When it comes to garage door performance, springs are the heart of the system. They carry the door’s weight, help it open smoothly, and keep the entire mechanism balanced. But not all springs are the same most garage doors use either torsion springs or extension springs, and understanding the difference helps you make better repair or replacement decisions.
In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between torsion springs and extension springs, explain how each works, and help you decide which type is better for your garage door.
What Are Garage Door Springs and Why Do They Matter?
Garage door springs counterbalance the door’s weight so that you — and your opener — can lift the door with minimal effort.
A standard garage door can weigh anywhere from 150 to 300 pounds, and without springs, it would be nearly impossible to open manually.
If your springs are worn, rusted, stretched, or broken, you’ll notice:
- Door feels heavy
- Door won’t stay open
- Opener struggles or makes grinding noises
- Door stops halfway
- Loud bang (common when a spring snaps)
Knowing which spring type you have helps you understand the repair process and potential costs.
The Main Difference: Torsion vs. Extension Springs
Garage doors typically use one of the following spring systems:
- Torsion Springs (mounted above the door)
- Extension Springs (mounted along the horizontal tracks)
Both types have the same purpose — lifting and balancing the door — but they work very differently.
1. Torsion Springs (Most Modern Doors Use These)
How They Work
Torsion springs use torque (twisting force) to raise and lower the door. When the door closes, the spring winds up and stores energy. When the door opens, the spring slowly unwinds, providing smooth, controlled lifting.
Where They Are Located
- Installed horizontally on a metal shaft
- Positioned directly above the garage door opening
Benefits of Torsion Springs
✔ Longer lifespan (15,000–25,000 cycles)
✔ Quieter and smoother operation
✔ Better balance and fewer jerks
✔ Safer when they break (they stay on the bar)
✔ Supports heavier, insulated, and double garage doors
✔ Offers better control for modern openers
Downsides
✘ More expensive than extension springs
✘ Replacement requires special tools and training
Best For:
Most modern residential homes, especially in humid or storm-prone areas like Florida.
2. Extension Springs (Older or Budget Doors)
How They Work
Extension springs stretch and contract to lift the door. When the garage door closes, the springs stretch out. When it opens, they contract and help pull the door upward.
Where They Are Located
- Installed along the horizontal tracks on both sides of the door
Benefits of Extension Springs
✔ Cheaper than torsion springs
✔ Common on older homes and budget installations
Downsides
✘ Shorter lifespan (5,000–10,000 cycles)
✘ Creates more bouncing, noise, and vibration
✘ More prone to sudden breakage
✘ Can become extremely dangerous if safety cables are not installed
✘ Requires two springs, which must stay balanced
Best For:
Older homes or low-budget doors that aren’t used heavily.
Torsion vs. Extension Springs: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Torsion Springs | Extension Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 15,000–25,000 cycles | 5,000–10,000 cycles |
| Noise Level | Quiet & smooth | Louder & more vibration |
| Safety | Safer when breaking | Dangerous if safety cables fail |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
| Efficiency | High | Moderate |
| Ideal For | Modern garages, heavy doors | Light doors, budget installs |
| Stability | Excellent | Fair |
Which Type of Garage Door Spring Is Better?
For most homeowners — especially in Tallahassee and other humid climates — torsion springs are the superior choice.
Why torsion springs are better:
- Last 2–3× longer
- Handle heat, humidity, and daily use better
- Make less noise
- Improve opener performance
- Reduce wear on rollers and cables
If you’re upgrading your garage door or replacing old hardware, torsion springs are generally the best long-term investment.
How to Tell Which Springs You Have
Here’s how to quickly identify your spring system:
You have torsion springs if:
- Springs are mounted above the door opening
- You see 1–2 large, tightly wound coils
- A long metal tube (torsion shaft) runs across the top
You have extension springs if:
- Springs are on the sides above the horizontal tracks
- You see long, stretched-out springs running front to back
- Usually two springs, one on each side
If you’re unsure, take a picture — I can identify it for you.
Can You Replace Garage Door Springs Yourself?
Absolutely not.
Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause severe injuries if handled incorrectly.
You can safely:
- Inspect
- Identify
- Listen for noises
- Test balance
But never attempt to tighten, unwind, or replace springs yourself.
Always call a certified garage door technician for spring repair.
When Should You Replace Your Garage Door Springs?
Replace springs if you notice:
- The door feels heavy or uneven
- The door only opens halfway
- Loud bang from the garage
- Gaps in the spring coil
- The opener struggles
- Squeaking, grinding, or popping noises
- Frayed or loose cables
Most springs last 7–12 years, depending on usage.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between torsion springs and extension springs in garage doors helps you make smarter maintenance and repair decisions. Torsion springs offer better performance, safety, and durability, while extension springs are more affordable but less reliable in the long run.
If your springs are worn, broken, or showing signs of failure, contact a professional technician immediately repairing springs is never a DIY task.