How do I tell which springs I have?
Look at the wall just above the closed garage door. If you see one or two springs mounted on a metal shaft that runs across the top of the opening, you have torsion springs. If instead you see a long spring stretched along the horizontal track on each side of the door, running parallel to the ceiling, those are extension springs. Torsion is the more common setup on modern doors, and it is what most Dunwoody homes have.
What are the pros and cons of each type?
Torsion springs are mounted centrally and lift the door with a controlled, balanced motion. They last longer, run more quietly, and are safer because they are contained on the shaft. They cost a little more up front. Extension springs are usually found on older or lighter doors and cost less, but they wear faster, run rougher, and can be more dangerous if they lack the safety cables that keep a broken spring from flying loose. On any extension setup, those safety cables are not optional.
Why do torsion springs last longer?
A torsion spring works by twisting, and that motion distributes the load evenly every time the door moves. An extension spring works by stretching and contracting, which puts more strain on the spring and the surrounding hardware. Springs are rated in cycles, meaning one open and one close. A standard spring is rated near 10,000 cycles, and torsion springs are commonly available in high-cycle versions rated near 20,000, which pays off on a busy door. Our spring repair service stocks both standard and high-cycle springs.
Why do we replace springs in matched pairs?
When a door has two springs and one breaks, the second is close behind, because both have the same age and the same cycle count. Replacing only the broken one usually means another service call within weeks, and it leaves the door unbalanced in the meantime. Replacing both as a matched pair keeps the door balanced and saves you a second visit. This is standard on any torsion door with two springs.
Which spring is right for a Dunwoody home?
For most Dunwoody homes, a torsion system is the right choice, and it is likely what you already have. If your door is a heavy double door or your family uses it many times a day, a high-cycle torsion spring is worth the small added cost for the longer life. If you have an older door on extension springs, it is worth asking whether a torsion conversion makes sense the next time the springs need replacing, since it upgrades the door to a quieter, longer-lasting, and safer system. Whatever you have, spring replacement is not a do-it-yourself job, and our guide on why you should never DIY a torsion spring explains the safety reasons in detail.
Not sure which springs your door needs? Call (470) 558-1427 for same-day spring service in Dunwoody.