Garage Door Springs

Torsion vs. Extension Garage Door Springs: What's the Difference?

Garage doors can use different types of counterbalance systems.

Two terms homeowners commonly encounter are torsion springs and extension springs.

Both help manage the weight of the garage door, but they operate differently.

What is a torsion spring?

A torsion spring system commonly uses a spring mounted on a shaft above the garage door opening.

As the system operates, the spring works with cables and drums to counterbalance the door.

What is an extension spring?

Extension springs operate by stretching and contracting as the garage door moves.

They are generally installed alongside the horizontal track area on systems designed for them.

Why does the difference matter?

The correct spring system depends on the garage door's design and configuration.

Springs are not selected simply by looking at the width of the door.

Door weight, height, hardware, spring specifications, and system design matter.

If a spring has already failed, our guide to a broken garage door spring explains the signs and precautions.

Which type is better?

There is no useful one-word answer for every garage door.

The appropriate system depends on the door and installation.

If a spring has failed, the objective should be to identify the existing system and determine the correct repair rather than choosing a spring based only on price.

Safety

Need spring service?

FIX SOLUTION GARAGE DOOR handles garage door spring repair in Miami, and our complete garage door repair guide covers how the rest of the system works with the springs.