Garage door springs: everything you need to know (and why you should never DIY).

Every time you open your garage door, you’re relying on a spring system the quietly handles the heavy lifting. In fact, a single garage door spring can balance up to 400kg of force, making it one of the most important com[ponents in your doors operation.

Springs do more than just a lift, they help your door open smoothly, reduce strain on the motor and ensure the door stays properly balanced. But like any hardworking part, they don’t last forever.

In this guide, we will explain how garage door springs work, how long they last, the signs of wear and tear and the safest, smartest way to replace them.

here are two main types of garage door springs, torsion and extension. Both achieve the same purpose but their function and install differently.

Torsion springs:

• How it works: mounted above the door, torsion springs wind tightly around a shaft to store energy. As the door lifts, the spring unwinds.
• Where it’s used: most commonly on sectional doors in both residential and industrial applications
• Pros: safer, smoother, longer-lasting, quieter
• Cons: higher upfront cost
• Lifespan: typically, 10,000-20,000 cycles depending on grade.

Extension springs:

• How it works: installed on either side of the door, these springs stretch and contact as the door opens and closes.
• Where it is used: found in older or tilt-door systems
• Pros: lower cost, simpler design
• Cons: noisier, shorter lifespan, higher risk if they snap (without safety cables)
• Lifespan: typically 5,00-10,000 cycles.

Springs rarely fail without warning- but signs can be subtle if you’re not looking for them.

Watch for the following signs that your door springs may be failing or require maintenance:

1. The door feels heavy: if the spring is losing tension or broken, the door will resist opening – even with the motor
2. Door opens unevenly or crookedly: this often means one side of the spring is weaker or has failed entirely
3. A loud bang in the garage: a snapped torsion spring can sound like a firecracker going off with a large bang.
4. Visible 2-inch gap in torsion spring: this is a clear sign that the spring has broken
5. Noise: Your door is making an excessive or unusual amount of noise. This could be a sign that there is an issue with the spring.

If any of the above signs appear, stop using your door and call a garage door professional immediately to conduct an inspection and service. B&D has a network of accredited and experienced professionals. Find your nearest garage door specialist here.

Replacement costs depend on a range of factors such as door size, spring type and whether you’re upgrading to high-cycle options.

Garage door springs don’t need much attention, but a little preventative care goes a long way. At B&D, we recommend servicing your garage door every two years. In your routine service, the garage door technician will assess the state of your springs, motor and other door components to ensure it will continue to operate at its best for years to come.