What’s something you use every day but you don’t think about until something goes wrong? If you’re like over 70% of your fellow Midwesterners, including in Waukegan, that thing could be the place you park your car at night.

Garages are an important part of your home and an important way to keep your property safe. However, many people don’t realize that there are different kinds of garage doors.

One important component of garage doors is the type of spring it uses. There are two main kinds of springs: garage door extension springs and garage door torsion springs.

So, how do you choose what kind of spring is right for you?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let our residential garage door repairs expert enlighten you on the differences between extension springs and torsion springs.

Garage Door Extension Springs

Extension springs are the older of the two main garage door springs. Extension springs run parallel to the garage door. They can come in different sizes and in different numbers, depending on the size and weight of the door.

As the door closes, the spring stretches. As the door opens, the spring retracts and pulls the door back up. Pretty simple, right?

There are several reasons to choose extension springs.

First, extension springs are usually the cheaper option which is a huge plus. Second, they are often better for smaller garages in the Waukegan area that have less overhead space.

There are a few drawbacks, however.

Extension springs may have a shorter lifespan than torsion springs. They can also be difficult to balance and may occasionally snap. Therefore, they should be installed and maintained by a professional.

Garage Door Torsion Springs

Torsion springs work in an entirely different way.

Torsion springs are contained in a tube that runs along the top of the garage door. As the spring unwinds, the door closes; as it winds up, the door opens. As with the extension springs, garage doors may also need more than one spring, depending on the size and weight of the door.

So why choose a torsion spring? There are a couple main reasons.

Torsion springs typically have longer lifespans than extension springs. They also can be easier to install, are generally considered safer, and look cleaner. However, they can cost more than extension springs, and they are usually not suitable for garages with low ceilings.

Extension vs Torsion Springs: Which is Best for Your Waukegan Door?

So, which type of spring is right for you? Should you go for the traditional garage door extension springs, or should you invest in the innovative torsion spring?

As you can see, there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to choosing a spring. There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing the best fit for your life and your Waukegan home. The important thing is that you are making a well-informed decision that is the best choice for you.

Need to talk your choices over with an expert who lives in your area? Contact us today, and we will walk you through all your options. We know it will be a call you won’t regret.