installing a new, efficient garage door

When you're looking at either commercial or residential garage doors for sale, the particulars are probably not something you're looking at. However, there is more to a garage door that you might expect. Throughout the course of this brief guide, you'll learn a bit about one of the most important components to a garage door – its springs – and what you should take into consideration about the two primary types of garage door springs.  

Extension Springs

Perhaps the most important thing to note about the two types of springs that are commonly found on garage doors are their location on the garage door itself. Extension springs can be found mounted to one side of the garage door or above the door's horizontal tracks. Extension springs operate by expanding and contracting, depending on whether the door is opening or closing, alongside the door itself, which effectively serves as a counterbalance for the door. When a door is outfitted with extension springs, you will find that it only needs two. Although the majority of extension spring garage doors are of the commercial variety, it is not uncommon to see them on residential models, as well.

Torsion Springs

Unlike extension springs, which operate under the same rubric of contracting and expanding counterbalance, there are two types of torsion springs: standard models and Ez-torsion sets. Standard models operate in the following manner: a metal shaft is installed above the garage door. Inside of this shaft is the spring itself, which has two cables tied to it. Alongside the cables are two "drums" which operate as a pulley for the garage door. The torsion spring acts as a counterbalance and allows the door to swing open or close. The Ez-torsion model is very similar to the standard model, but utilizes small black winders instead of the bulky drums.

Which Type Is Right For Your Garage Door?

If you have a heavy, potentially insulated door, or one that is of a commercial variety, then you should choose extension springs. They tend to handle weight much better, and are known to operate in the service of industrial doors. Torsion springs, however, are much easier to install, and tend to be favored by those who simply need a light, residential door to operate properly. 

As you can see, there are more options to consider for your garage door then you previously expected. Hopefully, this brief primer has given you some idea of what to expect from garage door springs.

For further assistance, contact a local outlet, such as El Paso Door Company.