Single vs Double Garage Door Springs: Which Setup Is Better?

Most homeowners don't realize they have a choice when it comes to garage door springs. Builders typically install single springs to cut costs, but is that the best setup for your door? After replacing thousands of springs across Toronto and the GTA, we've seen firsthand how this decision impacts safety, longevity, and overall cost of ownership.

Understanding Torsion Spring Systems

Before comparing configurations, it's important to understand how torsion springs work. Torsion springs are mounted on a metal shaft (torsion tube) above the garage door opening. When wound, they store rotational energy that helps lift the door's weight. The springs connect to cable drums at each end, and as the door opens, the springs unwind to provide lifting force.

How Spring Tension Is Calculated

Professional technicians calculate spring requirements based on door weight, height, and track radius. For a 200-pound door, you need springs that provide 200 inch-pounds of torque per turn. This can be achieved with one large spring or two smaller springs working together. The math determines the spring wire diameter, inside diameter, and length needed.

Wire Gauge and Lifespan

Spring wire gauge (thickness) directly impacts cycle life. Common wire sizes include:

• .225" wire: Standard residential grade, 10,000-15,000 cycles
• .234" wire: Enhanced durability, 15,000-20,000 cycles
• .250" wire: Commercial grade, 25,000+ cycles
• .262" wire: High-cycle commercial, 50,000+ cycles

In double spring setups, two thinner springs can achieve the same lifting capacity as one thick spring while distributing stress more evenly across the system.

Single vs Double Springs: Side-by-Side

Complete Comparison Chart

Feature	Single Spring	Double Springs
Installation Cost	$160-220 Lower	$280-400
Average Lifespan	7-9 years	10-12 years 50% Longer
Cycle Rating	10,000-15,000 cycles	20,000-25,000 cycles Winner
Safety Backup	None	Second spring holds door Safer
Weight Capacity	Up to 250 lbs	400+ lbs Winner
Door Balance	Slight side pull	Perfectly centered Winner
Opener Strain	Higher	Lower Winner
Repair Convenience	Door unusable until fixed	Manual use possible Winner
10-Year Cost	~$400-500 (2 replacements)	~$280-400 (1 replacement) Winner

Lifespan Comparison

Cost Comparison

The Real Math: A single spring costs ~$200 and lasts 8 years. Double springs cost ~$340 and last 11 years. Over 20 years, you'd pay ~$500 for singles (2.5 replacements) vs ~$680 for doubles (2 replacements)—but double springs also protect your car and family from sudden door drops.

When Single Springs Make Sense

Single springs aren't always wrong. They're appropriate for:

• Lightweight doors under 150 lbs - Small single-car doors made of aluminum
• Low-use applications - Detached garages used less than 2x/day
• Budget constraints - When $200 savings matters more than longevity
• Rental properties - Where minimal investment is preferred

For most Toronto homes with standard 2-car doors (200-300 lbs), double springs are the better investment.

Cold Weather Impact in Toronto

Toronto's extreme temperature swings (-25°C to +35°C) create unique stress on garage door springs that homeowners in milder climates don't experience. Double springs distribute this stress, reducing the failure risk by approximately 40% during extreme cold.

Seasonal Maintenance Recommendations

For Toronto homes, we recommend inspecting springs twice per year—once in late fall before winter arrives and once in early spring after the coldest months. See our complete maintenance guide for detailed inspection steps. Look for visible rust, gaps between coils, or any signs of stretching. Lubricating springs before winter helps prevent moisture from causing corrosion during freeze-thaw cycles.

How to Identify Your Current Setup

Not sure whether you have single or double springs? Here's how to check:

Single Spring Indicators

• One large spring mounted on the left side of the torsion tube (when viewed from inside)
• The right side of the tube appears bare except for the cable drum
• The spring is typically 30-36 inches long and fairly thick (about 2" diameter)
• Only one winding cone visible (the red/black brackets at spring ends)

Double Spring Indicators

• Two springs, one on each side of the center bearing plate
• Each spring is shorter (18-24 inches) and thinner than a single spring
• Two sets of winding cones visible (one pair for each spring)
• The center bracket sits between the two springs

Safety Note: Never touch the springs or winding cones. Torsion springs are under extreme tension (enough to lift your door's full weight) and can cause severe injury if mishandled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a double spring setup worth the extra cost?

Yes, double springs are worth the extra $60-120 investment. They provide 50% longer lifespan, a safety backup if one spring breaks, smoother door operation, and less strain on your garage door opener.

Can I convert my single spring to double springs?

Yes, most garage doors can be upgraded from single to double springs. The conversion costs $280-400 and requires replacing the torsion tube and center bearing. We recommend doing this when your current spring breaks.

Why do some doors only have one spring?

Builders often install single springs to reduce construction costs, especially on lighter doors under 200 lbs. Single springs work adequately but don't provide the safety backup or longevity of dual springs.

What happens if one spring breaks in a double setup?

With double springs, if one breaks, the other spring can still hold the door safely in position and allow manual operation. This prevents the door from crashing down and gives you time to schedule repairs safely.

Should I replace both springs even if only one breaks?

Absolutely yes. Both springs have the same wear and age, so if one breaks, the other is close behind. Replacing both costs only $60-80 more than replacing one and prevents a second service call within months.

How can I tell if my springs are wearing out?

Watch for these warning signs: the door feels heavier than usual, there are visible gaps between spring coils, you hear squeaking or grinding sounds, the door doesn't stay in place when partially open, or you see rust or corrosion on the springs. Any of these indicate the springs may need replacement soon.

How many cycles do garage door springs last?

Standard residential springs are rated for 10,000-15,000 cycles. One cycle equals one open and one close. If you use your garage door 4 times per day, that's about 1,460 cycles per year, meaning springs last 7-10 years. Double spring setups typically achieve 20,000+ cycles due to reduced stress per spring.

Do heavier insulated doors require double springs?

For doors over 200 lbs (most R-16 insulated doors), double springs are strongly recommended. The added weight creates more stress on springs and openers. Single springs can technically lift heavy doors but wear out faster and provide no safety backup if they fail.

Spring Replacement Pricing

Service	Price Range (+ tax)	Includes
Single Spring (1-spring setup)	$160 - $220	Spring, labor, balance test
Double Springs (2-spring setup)	$280 - $400	Both springs, balancing, safety check
Upgrade to Double Springs	$350 - $450	Conversion, new springs, mounting
High-Cycle Springs	$350 - $500	25,000+ cycle springs, longer life