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How an Extension System Works

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How an Extension System Works

Extension spring systems use springs that stretch and retract to close and open your garage door. As the garage door closes, the extension springs which run along the horizontal track on each side of the door expand and are under great tension. Operating cables attached to the bottom of the door on either said offer counter balance strength. Safety cables help contain the springs in the event they break. As the door goes back up, the springs retract using that strength to pull the door to the open position.

Extension spring system inside of garage

Extension spring systems come with their own pros and cons. One advantage of this system is that each side of a spring system works independently to compensate for uneven ground. On the other hand, they require more parts, such as the pulleys and operating cables, and usually need more maintenance.

Tech installing extension spring

Older homes typically use extension systems because they have limited headroom in the garage, which is needed for a torsion system. Headroom is the available overhead space over the door height, and varies for each garage. However, any home, regardless of age, requires a minimum amount of headroom to  transition to a torsion spring system.

Des Moines Area

(515) 209-2193

(515) 209-2193
West Des Moines Area

(515) 216-3468

(515) 216-3468
Ames Area

(515) 212-5036

(515) 212-5036
Indianola Area

(515) 259-1505

(515) 259-1505
Newton Area

(641) 328-8054

(641) 328-8054
Panora Area

(641) 505-1010

(641) 505-1010
Winterset/ Peru Area

(515) 421-8020

(515) 421-8020
State Center Area

(641) 505-1010

(641) 505-1010
Pleasantville Area

(515) 421-8020

(515) 421-8020
Precision Garage Door of Des Moines
Office: (515) 518-6333
5485 NE 17th Street
Suite D

Des Moines, IA 50313
Precision Garage Door of Des Moines
Office: (515) 236-5100
1903 EP True Pkwy
#306

West Des Moines, IA 50265