If you are like most homeowners, you probably haven’t given much thought to your garage door until it breaks down and requires immediate attention. In the event that this does occur, you’ll be forced to make hasty, life-or-death decisions about materials, garage door companies, and the types of springs to choose in order to open and close your garage door safely.
One of the most critical mechanisms in your garage door is the garage door springs. When it comes to garage door springs, ignoring their importance can result in property damage, injury, and even death. If you have plans on replacing or installing a garage door spring, you need to know which type of mechanism to install.
Both extension and torsion springs are commonly used in garage door installation and operation, but they are not interchangeable.
A breakdown of how these garage door springs are used, how they differ in function, and how they differ in price is provided below:
Torsion Springs
There are two types of garage door springs: the torsion spring and the extension spring. In contrast to an extension spring, a torsion spring uses torque to accomplish its task. Sturdy and long-lasting, these springs are an excellent investment.
Tightening or loosening of an object’s rotation can be caused by torque. As a result, the coil twists and coils on the shaft when the garage door is opened or closed by hand or by a motor.
The size and opening dimensions of the garage door determine the type and length of torsion spring to be used.
Extension Springs
The garage door’s upper, horizontal tracks typically have extension springs. When there is insufficient headroom to apply rear torsion springs, these are commonly used.
It is necessary to extend the springs in order to lift the garage door out of the way. The extension springs are subjected to more force the more the door is opened (and the springs are extended).
Safety measures must be taken into consideration when installing these heavy-duty garage springs. These springs come with a safety cable attached to each extension spring.
The safety cable prevents the spring from firing freely if there is a malfunction, which could result in serious injury. In the event of a cable or bracket failure, the safety cable serves as an additional line of defense for the homeowner.
These safety cables must be in place at all times. Any time the door is open or closed there is a risk that the spring will break free.
So, Which is Better?
Both types of springs are subjected to a tremendous amount of force, and they both coil or recoil in a unique manner. This means that the springs on each garage door should be well-maintained.
Because of their lower cost, extension springs are commonly found in domestic settings. Many home builders choose to use them in the construction of new homes due to their lower cost. They are both functional and cost-effective in the end. Extension springs have a much shorter lifespan than torsion springs, despite the lower initial cost.
This makes Torsion springs more secure because they have fewer exposed parts. They’re more durable and make it easier to open and close your garage door. However, you’ll have to put in more money up front. As a result of their higher initial cost, these items end up costing more over time.
A professional garage door repair company can help you choose the best garage door springs for your home or business, whether you’re repairing, expanding, or upgrading your current garage door system. You can consider clopay garage door springs as they are known for quality garage door springs mechanism.
