{"id":486,"date":"2026-06-19T18:58:41","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T18:58:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/twincitygaragedoor.com\/blog\/?p=486"},"modified":"2026-06-19T19:02:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T19:02:09","slug":"your-garage-door-spring-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.twincitygaragedoor.com\/blog\/your-garage-door-spring-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Garage Door Spring Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ever wondered what the springs above your garage door do? Have you ever even noticed that your garage door has<\/em> springs? A garage door spring is a major part of the door\u2019s functionality. It keeps the door balanced allowing for smooth operation. Most springs are rated for an average of 10,000 movement cycles, which equates to 7-10 years, depending on how often you use your garage door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Do Garage Door Springs Work?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Your garage door can weigh anywhere between 200-600 pounds and beyond depending on its size and material. Springs use mechanical energy and the tension stored in the spring assists in moving your door to ensure smooth opening and closing. Springs come in different sizes and are specifically calibrated to the exact height, weight and width of your garage door. When the garage door is balanced, the springs do all the heavy lifting for you. If a spring isn\u2019t properly installed, your door can become unbalanced, slow, loud, shaky, sticky, and fight to operate. It is important to note what type of springs your garage door has and what the best course of action is when needing to replace them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Types of Springs<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

There are different types of springs that exist on a garage door. Some are more common than others and some are specific depending on the brand of garage door you have. The two most common spring types that a garage door has are Torsion Springs and Extension Springs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Torsion Springs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Torsion springs are the most common spring on a garage door. These are tightly wound steel coils mounted on a shaft directly above the garage door. At the end of each spring line are drums that hold cables. Torsion Springs are highly durable and typically safer than an extension spring. Because a torsion spring is mounted to a stationary spring shaft, they do not fly apart when they break. Torsion springs are wound with a special winding bar and come in different lengths, diameters and spring coil sizing, so it\u2019s important to choose the correct size spring when needing a replacement.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Extension Springs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Extension springs are heavy-duty tightly coiled springs that lift a garage door by stretching and contracting. Extension springs are found horizontally on either side of the door along the upper tracks. This system, while still prevalent in some garage doors, is considered outdated, noticeably less safe and has a shorter lifespan than torsion springs. If your extension springs are old, rusted or broken, a garage door expert may suggest converting them into a torsion spring system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My Spring is Broken\u2026Now What?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

If you find that your spring has broken on your garage door, call your local garage door experts. It is advised to not change a broken spring by yourself, as springs are not universal, they are under extreme spring tension and can cause serious injury if not handled correctly. If you have a double wide garage door with two garage door springs, it is always advised to change both. If one is broken, there\u2019s a chance the other isn\u2019t too far behind in breaking. There are different options to choose from when needing a spring change, and your local garage door expert will walk you through the options best suited for your garage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n