If your garage door is struggling to open smoothly or has become unexpectedly noisy, the culprit might be lurking above your head in the form of your garage door springs. Most homeowners hardly think about these components, but the type of spring system your garage door relies on plays a significant role in its safety, performance, and longevity.

Understanding the difference between torsion and extension springs isn’t just about fixing problems when they arise—it’s also about making informed decisions when it comes to installations or replacements. At Hunter Door, we specialize in garage door systems and are here to help you pick the right spring system to suit your needs.

What Are Garage Door Springs?

Garage door springs carry more weight than you may realize. These powerful components counterbalance the massive weight of the door, allowing you (or your opener) to lift it with ease. Without springs, operating your garage door would be an arduous, unsafe task.

The Two Main Spring Types

Torsion Springs

• How They Work: Positioned horizontally above the garage door, torsion springs rely on torque to lift and lower the door. When the door is in motion, the spring twists, generating energy to balance the door’s weight.
• Where They’re Found: Generally installed on newer, heavier garage doors due to their strength and durability.

Extension Springs

• How They Work: Located on either side of the garage door, these springs expand and contract as the door opens and closes. The motion stretches the springs, storing energy that supports the door’s movement.
• Where They’re Found: Typically used on older or lighter garage doors due to their simpler design.

Torsion Springs: Pros and Cons

Advantages

• Durability: Built to last, torsion springs typically withstand between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles (a cycle refers to opening and closing the door). This makes them a great long-term investment.

• Safety: Featuring an enclosed design, these springs are less likely to snap violently if they break, which minimizes injury risk.

• Smooth Operation: Thanks to their superior balance and torque distribution, torsion springs facilitate a quieter, steadier door movement compared to extension systems.

Disadvantages

• Cost: Torsion springs come with a higher upfront cost due to their advanced design and materials.

• Professional Installation Required: Because they operate under extreme tension, installing or repairing torsion springs is a job best left to trained professionals.

Extension Springs: Pros and Cons

Advantages

• Cost-Effective: These springs are less expensive to purchase and install, making them a budget-friendly option.

• Simpler Installation: Unlike torsion systems, extension springs are relatively easier to install or replace.

Disadvantages

• Shorter Lifespan: With a typical lifespan of 10,000 cycles, extension springs wear out faster than their torsion counterparts.

• Safety Concerns: If an extension spring snaps, the stored energy can cause it to fly off dangerously, which is why safety cables are essential for installation.

• Jerky Movements: Extension springs don’t distribute tension as evenly as torsion springs, often causing the door to move less smoothly.

Which Spring System Is Right for You?

The decision between torsion and extension springs depends on several factors. Here’s what to consider:

1. Garage Door Size and Weight

• Torsion Springs: The strength and control of torsion springs make them ideal for heavier garage doors.
• Extension Springs: These springs can handle lighter, smaller doors but may not be sufficient for larger systems.

2. Budget

• Torsion springs might be more expensive initially, but their durability often means less frequent replacements.
• Extension springs offer a lower-cost initial solution but could lead to higher long-term expenses due to lower longevity.

3. Safety and Longevity

• If safety is a priority (especially for homes with kids or pets), torsion springs offer a safer and longer-lasting option.
• Extension springs require safety cables and more frequent inspections to ensure minimal risks.

Expert Tip: For most Moorestown, NJ homeowners, especially those with frequently used or heavy garage doors, torsion springs offer the best blend of safety, performance, and value.

Maintenance Tips for Garage Door Springs

Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of your springs and improve the performance of your garage door. Here’s how to care for torsion and extension springs:

Torsion Springs

• Inspect Regularly: Check for signs of wear, rust, or damage.

• Lubricate: Apply a garage door lubricant twice a year to keep springs functioning smoothly.

• Hire Professionals: Schedule annual maintenance checks to avoid dealing with dangerous DIY repairs.

Extension Springs

• Safety Cables Are Key: Always ensure safety cables are in place to minimize the risk of injury if a spring breaks.

• Monitor Tension: Regularly check the tension of the springs, as improper tension can strain both the springs and the door opener.

• Lubrication: Like torsion systems, extension springs also benefit from biannual lubrication.

Choosing the Right Spring System Made Easy

Both torsion and extension springs have their place, but understanding their differences and advantages ensures you make the right choice for your garage door. While torsion springs are a smart pick for efficiency and durability, extension springs may serve your needs if budget and simplicity are your primary concerns.

At Hunter Door, we’re here to simplify the process. Our team of qualified professionals in Moorestown, NJ, can assess your garage setup and recommend the best solution for your needs. Whether you’re upgrading, replacing, or simply maintaining your existing springs, you can contact us today, and trust us to deliver reliable service and expertise.

Your garage door is one of the hardest-working components of your home, but it’s easy to overlook its condition until something goes wrong. While some issues can be solved with a quick repair, others are signs that it’s time to replace your garage door entirely. At Hunter Door, we’ve helped South Jersey homeowners upgrade their homes with new, high-performance garage doors that improve security, function, and curb appeal. 

If you’re wondering whether it’s time for a replacement, here are five signs to watch out for.

1. Your Garage Door Is Over 15–20 Years Old

Like any mechanical system, garage doors have a lifespan. Most doors last between 15 and 20 years with regular maintenance. If yours is older and showing signs of wear, replacing it can prevent sudden breakdowns and give your home a fresh look. Today’s garage doors are more energy-efficient, quieter, and safer than older models, making a new one a smart investment.

