Torsion and extension garage door springs are designed to prevent stressing the motor in your garage door opener by counterbalancing the door’s weight each time it is operated. That is often as many as four times per day in the typical household, while larger families and those with multiple drivers may use it with far more frequency.
This specific usage determines the lifespan of the springs as standard options are rated for 10,000 cycles. Each entire operation, open and close, of the garage door counts as one cycle. Therefore, if you operate the door four times per day, you can expect about seven years of use before replacement becomes necessary.
However, they are not unheard of to prematurely break, particularly if the system is damaged or corrosion develops. Regardless of the reason for the spring’s breakage, the door cannot and should not be operated with broken garage door springs, and a repair professional should be called to replace them.
There are two types of springs for today’s garage doors. These are torsion and extension springs. The specific type used on your garage door system often depends on whether the door is single or double and its weight. Heavier doors, such as natural wood generally require two torsions, while lighter applications may use extension springs.
Here is a closer look at torsion and extension springs.
What are Torsion Springs?
These include a shaft, spring, and drum assembly installed above the garage opening (Cloplay). They use torque to raise and lower the door, allowing for even weight distribution, even in single applications. In addition, they are available in various lengths and widths to accommodate a greater variety of garage door materials. Finally, because of their increased durability, not to mention the option for more cycles, torsion springs are often preferred for commercial and residential applications.
What are Extension Springs?
In contrast to torsion springs, which use torque during operation, extension springs stretch and expand when opening and closing the door, much like a rubber band. They are attached two to a door, in most applications, just above the horizontal tracks on both sides. Extension springs are a more cost-effective option and are often chosen for lightweight doors such as aluminum and composite, depending on the design and whether any additional features are added to its weight, such as window inserts.
Professional Replacement of Garage Door Springs
Sun Devil Garage Door provides residential and commercial garage door repair, service, and installation to East Valley communities. That includes Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, and neighboring areas.
In addition to garage door installation, our professional installers can install garage door openers for enhanced convenience whether you’re coming or going. Advanced options for new garage door openers include smartphone control, battery backup, and integrated cameras.
Our company also provides garage door repair for all brands. We stock high-quality replacement parts on our service trucks each morning and can order specialty replacement parts such as heavy-duty, high-cycle garage door springs, offering twice the number of cycles.
If your garage door malfunctions or your garage door springs break, be assured that Sun Devil Garage Door is here to help with same-day and 24-hour emergency repair services. Schedule an appointment today at (480) 838-9397.
