If you have ever dealt with broken garage door springs, you likely understand their importance to your garage door system. Garage door springs are used to counteract the heavy weight of the door. In essence, this means a garage door spring is supposed to make your door light enough for you to be able to lift it on your own, or for the power of the garage door opener to easily lift it.
When your garage door is not opening or closing properly, it’s likely due to a broken or worn out spring that will require garage door spring repair or replacement. If you know a thing or two about your garage door system, you may know that there are two different types of garage door springs; torsion springs and extension springs. While you may initially think they are the same, they are actually quite different, and many garage door contractors favor one over the other.
Garage Door Springs: Torsion vs. Extension
Breaking down the two types of garage door springs, torsion springs are the large springs that are found in a shaft above your garage door. Extension springs, on the other hand, are smaller and are attached to the sides of your garage door. Out of the two, extension springs are the most common for residential garage doors.
Another difference between the two can be seen when opening and closing your garage door. Torsion springs wind and unwind in order to lift and lower your garage door. Extension springs fully expand and contract whenever the door opens and closes.
What Are The Best Garage Door Springs?
While the best type of garage door spring can depend on the type of door you have, most garage door companies will prefer torsion springs over extension springs. Why? Well, not only do torsion springs last typically twice as long as their counterparts, but they also seem to open and close your door in a more controlled motion. Many garage doors with extension springs can be more jerky, especially the older models, which puts more wear and tear on the springs with each use.
Additionally, extension springs also tend to require more maintenance and are not as easy to lubricate, making them more susceptible to breaking. Lastly, when breaking, extension springs tend to be more dangerous and destructive than a torsion spring would. This is why it is essential, no matter what type of springs you have, o have regular garage door maintenance to ensure that your springs are in good shape.
What Garage Door Springs Should You Choose?
While many garage door contractors do prefer torsion springs over extension springs, extension springs do have their perks, such as being more affordable and more useful if your garage does not have the overhead space to install a torsion spring system. Extension springs will certainly get the job, especially when installed by a professional garage door company. If you’re not sure which type of springs you have or which kind you should get for your garage door system, ask your garage door professional.
To learn more about garage door springs or to schedule garage door spring repair or garage door maintenance, contact the team at RTS All-American Garage Doors!