Even though they are a small part of your garage door system, garage door springs are a very important and safe part. If your garage door isn’t working correctly, the springs are usually the first place to look to get your garage door working properly again. There are two main types of garage door springs: Torsion vs. extension springs.
Only when you know the difference between these two can you understand how your garage door works and what type of maintenance it needs. It also discusses how torsion and extension springs operate so you can figure out if you should fix or replace your garage door’s springs when they need service.
Key Differences Between Torsion and Extension Springs
- ● Location: Extension springs are mounted on the sides of the door, while torsion springs are located above the garage door.
- ● Mechanism: Extension springs stretch to move the door, and torsion springs twist to lift the door.
- ● Durability: Extension springs tend to live a shorter time than torsion springs.
- ● Safety: However, extension springs are actually more dangerous if they break since they are much more likely to release their stored energy than a torsion spring, whose mechanism is contained.
- ● Cost: Although torsion springs are more expensive in the beginning, they may not need to be replaced as often as other types of springs.
- ● Maintenance: Extension springs generally require more frequent maintenance than torsion springs.
1. Understanding Garage Door Springs
The way garage doors lift and lower the door is based on the springs. If your garage door springs are not working properly, opening and closing your garage door can be difficult, unsafe, or even impossible. Two types of springs are commonly used in residential garage doors: Torsion and extension.
Each plays differently, and this appears to be the first thing that you need to learn when you want to understand which ones are weak and which ones are strong.
2. What Are Torsion Springs?
The modern and very efficient garage door spring system is the torsion spring. Generally, they are installed horizontally above the garage door. Torque (a twisting force) is used in torsion springs to aid in lifting the heavy weight of the door.
How They Work: The place where the torsion spring is under tension is when you close the garage door. The door opens, and the tension is gone; the spring lifts the door. When the door is shut, it winds back into a spring, which stores its energy until the door is lifted.
Advantages of Torsion Springs:
- ● Durability: Generally, torsion springs can live longer and are more durable than extension springs. Depending on the material and the door usage, they will last between 15,000 to 20,000 cycles.
- ● Smooth Operation: With these springs, your garage door and opener face less strain while the door moves more smoothly and in a more controlled fashion.
- ● Safety: Extension springs are considered safer because if they break, they stay mounted on the spring bar, thus reducing the chance of damage or injury.
Disadvantages of Torsion Springs:
- ● Cost: Typically, extension springs are cheaper to install than torsion springs.
- ● Installation Difficulty: Torsion springs are complex and have a large amount of tension; installing them is a job for professional help.
3. What Are Extension Springs?
The traditional type of garage door spring is called an extension spring. These springs are between the door and the sides of the door; they stretch to help lift the door.
How They Work: When the garage door closes, they stretch and store energy. When the door opens, the springs uncoil, dissipating the stored energy to help the door rise.
Advantages of Extension Springs:
- ● Affordability: Torsion springs are generally more expensive than extension springs so homeowners may choose the more cost-efficient option.
- ● Simple Design: Since they are more straightforward to design, manufacturing parts is easier, keeping the cost of parts fairly low.
Disadvantages of Extension Springs:
- ● Safety Concerns: The safety risk of extension springs is more remarkable because if the spring breaks, the piece can become a projectile. Safety cables are frequently built next to them to avoid accidents.
- ● Durability: Torsion springs usually have a life span of 5,000 to 10,000 cycles, but extension springs may need to be replaced more often.
- ● Uneven Wear: Sometimes, these springs can cause uneven wear on the garage door and, over time, imbalances
4. Safety Considerations
Safety should always be a priority when dealing with garage door springs. Installation, repair, or replacement of torsion and extension springs are under extreme tension and any mistake can lead to injury.
Torsion Springs: Torsion springs are considered safer because they stay contained on the spring bar when they break. They are designed to reduce injury or damage.
Extension Springs: Extension springs can be dangerous projectiles if they break. Many professional installers suggest you use safety cables with extension springs. If the spring snaps, these cables catch it and make it so that it won’t fly off and cause injury or damage.
Regardless of the torsion or extension springs used with your garage door, you’ll want to hire a professional to install or fix it to avoid the consequences.
Durability and Lifespan
Torsion springs are far more durable than extension springs. Depending on the quality and frequency of use, torsion springs can last up to 20,000 cycles. Extension springs can last about 5,000 – 10,000 cycles.
One complete opening and closing of the garage door is called a cycle. If the garage door is used multiple times per day then the longevity of the spring system becomes an important factor to reduce the replacement of the machine frequently.
If you have a heavier use for your garage door, buying torsion springs may pay for themselves as they will need fewer replacements than extension springs.
6. Cost Comparison
For homeowners, the cost is usually a top consideration when deciding which type of spring to install. Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with torsion and extension springs:
- ● Torsion Springs: Torsion springs are often more costly upfront, but the spring and installation typically run from $150 to $350. However, they are often more cost-effective, as their durability and less maintenance requirements give them a life toll over time.
- ● Extension Springs: Initially, extension springs are less expensive — between $50 and $150 for the spring and installation. Although many may find them more cost-effective, they do not last quite as long and may, therefore, have to be replaced more often, leading to higher long-term costs.
When looking at the total cost, you have to look at the initial cost and the longevity and maintenance you will need to provide for the various spring types.
7. Maintenance Needs
The reason is that both torsion and extension springs require maintenance to ensure that your garage door remains in smooth operation. However, torsion springs are usually not replaced as often as extension springs.
Torsion Springs Maintenance:
- ● The springs should be lubricated every six months to prevent corrosion and work freely.
- ● Check the springs for signs of wear occasionally, like rust or if they seem to be stretching.
- ● Any adjustments or replacements are best left to a professional.
8. When to Replace Garage Door Springs
- ● Regardless of the type of spring you have, they will all need replacement due to regular wear and tear. Some signs that your garage door springs may need to be replaced include:
- ● You can’t easily open the garage door manually; it feels heavy or hard to lift.
- ● The door doesn’t open or close with a slam.
- ● When you open the door, there are squeaking or grinding noises.
- ● The spring wore out, and there were gaps visible.
If you see any of these, it is vital to take care of this situation right away before it causes more damage to your garage door system.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Spring for Your Garage Door
The decision between using torsion vs extension springs is dependent on your preferences. Garage doors usually run best on torsion springs because they are safer, more durable, and provide smoother operation. While cheaper upfront, extension springs will need to be replaced more often, and there is a higher safety risk if they are not looked after.
In the end, getting in touch with a garage door professional will help you make the right decision for your door—not just regarding your budget, but what your door needs. When you need to repair or upgrade your garage door springs, call Experts Garage Doors and get the advice of experts and professional installation.