Torsion vs Extension Springs: Which Does Your Garage Door Need?

Quick Answer

Torsion springs are better for most garage doors. They last 15,000-20,000 cycles (vs 10,000 for extension), are safer when they break, provide smoother operation, and better balance heavy doors. Extension springs cost less upfront ($150-$250 vs $200-$350) but need replacement sooner and require safety cables.

Choosing between torsion and extension springs is one of the most important decisions for your garage door system. The right choice affects safety, longevity, noise levels, and long-term costs. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the best decision for your home.

How They Work

Torsion springs mount horizontally above the door and use twisting (torsion) force to lift it. Extension springs mount on both sides of the door tracks and stretch (extend) to create lifting force. Both store energy when the door closes and release it to help lift the door open.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Torsion Springs	Extension Springs
Location	Above door (horizontal)	Both sides of tracks
Lifespan	15,000-20,000 cycles	10,000 cycles
Safety	Very safe (contained)	Requires safety cables
Balance	Excellent balance	Good (can be uneven)
Noise	Quieter operation	More noise/vibration
Initial Cost	$200-$350 installed	$150-$250 installed
Long-term Cost	Better value	More frequent replacement
Best For	Most residential doors	Low headroom, budget

The Verdict: Torsion Springs Win

For most homeowners, torsion springs are the better choice. They're safer, last longer, operate more smoothly, and provide better value over time despite the higher upfront cost.

Torsion Springs Explained

Torsion Springs Recommended

How they work: Mounted on a shaft above the door, they twist to store energy
Types: Standard, high-cycle, EZ-SET, steel rolling door
Cycle life: 15,000-20,000+ cycles
Typical lifespan: 10-15 years
Best for: Heavy doors, frequent use, safety-conscious homeowners

Extension Springs Budget Option

How they work: Mounted along tracks, they stretch to store energy
Types: Open-looped, double-looped, clipped-end
Cycle life: ~10,000 cycles
Typical lifespan: 5-7 years
Best for: Low headroom, light doors, budget installs

Advantages of Torsion Springs

Safer failure mode: When torsion springs break, they stay wound around the shaft - no flying metal
Better balance: Single or dual springs above the door provide even lifting force
Smoother operation: Consistent torque throughout the lifting cycle
Longer lifespan: 50-100% more cycles than extension springs
Less wear on opener: Better-balanced doors put less strain on the motor
Quieter: Less vibration and noise during operation

Extension Springs Explained

Advantages of Extension Springs

Lower cost: $50-$100 cheaper for parts and installation
Low headroom compatible: Work in garages with limited space above the door
Simpler design: Easier to understand and DIY-friendly (with caution)
Widely available: Parts found at most hardware stores

Extension Spring Safety Warning

Extension springs MUST have safety cables running through them. Without safety cables, a broken spring can fly across your garage at high speed, causing serious injury or property damage. If your extension springs don't have safety cables, install them immediately or call a professional.

Which Type Do You Have?

Not sure what's on your garage door? See our complete parts diagram to identify all components. Here's how to tell:

You Have Torsion Springs If:

There's a metal tube/shaft running horizontally above the closed door
Springs are coiled around this shaft (look like big metal coils)
Springs are located in the center or slightly off-center above the door
You see winding cones at the ends of the springs

You Have Extension Springs If:

Springs run parallel to the horizontal door tracks (on both sides)
Springs stretch when the door is closed, relax when open
You can see pulleys and cables at the corners of the door
Springs are mounted at an angle along the ceiling

How Spring Type Affects Your Opener

Your spring type directly impacts how hard your garage door opener has to work. A properly balanced door with the right springs should feel almost weightless when lifted manually, requiring only 8 to 10 pounds of force.

Torsion Springs and Opener Longevity

Torsion springs provide more consistent lifting force throughout the door's travel. This means your opener motor experiences steady, predictable resistance rather than variable loads. The result is less motor strain, fewer gear and drive failures, and longer opener lifespan.

Extension Springs and Motor Strain

Extension springs can create uneven lifting force between the left and right sides of the door, especially as they age at different rates. This asymmetric load makes the opener work harder to keep the door level during travel.

