The garage door may seem easy from the outside, but it consists of a delicate system of components, with the springs being the most important. Once the springs go into action, the door may open and close; if they break or wear away, the whole system may come to a standstill.
Here is everything you need to know about torsion and extension springs: how they function, how to spot a problem with them, and which one is right for your home.
What Are Garage Door Springs?
Garage door springs counterbalance the weight of the door so it can be opened and closed safely and with the least effort on the owner’s behalf, manually or through an opener.
With this in mind, any garage door can weigh somewhere between 100 and over 400 pounds. With no functioning springs present, the opener motor would be fighting through heavy resistance alone with no assistance from you.
Torsion Springs: Strong, Safe, and Long Lasting
Working Method
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening on a metal shaft. When the door is closed, the spring is wound, storing energy. When the door is opened, the spring unwinds and releases this energy to lift the door.
Key Features
- Generally used for heavier or contemporary garage doors.
- Ensure smoother motion and more control.
- Requires less maintenance.
- Generally safer and more durable than extension springs.
Lifespan
Torsion springs typically last around 15,000 to 20,000 cycles (1 cycle = 1 open and 1 close), depending on how often they are used and their quality.
Extension Springs: Common In Older Systems
How do They Work?
Extension springs are on both sides of the garage door, next to the horizontal tracks. When the door closes, the springs stretch out. When the door opens, they contract and help lift the door.
Key features:
- Typical on lighter or smaller garage doors
- Commonly used in older residential garages
- Require safety cables to avoid flying parts if they break
Lifespan:
Extension springs generally last about 5,000 to 10,000 cycles, depending on usage.
Signs of Garage Door Spring Failure
Worn-out or broken springs can cause serious concerns regardless of the type. Watch out for these signs:
- The garage door failed to open or opened only a few inches.
- A loud bang from the garage (a spring snapped).
- The door slaps shut or feels overly heavy.
- The door opens unevenly or wobbles.
- Visible gap in a torsion spring or overstretched extension spring.
Should you notice any of these, stop using the door and contact a professional: spring repairs are dangerous unless carried out with the right tools and training.
This article was written by a professional at 1 Stop Garage Doors. We proudly serve homeowners and businesses with top-quality garage door spring repair in Naperville IL. We install premium doors and openers from trusted brands, ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction. Our expert team provides cost-effective solutions, arriving with fully stocked trucks to handle repairs on the spot, including torsion spring replacements, drum and roller fixes, and general maintenance to keep your garage door functioning smoothly.
