If your garage door isn't opening and closing properly or if it's suddenly making a lot of noise, it's likely that you need to have the springs replaced. Faulty springs are one of the most common garage door repairs. However, not all garage door springs are alike. There are two basic types of springs--extension and torsion. The type you decide on will depend on how often you use the door and your budget.

About extension springs

Extension springs are the most commonly-used type of garage door spring for private residences and also the least expensive. These springs work by stretching (or extending) when pressure is put on them either manually or when the door opener's motor is engaged. They provide the counterbalance to the weight of the door needed to prevent the door from slamming to the ground. Since this activity creates a lot of pressure, extension springs are always paired with safety cables to prevent them from slipping their tracks and shooting across the garage. Although rare, accidents with improperly installed garage door springs can be fatal.

About torsion springs

The other type of spring used on garage doors is the torsion spring. As the name would suggest, this type of spring works using torque, by winding and unwinding itself along a metal shaft. Torsion springs come in a wider variety of sizes than extension springs and are designed to last longer. For this reason, torsion springs are the better choice for commercial garages and for households with multiple vehicles, that use their garage door more frequently than the average. Torsion springs can also support more weight, which makes them a better choice for heavier doors, such as those made from wood or double doors.

Replacing your garage door springs

Whether you opt for extension or torsion springs, it's a good idea to replace both springs at the same time, even if only one has failed. A mismatched set of springs can cause the door to open and close unevenly.

Although you will see a host of "how-to" videos on the Internet for replacing your garage door springs yourself, this isn't generally a good idea. Garage door springs are under an enormous amount of pressure, even the torsion springs, and can cause serious injuries if not handled properly. A good garage door technician like Overhead Door Of Akron has the training and equipment needed to do this job quickly and safely, without harming him or herself, the door or anything nearby.