How Garage Door Springs Work: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. They do the heavy lifting—literally—making it possible for you to open and close your garage door with ease. But how exactly do they work, and why are they so important? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about garage door springs, how they function, and what to watch out for when they start to fail.
What Are Garage Door Springs?
Garage door springs are tension-loaded components that counterbalance the weight of your garage door. When the door opens, the springs release stored energy to assist in lifting the door. When it closes, they store energy by tightening under tension. Without properly functioning springs, your garage door opener would struggle—or fail completely—to move the door.
There are two primary types of garage door springs:
1. Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. They work by twisting tightly as the door closes and unwinding to lift the door when it opens. Torsion springs offer smoother operation and better control of door movement and are commonly used in modern garage door systems.
2. Extension Springs
Extension springs are typically mounted on either side of the door, parallel to the horizontal tracks. These springs stretch and contract to help raise and lower the door. While they’re less expensive than torsion springs, they tend to wear out faster and can be less safe if not properly maintained.
How Garage Door Springs Work with Other Components
Garage door springs don’t operate alone. They work in coordination with several other parts of your garage door system:
- Cables: Steel cables run through the spring system and help transfer the energy from the spring to the door.
- Drums and Pulleys: These components help wind or unwind the cables as the springs operate.
- Door Tracks and Rollers: These guide the door’s movement as the springs counterbalance the weight.
- Garage Door Opener: Although the opener provides motion, the springs carry most of the weight during operation.
The springs’ primary role is to make the garage door feel light. A typical garage door can weigh between 150 and 400 pounds, but with well-functioning springs, it may feel like it weighs just 10 to 15 pounds when you lift it manually.
Why Spring Tension Matters
Garage door springs must be properly balanced. Too much tension, and the door may not close all the way. Too little, and the door might be too heavy to lift or fall rapidly when closing, creating a serious safety hazard.
That’s why professional installation and calibration are essential. Garage door technicians use specialized tools to adjust spring tension and ensure the door operates safely and smoothly.
Signs Your Garage Door Springs May Be Failing
Springs wear out over time due to repeated use. Most torsion springs are rated for 10,000 to 20,000 cycles (one cycle = one open and one close). Common signs your springs may need repair or replacement include:
- The door feels heavy or won’t open at all
- The door opens unevenly or jerks during movement
- A loud bang or pop is heard from the garage
- Gaps appear in the torsion spring coil
- The door slams shut or closes too fast
- The opener strains or stops midway through lifting
Can You Repair Garage Door Springs Yourself?
Garage door spring repair is dangerous and should not be a DIY project. The tension stored in these springs can cause serious injury or even death if released improperly. Always call a trained technician to diagnose and replace broken or worn-out springs safely.
Maintaining Your Garage Door Springs
You can help extend the life of your garage door springs with regular maintenance:
- Lubricate springs every 6–12 months with a silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction.
- Inspect springs visually for signs of rust, wear, or gaps.
- Listen for unusual sounds like grinding or squealing, which could indicate spring problems.
- Test balance by disconnecting the opener and lifting the door manually—it should stay halfway open. If it falls or shoots up, your springs may need adjustment.
Final Thoughts: Respect the Springs
Your garage door springs work hard behind the scenes to provide the convenience and safety you depend on every day. Understanding how they work can help you recognize problems early and avoid costly repairs—or worse, dangerous accidents.
If your garage door springs are showing signs of wear or failure, contact a professional garage door company like OnTrac Garage Doors for an expert inspection and service. Our trained technicians can ensure your garage door system remains safe, efficient, and reliable for years to come.