If your garage door has been making odd noises, feels heavy, or refuses to open smoothly, the culprit could be your garage door springs. And here’s the twist—there are two main types: torsion springs and extension springs.
Most homeowners don’t know which one they have until something goes wrong. But understanding the difference isn’t just trivia—it can help you spot issues early, make better repair decisions, and even save you money. So, let’s break it down in plain English.
Torsion Spring vs. Extension Spring: Understanding the Basics
Both springs serve the same purpose: to counterbalance the weight of your garage door so it can open and close smoothly. But they work in different ways.
Torsion springs are mounted above the garage door opening, running horizontally along a metal shaft. When you open the door, the spring unwinds, helping lift the weight. When you close it, the spring winds back up, storing energy for the next lift.
Extension springs, on the other hand, run vertically or at an angle alongside the door’s tracks. They stretch and contract with the door’s movement. They’re more common in older garage doors and smaller spaces.
Quick tip: If you see one long coil running across the top of your garage door, that’s a torsion spring. If you see two long springs running along the sides, those are extension springs.
Why Torsion Springs Are the Popular Choice
If you’ve had a newer garage door installed in the past decade, chances are you have a torsion spring system. Here’s why:
Longer lifespan – Torsion springs typically last 15,000 to 20,000 cycles (one cycle = up and down once), compared to 10,000 for most extension springs.
Smoother operation – Because they apply torque rather than stretch, torsion springs reduce wear on your opener.
Better safety – When a torsion spring breaks, it usually stays on the shaft rather than flying off dangerously, which can happen with worn extension springs.
That said, torsion springs can be more expensive to replace. But many homeowners see it as a long-term investment.
When Extension Springs Still Make Sense
Extension springs aren’t “bad”—they just have different strengths:
Lower upfront cost – They’re usually less expensive to purchase and install.
Fits small spaces – If your garage doesn’t have enough overhead room for a torsion system, extension springs might be the only option.
Easy to spot damage – Because they’re mounted along the tracks, broken or stretched springs are more visible.
If you live in an older home, you might still have an extension spring setup. They work just fine, but safety cables are essential to prevent injury if the spring snaps.
How to Tell Which Spring You Have Without a Toolbox
The easiest way? Look up.
One fat coil above the door? That’s a torsion spring.
Two skinny springs on each side of the door? That’s an extension spring.
No need to touch them (seriously—don’t). Garage door springs are under extreme tension, and handling them without proper tools and training can be dangerous.
Common Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are Failing
No matter which type you have, springs eventually wear out. Here are red flags to watch for:
Your door feels heavy or slams shut.
The opener struggles or makes grinding noises.
You notice gaps in the coils.
The door hangs unevenly.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to call a pro before the problem gets worse.
Why You Shouldn’t Replace Garage Door Springs Yourself
We get it—DIY videos make it look easy. But replacing garage door springs without training is risky. Springs are under hundreds of pounds of pressure, and a mistake can lead to serious injury.
A trained technician has the right tools, knows the safety protocols, and can check for other issues while they’re there—like worn cables, misaligned tracks, or a stressed opener.
Internal Link to Related Blog
If you’re in Castle Rock and facing a sudden spring failure, check out our Same-Day Garage Door Repair in Castle Rock: What to Expect guide. It walks you through how fast you can get help, what repairs usually cost, and how to prepare for a technician’s visit.
How to Keep Your Springs in Top Shape
While you can’t make springs last forever, a little care can extend their life:
Schedule annual maintenance – A pro can lubricate, adjust, and inspect your springs.
Listen for changes – A new squeak or thud could mean it’s time for attention.
Don’t overload the door – Keep your garage door balanced and free of extra weight.
Final Thoughts: Torsion Spring vs. Extension Spring
In the torsion spring vs. extension spring debate, the “winner” depends on your garage setup, budget, and priorities. Torsion springs offer smoother, safer, and longer-lasting performance, while extension springs can be a budget-friendly solution in the right situations.
If you’re unsure which one you have—or if you suspect your springs are wearing out—don’t wait for a full breakdown. Give us a call, and we’ll help you figure it out before it becomes an emergency.
Call to Action:
Need a garage door spring repair or just want to know which type you have? Contact our friendly team today for a quick inspection. We’ll get your door running smoothly again—safely and affordably.