Springs
What Do Garage Door Springs Actually Do?
Ever lifted your garage door by hand and thought, “Wow, that was easier than I expected”? The truth is, your door is much heavier than it feels - often anywhere from 100 lbs up to 500+ lbs for older wooden doors. The only reason it feels light is because of the garage door springs doing all the heavy lifting. Without them, your opener wouldn’t be able to move the door at all.
Why Garage Door Springs Matter
Garage doors are counterbalanced by springs that store and release energy. This system makes the door feel “weightless” when you operate it by hand or with an opener. The opener’s job is just to guide the motion - it doesn’t carry the weight. That’s why properly sized and tensioned springs are critical for safety and smooth operation.
The Three Main Types of Springs
- Torsion Springs – The most common system, mounted above the garage door. They twist to build torque, which transfers through cables at the bottom of the door. This torque is what lifts the heavy panels evenly.
- Extension Springs – Positioned on either side of the door, these stretch and contract as the door moves. They’re effective but require safety cables for protection in case they snap.
- Wayne Dalton Torquemaster Springs – A modern, enclosed system that keeps the springs hidden inside a metal tube. This design looks cleaner and is considered safer, but requires specific replacements.
Signs You Need New Springs
Springs don’t last forever. Most are rated for about 10,000 cycles (7–10 years of average use). If your garage door feels unusually heavy, slams shut, or your opener struggles to move it, you likely have a broken or worn spring. Replacing them restores balance and protects your opener from overworking.
DIY-Friendly and Money-Saving
Hiring a pro to replace springs can cost upwards of $1800 - most of it labor. Ordering your springs online and replacing them yourself is a much more affordable option. Torsion and extension springs require care and the right tools, but Torquemaster springs are especially DIY-friendly thanks to their enclosed design. Either way, replacing springs yourself saves money and keeps your garage door running like new.
Shop Garage Door Springs
Need replacements? We stock all three spring types so you can get exactly what your door needs:
Do garage door openers lift the door?
No, the springs do the heavy lifting. The opener just guides the door’s motion up and down.
How long do garage door springs last?
Most springs are rated for around 10,000 cycles, or 7–10 years depending on daily use.
What happens if a spring breaks?
Your garage door will feel extremely heavy and may not open at all. The opener cannot safely operate the door without springs.
Should I replace both springs if only one breaks?
Yes. Replacing both ensures balanced performance and prevents uneven wear that could damage your system.
Also in Garage Door Parts - DIY Handbook
Why Does My Garage Door Only Open a Few Inches?
Does your garage door start to lift but stop after just a few inches This is one of the most common signs of a broken spring. Here’s why it happens and how to fix it safely.
#1 Best Way to Diagnose a Broken Garage Door Spring
Not sure if your garage door spring is broken This simple test will help you diagnose the problem quickly so you can stop guessing and take action.
Why Won’t My Garage Door Go Up? #1 Reason
Garage door stuck and refusing to open The most common culprit is a broken spring. This guide shows you how to spot the signs, understand the cause, and fix it safely.