Garage doors must be sturdy and last for many years without breaking. However, how well your garage door can operate depends on the kind of spring wire it has. Garage door torsion springs are meant to support heavy loads only if you select the proper spring wire for your door.
Our professionals at Palms Garage Doors are qualified to examine your door thoroughly and provide the most precise advice. Here are the most common types of spring wires to help you determine which one will work best for your garage door.
The Most Common Types of Spring Wires
Oil-Tempered Torsion Springs
These particular garage door torsion springs undergo an oil-tempering procedure to increase their overall strength.
The procedure entails heating the cold-drawn spring wire, eventually forming a torsion spring. When the wire is heated enough, the torsion spring is quickly cooled in an oil vat. The metal is then successfully tempered, improving its tensile strength and resistance to deformation, before being reheated to a slightly lower temperature.
Because of their low cost and wide availability, oil-tempered torsion springs are typically used by default in garage doors that utilize torsion springs.
Zinc-Galvanized Torsion Springs
Although they are not utilized as frequently as their oil-tempered counterparts, zinc-galvanized springs are another form of torsion spring used for garage doors. The strength and endurance of these springs are obtained through a very different procedure.
Zinc-galvanized torsion springs undergo the hot-dip galvanization process, whereas oil-tempered torsion springs are heated and quenched in oil. The steel spring will be heated to an intense temperature before being submerged in a vat of molten zinc.
Unlike oil-tempered torsion springs, these springs lose their tensile strength with time. As a result, regular adjustments are required to maintain the right balance of your garage door.
Oil-Tempered vs. Zinc-Galvanized: Which One Is Better?
Think of your requirements and environment before deciding between galvanized and oil-tempered torsion springs. Zinc-galvanized torsion springs are well-liked because they outlast most oil-tempered springs thanks to their incredible resistance to rust and corrosion. In addition, hot-dip galvanization leaves little to no visible residue, unlike oil-tempered springs, allowing you to keep your hands cleaner. If you want to prevent frequent adjustments and want the springs to last for many years, choose galvanized springs.
If the appearance of your garage matters to you, you might prefer the lighter, more shiny appearance of zinc-galvanized torsion springs to the darker, dull appearance of oil-tempered springs. Generally speaking, zinc-galvanized torsion springs are more expensive than their oil-tempered counterparts.
For garages in humid or tropical locations where exposure to significant amounts of moisture or salt-laden air can quickly result in substantial rust and corrosion, zinc-galvanized torsion springs are the best option. However, a preference for aesthetics should stop you from using oil-tempered springs. Otherwise, torsion springs that have been oil-tempered typically provide higher value and longevity.
Garage Door Repair near Me
If it is time for a garage door spring replacement, contact the experts at Palms Garage Doors. Do not make a hasty decision because the garage door spring is a crucial system component. To make well-informed and rational choices, you must know the advantages and disadvantages. Palms Garage Doors can assist you in selecting the best torsion spring for your garage door and take care of the installation.
We are a local garage door company serving the Greater Bay Area from San Francisco to San Jose and up to Oakland. Through the years, we have provided first-rate garage door installation and garage door repair services to all our valued clients for residential and commercial use. Contact us today to learn more, and we will provide you with free estimates on our services.
