Torsions vs. Extensions: The Best Springs For Garage Doors
Homeowners should consider many factors when choosing the most suitable garage door for their needs. One is the springs used in the mechanism—if it’s torsions or extensions. Since they make lifting garage doors easier and with ease, choosing the ideal type should make people’s lives easier. But between torsions and extensions, which kind is better? Here are some ideas.
What are Torsion Springs?
Torsion springs are made of a U-shaped, round, and wire-based material. They are attached to the header—the part that keeps the garage door in place—and the header beam—the part connecting the header to the garage’s ceiling. The springs are usually made of galvanized steel but can also be made from stainless steel, Monel, and phosphor.
Torsion springs work by converting the potential energy of the spring—the energy resulting from the force or weight of the garage door—into kinetic energy, which can be released when the door is opened. The potential energy is stored in the spring and released through twisting.
What are Extension Springs?
On the other hand, extension springs are made up of a short length of wire that can be wound around a drum. The drum is attached to the top and bottom eyelets of the garage door, and the drum’s tension is usually controlled by two springs or cables.
Extension springs are also known by other names, such as tension springs and pull-triggered springs, because the springs are triggered to release the potential energy they have when they are pulled or stretched.
Torsions vs. Extensions: The Best Springs For Garage Doors
1. Torsion Springs are Lighter
When choosing the best springs for garage doors, homeowners must consider the weight of their garage doors. Since torsion springs are lighter than extensions and have a shorter length, they are ideal for more lightweight garage doors.
2. Extension Springs are Better for DIY
Extension springs are ideal for DIY enthusiasts because the springs don’t require special tools for installation, and they can be installed with the help of a professional. Acquiring the tools for torsion springs, on the other hand, requires more effort and requires more skills. These tools include a kangaroo jack, a hook, a chain fall, and a two-ton jack.
3. Easier Repairs with Torsion Springs
Compared to extension springs, torsion springs are more accessible to repair than extension springs because they don’t require special tools to carry out repairs. All it takes is a fine-tooth saw, a hacksaw, and a kangaroo jack. Extension springs, on the other hand, require a chain fall or a two-ton jack and a hacksaw, which are unique tools for the repair.
4. Extension Springs For Heavier Doors
Homeowners who want to install a garage door that weighs more than what their existing torsion springs can do should consider installing extension springs. Extension springs can support more weight than torsions and are better suited for heavy garage doors. For DIYers, they require less effort and less time to install.
Conclusion
While there’s no denying that torsion springs are lighter and easier to install, extension springs are less likely to break because they rarely do. They are also less likely to be affected by the elements, which is why many homeowners prefer using extension springs for their garage doors. If homeowners opt for garage door services in the future, they must consider the springs because the springs can make all the difference in the world when it comes to the performance of their garage doors.
Garage Doors Repair Irvine specializes in automatic garage door repairs, helping homeowners maintain or fix their garage doors for more extended use. Our garage door service covers the maintenance basics and simple repairs as needed. Check out our other services today, including our garage door installation service, and book an appointment today.
