If your garage door has suddenly gotten heavy, uneven, or downright stubborn, there’s a good chance the springs are to blame. But before you search for a quick fix, it helps to know exactly what kind of spring system you’re dealing with. Garage doors typically use one of two spring types — torsion springs or extension springs — and they behave very differently when something goes wrong.
At Garage Pros KC, we get calls every week from homeowners who aren’t sure which type they have or why it matters. Here’s what you need to know, especially if you suspect your extension springs need repair.
Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs: What’s the Difference?
Torsion springs
Torsion Springs are mounted horizontally on a metal shaft above the garage door opening. As the door closes, these springs wind up and store energy, releasing it to help lift the door back open. They’re typically found on newer or higher-end garage door systems, and they tend to last longer and operate more smoothly.
Extension springs
These are mounted on either side of the door, running horizontally along the upper tracks. Instead of twisting, they stretch and contract as the door opens and closes. Extension springs are common on older homes and lighter garage doors, largely because they’re more affordable to install.
Here’s a quick way to tell which one you have: stand inside your garage and look up. If you see a single spring centered above the door on a bar, that’s torsion. If you see two long springs running along the tracks on either side of the door, that’s an extension spring system.
Why the Difference Matters for Repairs
Torsion and extension springs don’t just look different — they fail differently, and they require different repair approaches.
Torsion springs are under constant, high tension even when the door is closed. When they break, the sound is often a loud bang, and the door will usually become very heavy or won’t budge at all. Repairs require specialized tools and precise winding to avoid injury.
Extension springs stretch and relax with the door’s movement, and they typically only carry full tension when the door is open. When one breaks, it’s not always as dramatic, but it can still cause the door to fall unevenly or slam shut unexpectedly. This is why extension springs almost always require safety cables running through the center of the spring. Without them, a broken spring can become a dangerous projectile.
Signs Your Extension Springs Need Repair
If your garage door uses the two-spring, side-mounted system, watch for these warning signs:
- The door feels unusually heavy when opening manually or struggles with the opener
- One side of the door appears lower than the other when opening or closing
- Visible gaps or stretching in the spring coils
- Loud bangs or pops coming from the top corners of the door
- The door reverses or stutters partway through opening
- Fraying or missing safety cables, which is a serious safety hazard on its own
If you notice any of these, it’s time to call a professional rather than waiting for a full spring failure.
Why Extension Spring Repair Isn’t a DIY Project
We understand the temptation to search for a tutorial and tackle this yourself. But extension springs store a surprising amount of energy, even at rest. A spring that lets go unexpectedly can cause serious injury, and mismatched or incorrectly sized replacement springs can throw off your door’s balance, straining your opener and shortening its lifespan.
Extension spring repair typically involves:
- Releasing tension safely using proper clamps and tools
- Inspecting the pulleys, cables, and safety cables for wear, since these components share the load
- Matching the replacement spring to your door’s exact weight and size specifications
- Reinstalling with correct tension on both sides to keep the door balanced
- Testing the door’s full range of motion to confirm smooth, even operation
Because extension springs work in pairs, it’s also standard practice to replace both springs at once, even if only one has failed. Springs wear out on a similar timeline, and mismatched springs (one old, one new) put uneven strain on your door and opener.
Torsion Conversion: Is It Worth It?
Many homeowners with older extension spring systems ask us about converting to torsion springs. Torsion systems generally offer smoother operation, quieter performance, and a longer lifespan since they distribute weight more evenly. If your extension springs are failing repeatedly, a conversion might save you money over time — though it does come with a higher upfront cost than a straightforward spring replacement.
Our technicians can walk you through the pros and cons based on your door’s age, size, and how much use it gets.
Trust Garage Pros KC With Your Spring Repair
Whether you have torsion or extension springs, spring repair is not the place to cut corners. The tension involved makes this one of the most dangerous DIY garage door projects a homeowner can attempt. Our trained technicians carry the right tools, correctly sized springs, and safety equipment to get your door back in working order quickly and safely.
If your garage door is showing any of the warning signs above, don’t wait for a complete spring failure, especially one that could damage your vehicle or injure someone nearby. Contact Garage Pros KC today to schedule an inspection, and let our team handle the repair so you don’t have to worry about it.
