Understanding Garage Door Springs: Types and Functions

October 6, 2025 | 9:07 pm | A1 Garage | 10 min read

When you press the button on your garage door opener, the door glides open or closed in seconds. It feels effortless, but behind that smooth motion is one of the hardest-working components of your entire garage: the springs. Without them, your garage door – often weighing 150 to 400 pounds – would be nearly impossible to lift.

Learning about the different garage door spring types, how they work, and how to maintain them can save you from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into understanding garage door springs, the signs of failure, lifespan expectations, maintenance tips, and more.

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Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs: What’s the Difference?

When people ask about the types of garage door springs, the two main categories are torsion and extension springs. Both serve the same purpose – counterbalancing the weight of the door – but they function differently.

Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening on a metal shaft. They twist, or “torque,” as the door closes, storing energy. When you open the door, that stored energy unwinds to help lift the door smoothly and evenly. Torsion springs are the industry standard for most modern garage doors.
Extension springs are mounted vertically or diagonally on either side of the garage door, parallel to the tracks. These springs stretch and contract like a rubber band as the door moves, pulling the weight of the door upward. Extension springs are the older style of garage door spring and are still found in many homes, especially with lighter doors.

The difference between torsion and extension garage door springs is not just in how they function; it also shows up in performance, safety, and longevity.

Torsion springs generally last longer, provide smoother operation, and are considered safer because they stay on the shaft when they break. Extension springs are less expensive and easier to install, but are more prone to snapping and can cause more wear on the door over time.

Other Less Common Garage Door Spring Types

While most homeowners will only encounter torsion or extension systems, there are a few other garage door spring options worth mentioning. These are less common but may appear in older homes, specialty doors, or branded systems:

TorqueMaster® Springs (Wayne Dalton): These are enclosed inside a metal tube above the door, giving a cleaner look and adding protection. They’re safer to handle but harder to service, with parts often available only through Wayne Dalton.
EZ-Set Torsion Springs: Designed to simplify installation, these springs use special winding units. They’re convenient but less widely available than standard torsion models.
Early-Set Torsion Springs: Found on older doors, these are mounted differently on the torsion shaft. They’ve largely been replaced by more modern systems.
Clipped-End Extension Springs: A stronger, longer-lasting version of traditional extension springs, though usually more expensive.
Side-Mounted Springs (Tilt-Up Doors): Still seen on one-piece or “swing-up” garage doors in older homes. They’re mounted along the frame and work differently from today’s sectional door systems.

If you’ve purchased an older house or a door with a proprietary brand system, you may come across one of these. While less common, they still follow the same principle: providing the counterbalance force that allows your door to open and close safely.

Spotting the Signs of Spring Failure

No matter which spring type you have, they will eventually wear out. Recognizing early warning signs can help you avoid being stuck with a door that won’t open – or worse, one that slams shut unexpectedly.

Signs to watch for:

Door won’t open or feels heavy. Springs are responsible for most of the lifting. If the door feels unusually heavy, it may be broken.
Gaps in the spring coils. Torsion springs that have snapped often reveal a visible separation in the coil.
Loud bang in the garage. Springs can break suddenly, creating a loud cracking or banging noise.
Uneven or jerky movement. If one extension spring fails, the door may lift unevenly.
The door won’t stay open halfway. When springs are worn, they can no longer hold the door in place during a balance test.
Frayed safety cables. In extension systems, damaged or missing cables mean the springs may not be properly contained if they snap.

If you notice any of these, stop using the door and call a professional immediately.

How Long Springs Last – Average Lifespan

Springs don’t last forever. Manufacturers rate springs by cycles, one cycle being a single open and close.

Torsion springs: 15,000–20,000 cycles. With regular use (about 3–4 cycles per day), this equals 7–10 years.
Extension springs: 10,000 cycles. That’s about 5–7 years for most households.

Frequent use, harsh climates, or lack of maintenance can shorten these lifespans. Conversely, high-cycle springs (25,000+ cycles) are available for homeowners who want to invest in longer-lasting components.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Garage Door Springs in Top Shape

Just like your car needs oil changes, your springs need routine care. A little maintenance goes a long way toward prolonging their life.

Lubricate moving parts. Use a silicone-based spray every six months on the coils of torsion or extension springs. This reduces friction and prevents rust.
Inspect regularly. Once a month, look for gaps in the coils, rust, or fraying cables. Catching small issues early can prevent sudden failure.
Test the balance. Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay put, the springs may need adjustment.
Replace both springs at once. If one fails, the other is likely close behind. Replacing both keeps the door balanced.
Keep tracks clean. Dirt or debris in the tracks forces springs to work harder. Wipe them down and check alignment.
Schedule professional tune-ups. An annual check from a technician ensures that springs and the entire system are safe and functioning.

Don’t Neglect Your Garage Door Springs

Neglecting spring maintenance can have serious consequences. A broken spring can render your door unusable, leave your car trapped, or even cause injury if it snaps suddenly. Beyond safety risks, neglected springs put strain on your opener motor and other parts of the system, leading to more frequent repairs.

By making spring care part of your home maintenance routine, you not only extend their lifespan but also protect the investment you’ve made in your garage door system.

FAQs

How can you tell if garage door springs are broken?

If your door suddenly won’t open, feels extremely heavy, or you notice a visible gap in the spring coil, chances are a spring has snapped.

Can I replace springs myself?

While DIY videos exist, replacing springs is dangerous due to the high tension involved. A professional has the tools and training to handle it safely.

How much does spring replacement cost?

On average, professional spring replacement costs $200–$400 for torsion and $150–$250 for extension. High-cycle upgrades cost more but last longer.

How do I know which spring type I have?

Torsion springs run horizontally above the door, while extension springs run vertically or diagonally along the tracks.

How long should springs last?

Most last 5–10 years, depending on type, usage, and maintenance. High-cycle springs can double that lifespan.

Do springs affect my opener’s lifespan?

Yes. Worn springs force your opener to do more of the lifting, which can shorten the life of the motor.

Take Care of Your Springs, Protect Your Garage

Garage door springs may be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. They’re critical for safety, convenience, and the smooth operation of your door. By learning about the types of garage door springs, knowing how long they last, and keeping up with maintenance, you can avoid inconvenient breakdowns and costly emergency calls.

If your springs are showing signs of wear or you’re unsure about their condition, don’t wait until they break. Whether you need repair, replacement, or a professional tune-up, A1 Garage Door Service is here to ensure your garage door system works safely and reliably for years to come.

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