Torsion Vs. Extension Springs, Which Garage Door Springs Are Best?

Keeping your garage door in peak condition requires knowing what’s best for your system’s longevity. When it operates as it should, you don’t have to worry about your system breaking down prematurely and ruining your day before it even starts. The springs your door uses plays an integral role in how well it operates and how long it takes before you need to call in the garage door repair specialists in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. 

The two most common options are torsion and extension springs. Homeowners looking to make the most of their garage door want to know which option offers the best value for their money. In discussing torsion vs. extension springs, which garage door springs are best, we’ll examine the difference between them and which makes the most sense for your needs. 

Extension Springs

Commonly found in garages with lower ceilings or older installations, extension springs have one on each side of the door attached to cables that pull the unit open and closed. They’re pulled at a consistent speed as the springs contract when opened and extend when it closes. These springs are often under immense pressure throughout their operation, making them more susceptible to wear and tear. 

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are a relatively recent garage door innovation that has seen quick adoption by a wide range of homeowners throughout the area. These components function through the use of torque caused by the twisting design. A single torsion gets mounted on a tube with cables connected to the spring that unwinds in a smooth twisting motion. The door closes when the springs wind back into the starting position. 

How The Two Designs Differ

When beginning a new garage construction in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN, you want to know what you’re investing in before you start the project. Deciding between torsion and extension springs often comes down to a few key differences. 

How Safe Are They?

When everything works as it should, both types of springs are relatively safe to use. However, the extension variety has some drawbacks. The constant stretching and compressing of the spring often exert pressure on the metal, leading to increased wear from tear. This can lead to the springs breaking and firing off similarly to a launched projectile that can harm people in the general vicinity. Additionally, the increased pressure can make any DIY repair attempts significantly more dangerous. 

On the other hand, since torsion springs are housed in a tube, they don’t experience the same kinds of pressure that extension options experience. Also, since they don’t have the same stored kinetic energy, you won’t have to worry about them violently breaking and becoming an unexpected projectile. 

How Easy Are They to Maintain? 

Homeowners want garage doors that they don’t have to worry about repairing or replacing every few years. They want systems that they only have to inspect every so often and won’t cost an arm and leg to repair. Extension springs consist of multiple pieces that work together to open and close the door as smoothly as possible. The downside to having so many parts is that the system has more opportunities to fail or experience a problem. 

Since torsion springs only consist of a single spring and the tube that houses it, fewer potential underlying problems can affect your installation. You’ll have an easier time identifying what sections need maintenance and can get a repair specialist out to address the problem faster. 

How Smoothly Do They Operate?

No one wants a garage door that makes obnoxious sounds whenever it gets used. Loud clanging and banging that happens whenever you try to get the car out of the garage will get old for everyone in your household and your neighbors. The twisting motion that characterizes torsion springs is a gentler and more fluid approach to opening your garage door. In addition, extension springs deal with more pent-up energy and can lead to potential issues if they aren’t properly maintained. 

So Should I Pick Torsion or Extension Springs?

Generally speaking, torsion springs offer a better value for people looking to install new garage doors; however, if you don’t have space for a ceiling-mounted garage door spring, extension springs are the best alternative you have. Whether you need a new set of torsion or extension springs, you need the best garage door installation company in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN, to handle the job. Rise and Shine Garage Doors has helped countless customers throughout the area find the garage door of their dreams and ensure it got installed properly the first time around. 

If you want to make the switch to a torsion spring garage door, don’t waste another second! Contact our team to schedule your first consultation today!