Before your garage door contractor begins your garage door replacement or new garage door installation near Wyckoff , you will have to make a few decisions. In addition to the design, color, and style of your new garage door, you will also have to decide what type of springs you would prefer. Here is a look at the two different types of garage door springs, and how you can decide which one is best for your garage door installation.

Extension Springs

Extension springs are the most common type of spring used in garage door openers. This type of spring is located above the horizontal tracks on each side of the garage door. In order for the garage door opener to function, the springs extend slowly, and provide a counterbalancing force that supports the garage door. The more force that is applied to the springs, either by human hand or garage door opener motor, the more the extension springs will expand.

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs operate very differently than extension springs, as they use torque to raise your garage door. Torsion springs are installed above the garage door opening, and they slowly twist on the shaft of the garage door opener whenever force is applied. Torsion springs are available in a wide variety of wire sizes and lengths, and the size you need depends upon the weight, height, and track radius of your garage door.

How to Choose Between the Two

While extension springs are typically less expensive, they can also be more dangerous. They have more exposed parts, and if you experience a garage door malfunction or garage door problem, the spring may become a projectile if the garage door’s safety cables fail. Torsion springs are able to support more weight, and they also last longer. They do not have as many exposed parts, so they are also safer to operate. The higher quality of torsion springs means that they are more expensive than extension springs, however.