If you have a garage, your door is probably the largest moving part of your home. It relies on a crucial component to operate smoothly and safely, the springs. It’s these seeming unassuming coils that release the energy need to lift and lower your door.
Did you know, however, there are different types of garage door springs? Understanding the difference between them is vital for safety and performance. Knowing the difference between the Torsion and Extension springs helps you identify issues.
The Power Players: Torsion Springs
You’ve probably seen a long metal rod running horizontally above your garage door. This is where torsion springs are found. Typically, there are one or two springs mounted directly above the centre of the door.
How they work: When your garage door closes, cables attached to the bottom corners of the door wind around drums on the torsion shaft. When the door opens, the springs unwind making it feel light enough to lift with ease.
Key Characteristics of Torsion Springs:
• Location: Mounted horizontally above the garage door opening, on a metal shaft.
• Balance: They distribute the door's weight evenly across the entire shaft, which often leads to smoother and quieter operation.
• Durability: Torsion springs are designed for a longer lifespan.
• Cost: Installation and replacement can be more expensive due to their complexity and the specialised tools required.
The Stretching Act: Extension Springs
In contrast to their torsion counterparts, extension springs are located along the sides of your garage door. You'll usually see two of them, one on each side.
How they work: When your garage door closes, these springs stretch out along the tracks. As the door opens, the springs contract, pulling the door upwards and providing the necessary counterbalance. To prevent them from causing serious injury if they break, extension springs must have safety cables running through their centre to prevent it from whipping through the garage.
Key Characteristics of Extension Springs:
• Location: Mounted vertically or horizontally along the sides of the garage door tracks.
• Balance: Each spring works independently, which means if one breaks, the other still provides some lift, but the door will be significantly heavier and unbalanced.
• Durability: Generally, have a shorter lifespan than torsion springs because they are under constant tension as they stretch and contract.
• Cost: Often cheaper to install and replace, making them a common choice for lighter or older garage doors.
Why Does It Matter Which Type You Have?
Understanding whether you have torsion or extension springs is crucial for several reasons:
1. Safety First: Garage door springs are under immense tension. A snapping spring, regardless of type, can cause serious injury or damage. Knowing which type you have helps you understand the specific risks and the necessary safety precautions.
2. Maintenance & Lifespan: While you shouldn't service them yourself, knowing your spring type can give you an idea of expected lifespan and help you anticipate when professional maintenance or replacement might be needed.
3. Troubleshooting: If your garage door isn't operating smoothly, is heavy, or only lifts partially, a broken or worn-out spring is often the culprit. Knowing your spring type helps you describe the issue accurately to a service technician.
4. Replacement Costs: As mentioned, replacement costs can differ. Torsion spring replacement typically involves more labour and specialised parts, making it generally more expensive than replacing extension springs.
Whether you have the torsion system overhead or the extension springs by the tracks, understanding their function and differences empowers you as a homeowner. More importantly, it reinforces the message that any work involving these high-tension components should always be entrusted to a qualified and experienced garage door professional.
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