2024-01-08 5 min read David Martinez
# Torsion vs Extension Springs: Which Does Your Garage Door Have?
The springs on your garage door are among the most important.and potentially dangerous.components of the entire system. They bear the enormous weight of the door (typically 150-400 pounds) and allow it to open and close smoothly. Understanding your garage door springs helps you recognize problems early and communicate effectively with technicians.
Garage door springs work by storing and releasing mechanical energy. When you close the door, the springs store energy by stretching or twisting. When you open it, that stored energy helps lift the heavy door, making it feel nearly weightless. This is why a broken spring makes your door feel impossibly heavy or completely non-functional.
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. They work by twisting (torsion) to store energy. A metal shaft runs through the center of the spring(s) and connects to drums on either end. Cables attached to the drums run down to the bottom corners of the door.
Look above your closed garage door. If you see one or two springs wrapped around a metal bar running parallel to the top of the door, you have torsion springs. Most residential garage doors use one or two torsion springs, while heavier commercial doors may have more.
- Safer: The contained design means less violent failure when springs break - Longer lifespan: Typically rated for 15,000-20,000 cycles - Better balance: Provides smooth, even lifting - More compact: Doesn't extend into the ceiling area
- Higher initial cost: More expensive to purchase and install - Requires professional installation: Under extreme tension; dangerous for DIY
Extension springs run perpendicular to the door, mounted along the horizontal tracks on either side. They stretch (extend) when the door closes and contract to help open it. Each door uses a pair of extension springs.one on each side.
Look at the tracks running into your garage ceiling. If you see long springs running parallel to these tracks that stretch when the door closes, you have extension springs. They're connected to the door via cables and pulleys.
- Lower cost: Less expensive to purchase and replace - Simpler mechanism: Easier to understand and maintain - DIY possible: More accessible for experienced homeowners
- Shorter lifespan: Typically rated for 10,000 cycles - Safety concern: Can fly dangerously when they break (unless safety cables are installed) - Less balanced: Can cause uneven lifting over time - Space requirements: Requires more ceiling clearance
If you have extension springs, they should ALWAYS have safety cables running through them. These cables prevent a broken spring from flying across your garage at high speed, which can cause serious injury or property damage. If your extension springs don't have safety cables, contact us immediately to have them installed.
For most homeowners, we recommend torsion springs when possible. They last longer, operate more smoothly, and are significantly safer. While the initial cost is higher, the longer lifespan and fewer replacement needs often make them more economical over time.
However, extension springs are still a viable choice for budget-conscious homeowners with low-headroom garages (less than 12 inches of space above the door). If you currently have extension springs in good condition, there's no urgent need to switch to torsion springs.but definitely ensure safety cables are installed.
- Visible gaps in spring coils, Loud bang when spring breaks, Door won't stay open, Excessive squeaking or grinding
Regardless of spring type, we strongly recommend professional replacement. Garage door springs are under extreme tension and cause numerous injuries every year to DIYers. Our technicians have the proper tools, training, and insurance to replace springs safely.
At Garage Door Hemet, we stock high-quality springs rated for 25,000+ cycles and back all spring replacements with our comprehensive warranty. Contact us for a free spring inspection today.