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The most vital component for your garage door to open and close smoothly is your garage door spring.
Without a working spring, the door will not remain counterbalanced, making it difficult to open and close, and the automatic opener may not be able to do so.
Garage doors use a number of spring systems, the most popular of which being torsion and extension springs.
In this post, we will go over garage door torsion spring vs extension spring so you can figure out which one you have today and which one you want in the future.
Furthermore, if your garage door spring has broken and you need garage door repair in Portland, contact Beaver Garage Doors Portland.
Call us if you have any questions about your system, how it works, your options, or anything else related to your door’s springs!
How Does Torsion Spring Work?
A torsion spring stores energy in a series of twists before using that energy to untwist the spring.
As a result of the twisting force applied to the spring, a comparable amount of energy is stored in it.
The energy is turned into an equal and opposing force when the twisting force is removed, causing the spring to uncoil.
Above the garage door, the spring is wrapped around a steel shaft.
The drums are counterbalanced by steel wires on both sides of the shaft.
So when the door opens, the spring uncoils and releases the energy required to rotate the cable drums, wrap the cables, and lift the door.
When the door is lifted, the process is reversed.
Pros and Cons of a Torsion Spring
Torsion springs are becoming increasingly popular.
Torsion springs have a number of advantages, beginning with the way they work: instead of extending and contracting, they revolve, resulting in a longer life cycle.
- When springs are in use, they do not fully stretch.
- Torsion springs are more durable.
- When opening or closing, torsion springs provide for a smooth, regulated motion.
- Adjustments are less likely to be required.
- Keep the door balanced.
- There are fewer parts required.
- Low-maintenance
- Torsion springs are less risky than extension springs, but they should still be handled by a professional.
- Extension spring doors may usually be changed to torsion spring doors.
What’s the drawback? Torsion springs are more expensive than extension springs in most cases.
How Does Extension Spring Work?
An extension spring does exactly what it says on the tin: it extends.
An extension spring, unlike most coiled springs, extends when force is applied, stretching the coil out.
The amount of force stored in the spring is proportional to the amount of force applied to it.
When the applied force is released, the stored energy in the extended spring is transferred in the opposite direction, compressing it back into its tight, coiled shape.
There are normally two springs in each system, and they work with pulleys and counter cables.
These are connected to the stretched springs so that when the door is raised, the tension is released and the springs compress, allowing the door to rise.
The springs stretch out again as the door closes, storing the energy for the next time the door opens.
Pros and Cons of an Extension Spring
The job will be done with extension springs! However, they do not offer as many advantages as torsion springs.
- Extension spring doors necessitate more components, which can also fail.
- To prevent the spring from becoming a projectile in the event of a break, all extension springs should be coupled with safety cables.
- Springs or cables can break after a lot of use, and this can happen when the door is open, closed, or moving.
- It is well known that they can only support a certain amount of weight.
- Not as long-lasting as torsion springs.
Extension springs have the advantage of being less expensive than torsion springs.
Torsion vs Extension Springs
To summarize, Torsion springs provide a lot of advantages, so if your budget and garage building allow it, go with them.
Extension springs are more economical and are employed in most residential construction projects if you have a limited budget.
Now that you know more about garage door torsion spring vs extension spring, you can distinguish which is a better choice for your garage door.
You can reach out to Beaver Garage Doors Portland for spring replacement or garage door repair in Portland.
Make an appointment with us, today!