Your garage door opener gets most of the credit, but the real heavy lifting is done by the springs. They counterbalance the weight of the door so it can be raised by a motor, or by hand, with relatively little effort. Without working springs, even a standard door can feel like it weighs a ton.
There are two main types of residential garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Knowing which one you have helps you understand how your door works, what to watch for, and what to expect if a spring ever breaks.
How to Tell Which Springs You Have
Standing inside your garage with the door closed, look up at the area just above the door opening and along the tracks on each side.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs sit on a metal shaft that runs horizontally above the door. You'll typically see one or two tightly wound coils mounted near the center, with cable drums at each end of the shaft. As the door closes, the springs twist and store energy. When the door opens, they unwind and help lift it.
Extension Springs
Extension springs run parallel to the horizontal tracks on each side of the door, usually above them. They stretch out when the door closes and contract when it opens. They work with pulleys and cables, and you'll usually see one on each side. Many extension spring setups should also have a safety cable running through the middle of each spring.
Pros and Cons of Each Type
Both systems can work well when they're properly sized and maintained. Here's how they compare:
- Torsion: smoother, more controlled motion. The door tends to open and close more evenly.
- Torsion: better balance for heavier doors. They're common on double doors and insulated doors.
- Torsion: safer failure. When a torsion spring breaks, it generally stays on its shaft.
- Torsion: higher upfront cost. The hardware is more substantial.
- Extension: lower upfront cost. They're simpler and common on older and lighter doors.
- Extension: more moving parts exposed. Pulleys and cables wear and need attention.
- Extension: riskier when they fail. Without safety cables, a broken extension spring can whip around the garage.
Many homeowners with extension springs eventually ask about converting to torsion. It can be a worthwhile upgrade for some doors. A technician can look at your setup and tell you whether it makes sense.
How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?
Springs are rated in cycles. One cycle is one full open and one full close. Standard residential springs, whether torsion or extension, are commonly rated around 10,000 cycles. High-cycle springs are built for considerably more.
How long that lasts in years depends on how you use your garage. If your family goes in and out several times a day, you'll reach that rating much faster than someone who opens the door once in the morning and once at night. If the garage is your main entrance, high-cycle springs are worth considering.
Why Springs Break
Most springs don't break because of a defect. They simply wear out. Common reasons include:
- Normal fatigue. Every cycle stresses the steel a little more until it eventually fails.
- Rust and corrosion. Rust adds friction and weakens the coils.
- Incorrect sizing. A spring that's wrong for the door's weight works harder and wears faster.
- Lack of maintenance. Dry, unlubricated springs and worn rollers add strain to the whole system.
- Temperature swings. Big changes between hot days and cool nights can add stress over time.
A broken spring often announces itself with a loud bang. Afterward, the door may feel extremely heavy, open only a few inches, or hang unevenly. On a torsion system, you might see a visible gap in the coil.
Why Replace Springs in Pairs
If your door has two springs and one breaks, the other has been through the same number of cycles. It's usually not far behind. Replacing both at the same time keeps the door evenly balanced, helps the opener run smoothly, and often saves you a second service call a short time later.
The same thinking applies to related parts. When we replace springs, we also check cables, rollers, drums, pulleys, and hinges, and we'll let you know if anything else is worn.
Why You Should Never Adjust or Replace Springs Yourself
Garage door springs are under enormous tension, enough to lift a door that can weigh a great deal. When that tension is released suddenly or handled with the wrong tools, it can cause serious injury. That's why we never recommend DIY spring work of any kind.
Please don't attempt to wind, unwind, adjust, loosen, or remove springs or cables. Don't try to "test" a broken spring by forcing the door either. If you suspect a spring problem, stop using the door and call a trained technician who has the proper tools and experience.
Braxdyne handles spring repairs across the region, including garage door repair in Fair Oaks, garage door repair in Carmichael, and garage door repair in Sacramento. We're open 7am to 9pm, seven days a week, and we work on all major brands. You get a $0 service call, a free estimate, and the price before work starts, plus a 90-day labor warranty and a 1-year parts warranty. Seniors 62+, veterans and military, and returning customers save 10% on labor.
FAQ
Which is better, torsion or extension springs?
For most doors, torsion springs offer smoother operation, better balance, and a safer failure mode. Extension springs can still work well on lighter doors when they're properly sized and have safety cables. The right choice depends on your door's size, weight, and setup.
How do I know if my spring is broken?
Common signs include a loud bang from the garage, a door that suddenly feels very heavy, an opener that strains or stops, a door that hangs crooked, or a visible gap in a torsion spring. If you notice any of these, stop using the door and call a technician.
Can I just replace the one spring that broke?
You can, but we generally recommend replacing both on a two-spring door. The remaining spring has the same wear and is likely to fail soon. Replacing them together keeps the door balanced and can save you another visit.
Not sure which springs you have, or think one might be broken? Call Braxdyne at (916) 848-5050 or text us a photo of the springs above your door. You can also book your free estimate online.