Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs in a Spring Repair Torrance
Garage doors are not just the largest moving object in your home but one of the heaviest, and for this reason, it’s extremely important that you maintain your door on a regular basis. Garage door repairs require extensive knowledge and skill set to be completed correctly and professionally. Springs are the most important parts of a door that determine how smoothly it moves and operates. There are two types of garage door springs, torsion and extension springs, with each serving a different purpose. This article will compare torsion and extension springs to help you make an informed decision when it comes to garage door spring repair Torrance.
The Location of the Springs
The primary difference between torsion and extension springs is the location of where they’re attached to the door. Extension springs are attached to the side of the door and allow for the spring to expand and contract. Torsion springs, however, are attached to the bottom of your door so that they always have continuous tension on them. Extension springs are usually more visible than torsion springs. This is because the torsion springs do not extend up and down but rather wrap around the door. The garage doors would not operate properly without either of the two springs because they balance each other out. The design of your door will determine which spring is more suitable for your door.
The Purpose of the Springs
Extension springs absorb most the door’s weight while allowing it to move up and down. Torsion springs, on the other hand, provide resistance to the door. Torsion springs serve as a counterweight to keep the door balanced and able to move up and down. They also help to maintain proper door alignment. Unfortunately, torsion springs rarely break down, but you should inspect them regularly to ensure they are within proper working condition. A garage door opener is not a replacement for garage door springs making it important that you repair garage door springs regularly.
How They Work
Extension springs work by expanding and contracting when the door opens or closes. The reason they are called extension springs is that they are attached to the side of the door and extend as it opens. Torsion springs, on the other hand, rotate around a winding spindle that is attached to the bottom of the door. The spring continues to rotate as the door opens and closes. As a result, it’s referred to as a torsion spring because it creates rotational force.
Safety
Extension springs are a natural part of any garage door because they help the door move smoothly and easily. However, if overused or overextended, they can break, which is why your garage door repair Torrance needs to be inspected regularly. Overuse of torsion springs can also cause them to break or wear down, but it does not happen as often because it’s very rare for you to exceed the maximum weight capacity of your spring. If you let your door come down too quickly with a torsion spring, you can cause damage to the winding spindle or the spring itself because they are under constant tension. This is not a common issue, however, and only occurs when your door is overloaded or if the spring has already worn out.
Maintenance
There are several components and parts when it comes to extension springs, and they are connected on either side of the door. This means that if one part breaks down and needs to be replaced, the entire spring will need to be replaced. Torsion springs do not require as much maintenance because they are connected above the door. It’s possible for torsion springs to break down or wear out, but it’s extremely rare unless your garage door is overloaded or you are going over the maximum weight capacity.
Life Cycle
Torsion springs are designed to last long, with some manufacturers claiming that their springs can last up to 15,000 cycles. However, this is dependent on several factors, including whether you go beyond the maximum weight capacity of your garage door spring. Extension springs, on the other hand, are fully extended at all times and last about 10,000 cycles on average. Because extension springs are exposed to the elements, it is more likely for them to deteriorate over time.
Cost
Torsion springs and extension springs vary in price because of the brand you choose and other factors. Torsion springs are generally more expensive than extension springs because they are an upgrade to your garage door spring and generally come with more options. Extension springs, on the other hand, are more affordable because they can be installed in your garage door at a low cost. Garage door openers are often expensive, but they are also necessary to ensure that your garage door runs smoothly. Ideally, you should have a garage door opener along with a torsion or extension spring.
Size
Torsion springs are available in a variety of sizes, depending on the size of your door. Extension springs, however, are more standardized because they can only extend to a certain length. As a result, extension springs are not as customizable as torsion springs. This is why it’s important to order the correct size for your garage door repair Torrance. For insulated garage doors, you should consider ordering an insulated extension spring because it will reduce the amount of vibration and noise in your garage. For remote-controlled doors, you can order a custom length for better ease of use.
Usage
Torsion springs and extension springs are used in virtually every type of garage door, be it roll up garage doors, lift-up garage doors, manually operated, or automatic. While they each serve their purpose, torsion springs are designed to be used in any type of garage door. Extension springs, on the other hand, are typically only used in garage doors that have a manual lift.
Material
Torsion springs are made from durable aluminum material and are covered with rubber padding. Extension springs are made from steel and aluminum and are covered with synthetic rubber padding. While this will not make or break the quality of the spring, it does play a role in how it will stand up against wear and tear over time.
Considerations During a Spring Repair Torrance
Everyone will have different needs when it comes to garage doors Torrance, causing it to be used for various purposes. Extension springs and torsion springs are no exception, so it’s important to consider your needs when choosing either one for your garage door repair Torrance. For example, if you want your garage door to open and close easily, an extension spring may be a better option for you because it will help the door glide smoothly. If you need your garage door to withstand more weight than normal, torsion springs may be the optimal choice for you. Torsion springs can handle and support a higher weight capacity than an extension spring, but this is only the case with high-end torsion springs.
Conclusion
Torsion springs and extension springs are both excellent choices when it comes to choosing the right garage door spring for your garage door replacement. However, torsion springs are more expensive than their counterparts. This is why many consumers opt for extension springs, simply because they are cheaper. To determine the best garage door spring for a given type of door in your garage, talk to a professional and really consider your options.