Maintaining your garage door is important. When the time comes for spring replacement, you’ll need to know what type your door uses. There are two common kinds found in residential garage doors: torsion and extension. Although they’re both effective, they have some key differences.

Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs

Because of their twisty shape, torsion springs can store and release rotational energy. They’re placed horizontally above the garage door and attached by cables to the bottom corners. As the door comes down, the cables force rotational energy into the springs as they wind up. This energy is then released to raise the garage door when you open it. The process is similar to the way a clothespin grabs other objects. They’re strong enough to endure between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles.

Extension springs differ because they are coils with hooks on either end. They stretch to attach to the cables and bottom corners of the garage door, which causes them to store energy when the door is closed. When you open it, the same energy is used to lift the door. Typically, extension springs will last for 10,000 cycles before they wear out and break.

Which Spring Does Your Garage Door Use?

From inside your garage, look above your garage door. If you see two springs going across the ceiling, connected to the bottom corners and cables of the door with hooks, then you have an extension spring. If you see a single spring mounted horizontally above the door, then you’ll know it’s a torsion spring.

To know whether you need a spring replacement, check for any separations in the springs, or see if they’ve become so stretched that the tension has been lost. If you have an automatic garage door opener, the springs won’t lift the door when you try to use it. The door won’t stay up if you open it manually, either. That’s when you have to call for garage door repair and get new springs as soon as possible.

Whether you need spring replacement or an entire garage door installation, Homenik Door Co. of North Ridgeville, OH, is ready to offer their expertise. Even if you need emergency maintenance in the middle of the night, they’re available to provide quick, dedicated service. To learn about their products, call (440) 327-7270 or visit their website.