Your garage door springs are the hardest-working parts of your entire garage door system. They lift a door that can weigh 150 to 300 pounds thousands of times a year. But not all garage door springs are the same. There are two main types: torsion springs and extension springs.
Knowing which type you have helps you understand your door better. It also helps you make smart choices when it is time for a repair or upgrade.
Your garage door springs are the hardest-working parts of your entire garage door system. They lift a door that can weigh 150 to 300 pounds thousands of times a year. But not all garage door springs are the same. There are two main types: torsion springs and extension springs.
Knowing which type you have helps you understand your door better. It also helps you make smart choices when it is time for a repair or upgrade.
Contents
What Are Torsion Springs?
Torsion springs sit on a metal bar (called a torsion bar) right above the garage door opening. When the door closes, the springs wind up and store energy. When you open the door, the springs unwind and release that energy to lift the heavy door.
Most modern garage doors use torsion springs. They are mounted horizontally and sit close to the wall above the door. A standard single-car garage door usually has one torsion spring. A heavier double-car door often has two.
What Are Extension Springs?
Extension springs are the older style. They run along the horizontal tracks on both sides of the door. Instead of twisting to store energy, they stretch and contract. When the door goes down, the springs stretch. When the door opens, they pull back to their normal length and help lift the door.
Extension springs always come in pairs, one on each side. You will find them more often on older garage doors and lighter single-car doors.
Key Differences Between the Two
Safety
Torsion springs are safer. When an extension spring breaks, it can fly across the garage with dangerous force. Safety cables can reduce this risk, but not all extension spring systems have them installed. Torsion springs stay on their bar even if they break. They unwind in place, which is much safer.
Lifespan
Torsion springs last longer. A standard torsion spring lasts about 15,000 to 20,000 cycles. One cycle equals one full open and close. Extension springs usually last around 10,000 cycles. If you use your garage door four times a day, torsion springs can last about 10 to 14 years. Extension springs will last about 7 years.
Smooth Operation
Torsion springs provide smoother, more balanced movement. They apply even force across the entire door. Extension springs can sometimes cause the door to jerk or bounce because the force is applied from the sides.
Cost
Extension springs are cheaper to buy. But they need replacing more often, so the long-term cost is about the same. Many homeowners choose to upgrade from extension to torsion springs during their next garage door spring replacement. It is a smart investment that pays off over time.
How to Tell Which Type You Have
Look above your garage door opening. If you see a thick spring (or two) mounted on a bar running horizontally across the wall, you have torsion springs. If you see springs running along the tracks on each side of the door, you have extension springs.
Still not sure? Read our guide on signs your garage door spring broke, which includes helpful tips for identifying your spring type.
Should You Upgrade to Torsion Springs?
If your home still has extension springs, we recommend upgrading to torsion springs at your next replacement. They are safer, last longer, and give your door smoother operation. The upgrade usually costs a bit more upfront, but you save money in the long run because they last almost twice as long. Whether you are in Holyoke or the Springfield area, our team can handle the conversion.
If you are getting a new garage door installation, torsion springs will come standard with most modern doors. We also check and adjust springs as part of our routine maintenance and tune-ups to keep them working safely.
Never Replace Springs Yourself
Both types of springs are under extreme tension. Attempting a DIY spring replacement can cause serious injury or even death. Always hire a licensed professional. At TEK Garage Door Repair, our technicians are trained and insured to handle spring work safely. We provide residential garage door services across Massachusetts with same-day availability. Call us at (413) 435-4810 for a free estimate.