To most homeowners, a torsion spring is just a torsion spring. But what many homeowners don't know is that there are two types of torsion springs to choose from -- oil tempered torsion springs and zinc galvanized torsion springs. When it comes to replacing the springs on your garage door, it's crucial to understand the advantages and disadvantages that each type offers.
Pros and Cons of Oil-Tempered Torsion Springs
The "oil-tempered" in oil-tempered torsion springs refers to the process used to increase its strength without increasing the spring's brittleness. During the oil tempering process, the metal used for the torsion spring is heated to high temperatures before being quenched in oil. Afterwards, the metal is heated a second time, allowing it to gain its tensile strength while maintaining its overall flexibility.
Oil-tempered torsion springs offer a number of advantages:
- The oil tempering process gives these springs exceptional strength and durability, allowing them to last for years.
- These springs also require little to no adjustment since they're able to maintain their tensile strength longer than comparable zinc galvanized torsion springs.
- Oil-tempered torsion springs are relatively affordable, making them a good budget option for DIY torsion spring replacement projects.
However, there are a few downsides to using oil-tempered torsion springs. For starters, the heat treating process leaves behind residue that not only gets on your hands when handling the springs, but it also makes the torsion springs look dull and dirty. This can be a turnoff for homeowners who prefer the shinier appearance of zinc galvanized torsion springs for aesthetic reasons.
In addition, rust and corrosion can easily form on the surface of oil-tempered torsion springs unless precautions are taken. These precautions include frequent lubrication using the proper grease and regulating humidity levels in garage spaces. In areas where rust and corrosion is a severe problem, you may be better off using zinc galvanized torsion springs as an alternative to oil-tempered springs.
Pros and Cons of Zinc Galvanized Torsion Springs
Zinc galvanized torsion springs offer considerably different properties than their oil-tempered counterparts. With zinc galvanized torsion springs, the wire metal used to create the spring is subjected to hot-dip galvanization prior to being drawn down to the correct dimensions.
Zinc galvanized torsion springs are a popular alternative to oil-tempered springs for a variety of reasons:
- Zinc galvanized torsion springs are often chosen for aesthetic reasons due to the springs' shiny appearance, in contrast to the dull and dirty appearance of oil-tempered torsion springs.
- There's no residue to worry about when handling zinc galvanized springs, which helps make the installation process less messy.
- Zinc galvanized torsion springs are resistant to rust and corrosion, allowing them to last longer under high-humidity conditions and other environments where rust is a common issue.
Unfortunately, zinc galvanized torsion springs come with a few drawbacks. For starters, zinc galvanized torsion springs tend to lose their tensile strength faster than their oil-tempered counterparts. As a result, you may find yourself balancing your garage door more often in order to compensate for the garage door springs as they age.
Another drawback is that zinc galvanized torsion springs are typically noisier than their oil-tempered counterparts. As the zinc-coated coils comes into contact with one another as they rotate, the constant rubbing can create high-pitched noises that become louder as the springs age. Any homeowner looking to create a quiet garage door system may want to consider using oil-tempered torsion springs instead of zinc galvanized springs.
Making the Right Choice
Which type of torsion spring you choose depends largely on your personal preferences. If you value longevity and minimal maintenance, then you may want to consider using oil tempered torsion springs. If looks and rust protection are important, then zinc galvanized torsion springs are the way to go. For more information on garage door springs, check out a site like http://aaagaragedoorinc.com.