Toronto Climate Effects on Springs

Toronto's extreme temperature swings between winter and summer significantly affect garage door spring performance.

Cold Weather Impact

When temperatures drop below minus 10 degrees Celsius, steel springs become more brittle and prone to breakage. Both spring types are affected, but the consequences differ. A torsion spring that breaks in cold weather stays wound around the shaft, posing minimal immediate danger.

We see approximately 60 percent of spring failures occur between November and March in the Toronto area. The combination of cold-induced brittleness and increased door cycling creates the perfect conditions for spring failure.

Humidity and Corrosion

Toronto's humid summers and salt-laden air during winter accelerate spring corrosion. For Toronto homeowners, we recommend galvanized springs or applying protective coating to extend spring life in our corrosive climate.

Maintenance Differences

Both spring types require regular maintenance, but the procedures and frequency differ.

Torsion Spring Maintenance

Torsion springs should be lubricated every 6 months with silicone-based lubricant. Apply lubricant along the entire length of the spring coils. Inspect the spring for gaps between coils, rust, or deformation. Never attempt to adjust spring tension yourself.

Extension Spring Maintenance

Extension springs require more maintenance points because the system includes springs, pulleys, cables, and attachment hardware. Lubricate springs every 6 months. Inspect all pulleys for smooth rotation. Check cables for fraying and replace immediately if damaged.

Converting Extension to Torsion Springs

Many homeowners upgrade from extension to torsion springs for improved safety and longevity.

Conversion Requirements:

Headroom: Need 12+ inches of space above the door
Header support: Wall above door must support torsion hardware
Parts needed: Torsion tube, springs, drums, brackets, cables
Professional installation: Strongly recommended (dangerous DIY)

Conversion Cost:

Expect to pay $300-$500 for a professional extension-to-torsion conversion, including parts and labor.

Pro Tip: Best Time to Convert

The best time to convert from extension to torsion springs is when your current springs need replacement anyway. You'll save on labor costs since the door is already being serviced.

Cost Comparison

Service	Torsion Springs	Extension Springs
Single spring replacement	$160-$240 + tax	$100-$150 + tax
Double spring replacement	$280-$400 + tax	$150-$250 + tax
High-cycle upgrade	+$50-$100	N/A
10-year cost (avg use)	$280-$400	$300-$500 (2 replacements)

Bottom line: While torsion springs cost more upfront, they often cost less over 10+ years because you replace them less frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between torsion and extension springs?

Torsion springs mount above the door and twist to lift it, providing smooth, balanced operation. Extension springs mount on both sides of the door and stretch to create lifting force. Torsion springs are safer, last longer, and provide better balance.

Which spring type lasts longer?

Torsion springs last significantly longer - typically 15,000-20,000 cycles compared to 10,000 cycles for extension springs. With average use, torsion springs last 10-15 years while extension springs last 5-7 years.

Can I convert from extension to torsion springs?

Yes, most garage doors can be converted from extension to torsion springs. The conversion costs $300-$500 and requires installing a torsion tube above the door. This upgrade improves safety, lifespan, and door operation. You need at least 12 inches of headroom above the door.

Are torsion springs safer than extension springs?

Yes, torsion springs are significantly safer. They're contained on a shaft above the door, so if they break, they stay in place. Extension springs can fly across the garage when they break unless safety cables are installed. Always ensure extension springs have safety cables.

Do torsion springs work better in cold weather?

Both spring types are affected by cold, but torsion springs handle Toronto winters better. They have fewer moving parts that can freeze or gum up, and if they break in cold weather, they stay safely contained on the shaft.

How do I maintain torsion springs?

Lubricate torsion springs with silicone-based lubricant every 6 months. Visually inspect for rust, gaps between coils, or deformation. Never attempt to adjust spring tension yourself as this requires professional tools and training. Have a technician inspect annually.

Why do my extension springs keep breaking?

Extension springs have shorter lifespans than torsion springs, about 10,000 cycles versus 15,000-20,000. If your springs break frequently, you may have a heavy door that extension springs struggle with, or your springs may be undersized. Consider converting to torsion springs for better reliability.