Did you know that the average garage door weighs somewhere between 150 and 400 pounds? Yet, you can lift it with one hand, even though you probably haven’t hit the gym in years.
How does that happen?
That’s your garage door springs doing all the heavy lifting, quite literally! They counterbalance the massive weight of the door, making it possible to operate it smoothly whether you’re using the automatic opener or lifting manually. Without functioning springs, your garage door becomes dead weight.
Most people never think about garage door springs until they break. Then suddenly you’re scrambling for professional garage door spring repair in San Diego.
Here’s everything you need to know about garage door springs.
How Do Garage Door Springs Work?
Garage doors work on a counterbalance system. The springs store mechanical energy that offsets the weight of the door, so when you lift it, you’re not actually lifting the full weight; you’re just providing the force to set the balanced system in motion.
When the door is closed, the springs are under maximum tension, wound tight, and storing energy. As the door opens, the springs release this stored energy gradually, essentially helping lift the door. When the door closes, the springs wind back up, storing energy again for the next opening.
There are Two Main Types of Springs
All garage door springs serve the same purpose, but they work in different ways. The two main types are torsion springs and extension springs.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are usually mounted horizontally above the garage door, running along a metal torsion bar. They work through twisting force, so when the door closes, the springs wind tighter around the shaft, storing energy.
When the door opens, the springs unwind, and this rotational force transfers through cables attached to the bottom corners of the door, pulling it up.
The lifespan of torsion springs is about 15,000 to 20,000 cycles on average. With typical use of 4 times per day, that’s about 10-14 years!
Advantages of Torsion Springs
- Last significantly longer than extension springs
- Provide smooth operation
- Better weight distribution across the door
- Safer when they break
- Fewer moving parts
- Quieter operation
- More consistent performance over their lifespan
Disadvantages of Torsion Springs
- High initial cost
- Complex installation
Extension Springs
Extension springs are long springs mounted on both sides of the door, running parallel to the horizontal tracks. They’re stretched out when installed, and you can clearly see them extending along the track on each side. Each spring has a loop or hook at the end connecting to a pulley system.
When the door closes, the springs stretch, storing energy. When the door opens, the springs contract, pulling cables through pulleys that lift the door. The springs extend and contract with each operation.
Extension springs have a life cycle of about 5,000 to 10,000 cycles on average. With typical use of 4 times per day, that’s roughly 3-7 years.
Advantages of Extension Springs
- Lower upfront cost
- Simpler installation
- Work in garages with low headroom where torsion systems won’t fit
- Easier to identify problems visually
- Individual springs can be replaced without affecting the other side
Disadvantages of Extension Springs
- Shorter lifespan
- Can be jerky in movement
- Higher safety risk when they break
- Require safety cables
- More frequent replacement means higher long-term costs
Also Read: The Complete Guide to Garage Door Safety Sensors
Choosing Between Torsion and Extension Springs
If you’re building new, renovating, or replacing an entire door system, you probably have the choice between torsion and extension springs.
Choose Torsion Springs if:
- You have adequate headroom
- You want the longest lifespan and best performance
- You value smooth, quiet operation
- You want long-term cost-effectiveness
Choose Extension Springs Only if:
- You have very low headroom
- Budget is extremely tight, and you need the lowest upfront cost
- You have an unusual door that works better with extension springs
For almost everyone in almost every situation, torsion springs are the better choice. The higher upfront cost is offset by longer life and better performance.
Professional Spring Service Under One Roof!
When you need garage door spring repair in San Diego, you want experienced technicians. Shon Garage Doors offers just that! We’ll assess the entire door system, make sure everything is balanced correctly, and functioning safely. We explain what needs to be done, why, and what it costs before starting work.
No surprises, no upselling services you don’t need. Your garage door should be working smoothly and safely. Give us a call to make that happen!