2. Frequent Repairs Are Adding Up

If you’ve been calling for garage door repairs more often than you’d like, those service costs can quickly exceed the price of a replacement. A worn-out door with recurring problems like broken springs, damaged panels, or an unreliable opener is not only inconvenient but can become dangerous. When repairs become routine, it’s time to stop patching and start planning for a new system.

3. Visible Structural Damage

Dents, cracks, warping, and rust are all signs your garage door’s structural integrity is compromised. These issues can affect how well your door seals, operates, and protects your home. Rust in particular can spread and weaken the door’s frame or panels. If the damage is extensive or impacts more than one section, replacement is usually more cost-effective and better for your home’s security and insulation.

4. Outdated Safety and Security Features

Modern garage doors come equipped with improved safety features like automatic reversal systems, photo-eye sensors, and rolling code technology. If your current door lacks these essentials, you may be putting your family and belongings at risk. Replacing your garage door with a newer model from Hunter Door ensures you’re getting up-to-date protection and better peace of mind.

5. Your Curb Appeal Is Suffering

Your garage door is often one of the first things people see when they look at your home. If it looks dated, faded, or out of sync with the rest of your exterior, it can bring down your property’s curb appeal, and even its value. A stylish new door can completely transform the look of your home, especially when paired with modern colors, windows, or carriage house details.

Upgrade with Confidence When You Choose Hunter Door

Replacing your garage door isn’t just a maintenance decision—it’s an opportunity to improve your home’s functionality, appearance, and security. At Hunter Door, we’ve been serving homeowners in South Jersey since 1969, offering expert guidance and professional installation of top-quality garage doors from leading brands like Clopay®.

Ready to say goodbye to constant repairs and outdated designs? Contact us today for a free quote and find the perfect replacement garage door for your home.

5 Signs Your Garage Door Needs a Repair

Most homeowners use their garage doors more often than their front doors to enter their homes, so keeping your garage door functioning properly is essential for your daily convenience. With regular daily use, it’s normal for your garage door to need repairs. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the mistake of only having their garage doors inspected by a professional once pieces of hardware or parts break. By delaying garage door repairs, you could experience costly and inconvenient emergency garage door repair or replacement later.

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Common Garage Door Issues That Indicate You Need a Repair

To avoid these untimely and expensive services, it’s important to recognize common signs that indicate your garage door needs repair.

1. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close

An obvious sign of a broken garage door is if the door won’t open or close when you hit the control buttons on the wall panel or remote. Common causes include power supply issues or electrical problems with the opener. The cause of this malfunction could be easy to remedy, like an accidentally locked garage door or an engaged disconnect switch, or it could be larger problems like a faulty connection between the door and control panel, the door is off its tracks, misaligned photo eye sensors or other door malfunctions.

Sometimes, a mechanical or manual override can provide a temporary fix, allowing you to operate the door manually until a professional can assess the situation.

2. Noisy Door Operations

While it’s normal for your garage door to make some noise while operating, a noisy garage door with grinding or other unusual sounds can indicate that something is wrong. Make note of any unusual garage door and opener sounds that indicate repair needs, including:

• Grating: Bent coils
• Rumbling: Loose spring tension
• Banging: Defective garage door panels
• Grinding: Worn rollers or poor lubrication of moving parts
• Squealing: Garage door is out of balance
• Rattling: A loose chain or support rails
• Straining: Defective garage door opener or inadequate horsepower

3. Garage Door Is Off Its Tracks

The garage door safely and reliably operates by moving up and down the tracks using rollers. If your garage door is off its tracks, it can prevent proper opening and closing. Identifying issues with the door tracks and hardware is crucial, and professional realignment helps prevent further damage to the door and its components.

4. Sagging Garage Door Sections

Part of regular garage door maintenance includes performing a balance test at least once or twice per year to check if your garage door panels are sagging. This can indicate that your garage door’s tension springs need replacement. With a balance test, you’ll detach the door from the opener and then lift the garage door about halfway on its tracks. If the door stays in place, it’s properly balanced. But if it slams closed or snaps open, the door is off-balance or sagging.

The cause of a sagging garage door could be worn tension springs or dulled rollers and tracks. Weather-related issues, such as humidity or temperature fluctuations, can also cause sagging or uneven door sections. Regularly inspect the door to catch these signs early.

5. Slow Response Time

When you press your garage door remote, does the door take more than one or two seconds to respond? While waiting the extra time may not seem like a critical repair need, any operations taking more than a few seconds could indicate something wrong with your garage door system. Delayed operations can indicate a problem with the garage door or the opener, like broken opener cords, corroded pulleys, bad rollers or worn remote control circuitry.

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How to Tell if Your Garage Door Needs Professional Repair

Ignoring these signs can lead to more significant problems down the line. Key indicators that professional repairs are necessary include persistent noise, failure to operate and visible damage. The risks of neglecting these issues can include safety hazards and higher repair costs. Contact a professional to assess your garage door and to conduct a repair to keep you and your family safe.

Preventive Maintenance and Care Tips

To avoid unexpected repairs, regular inspections and maintenance are crucial. Practical tips include lubricating moving parts and cleaning the door regularly to extend its lifespan. A well-maintained garage door is less likely to experience major issues.

 

For Your Garage Door Repairs, Trust Hunter Door

When you need friendly, reliable and responsive garage door repair and maintenance services in South Jersey, call the experts at Hunter Door. As a South Jersey garage door servicing company operating throughout the area since 1969, we understand the needs of local homeowners throughout Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and surrounding communities, and we can provide quality and affordable garage door solutions that exceed your expectations. Our company goal is to always provide the best services, so we offer free project estimates and parts and labor warranties.

Set up your garage door repairs or maintenance today by calling us at 856-431-3952 or schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form.

 

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