns, you can ensure your Genie garage door opener functions reliably and efficiently. Whether it’s routine maintenance, smart upgrades, or troubleshooting noises, taking proactive steps will extend the life of your opener and keep your garage secure.

To help you get the most out of your Genie garage door opener, here are answers to more commonly asked questions that tackle both troubleshooting and advanced functionality.

1. How do I reset my Genie garage door opener after a power outage?

After a power outage, your Genie opener might need resetting to function correctly. Follow these steps:

  • Disconnect the opener: Pull the emergency release cord to disengage the motor.
  • Manually close the door: Ensure the door is fully closed before proceeding.
  • Reconnect the opener: Plug the opener back into the power source.
  • Reprogram if needed: Refer to the user manual to reprogram your opener, especially if the remote control isn’t working.

If the problem persists, inspect the circuit breaker or contact a professional.

2. What does the blinking light on my Genie garage door opener mean?

A blinking light on your Genie opener often indicates an issue. Here are common reasons:

  • Sensor misalignment: Check if the safety sensors are aligned and free of dirt or debris.
  • Error codes: Refer to the user manual for specific error code meanings.
  • Obstruction detection: Ensure nothing is blocking the door’s path.

Addressing these issues promptly can restore your opener to normal operation.

3. Can I connect my Genie garage door opener to a smart home system?

Yes, many Genie garage door openers are compatible with smart home systems. To integrate:

  • Check compatibility: Look for Genie models that support Wi-Fi or work with systems like Aladdin Connect.
  • Install the smart module: Follow the instructions provided with your Genie model.
  • Download the app: Use the corresponding Genie app or a third-party smart home app to control your opener remotely.

This setup enhances convenience and adds security features, such as notifications.

4. How often should I replace the batteries in my Genie remote?

Replace the batteries in your Genie remote every 1-2 years, or sooner if:

  • The range decreases: The remote works only when close to the garage.
  • The remote stops functioning intermittently: Ensure fresh batteries are installed.
  • The LED indicator dims: This is often a sign of low power.

Use high-quality batteries to ensure long-lasting performance.

5. Why does my Genie garage door opener stop midway when closing?

If your opener stops midway, consider these potential causes:

  • Door balance issues: Test if the door moves freely by hand after pulling the emergency release cord.
  • Obstructions: Check for objects in the door’s path or dirt on the tracks.
  • Overhead spring wear: Broken or weak springs can strain the motor.
  • Force settings: Adjust the opener’s force settings as per the user manual.

Consult a professional if these steps don’t resolve the issue.

Final Thoughts

Genie garage door openers are designed for convenience and durability. By staying informed and addressing issues promptly, you can maximize their performance and extend their lifespan. Regular maintenance and smart upgrades can make a big difference in functionality and ease of use.

Garage door openers are essential for home convenience, and the Genie brand is a popular choice for reliability. Below, we answer some of the most common and unique questions to help you troubleshoot and maintain your Genie garage door opener.

1. What to do when Genie is not working?

If your Genie garage door opener stops working, start with these troubleshooting steps:

  • Check the power supply: Ensure the unit is plugged in and that the outlet is functional.
  • Inspect the remote batteries: Weak or dead batteries can prevent the remote from operating the door.
  • Look for obstructions: Make sure nothing is blocking the door or the safety sensors.
  • Test the manual operation: Pull the emergency release cord to verify that the door moves smoothly by hand.

If these steps don’t solve the issue, consult your user manual or contact a professional for assistance.

2. How do I reprogram my garage door opener?

Reprogramming your Genie garage door opener is a straightforward process:

  1. Locate the “Learn” button on the motor unit.
  2. Press and hold the button until the indicator light starts flashing.
  3. Press the button on your remote that you want to program.
  4. Wait for the motor unit’s light to flash or click to confirm the pairing.

Your remote should now be successfully programmed to your opener.

3. What wears out a garage door opener?

Over time, several factors can wear out a garage door opener, including:

  • Frequent use: Heavy daily operation puts strain on the motor and mechanical parts.
  • Lack of maintenance: Skipping lubrication or ignoring worn components accelerates wear and tear.
  • Environmental conditions: Extreme temperatures or humidity can impact the opener’s lifespan.
  • Old age: Most garage door openers last about 10–15 years with proper care.

Regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your opener.

4. Why does my garage door just click and not open?

If your garage door opener clicks but doesn’t open the door, here’s what to check:

  • Inspect the safety sensors: Misaligned or dirty sensors can prevent operation.
  • Examine the motor: Clicking might indicate a motor that’s attempting to work but is under strain.
  • Check the springs: Broken or worn torsion springs can make it impossible for the opener to lift the door.

Addressing these issues may require professional repair to ensure safe operation.

5. Why is my garage door opener not responding?

When your Genie garage door opener isn’t responding, consider these possibilities:

  • Remote control issues: Replace the batteries or reprogram the remote.
  • Signal interference: Ensure no electronic devices are disrupting the signal.
  • Disconnected power source: Verify the opener is properly plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
  • Worn-out parts: Aging components such as the motor or gears may need replacement.

If you’ve tried these solutions and the problem persists, professional assistance is recommended.

Final Tips

To keep your Genie garage door opener functioning efficiently:

  • Perform routine maintenance, such as lubrication and cleaning.
  • Address any unusual noises or behaviors immediately.
  • Schedule an annual inspection with a professional to ensure all components are in good condition.

By staying proactive, you can avoid common issues and ensure reliable operation for years to come.

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