Torsion vs extension springs: which does your door have, and why it matters

Two completely different spring systems are common in Spokane homes. Knowing which you have changes how you should treat your door.

Torsion springs (modern standard)

Mounted horizontally above the door on a steel header bar. Stores energy by twisting. Smoother operation, longer life, safer when contained — but extremely dangerous to service without proper tools.

Extension springs (older systems)

Mounted parallel to the horizontal tracks, stretching as the door closes. Cheaper to install but require safety cables running through them — without these cables, a snapped extension spring becomes a projectile.

Which is safer to live with?

Torsion, by a wide margin. If your door has extension springs and you don't see safety cables threaded through them, call us. It's a 30-minute fix.

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