Torsion vs. Extension Springs: Which Does Your Garage Door Have (and What Replacement Costs in 2026)?
Springs are the hardest-working part of your garage door — they counterbalance its full weight so the opener (and you) can lift it easily. When a spring breaks, the door becomes a several-hundred-pound dead weight. Knowing which type you have helps you understand the repair, the cost, and why it's never a DIY job.
Torsion vs. extension springs at a glance
| Feature | Torsion springs | Extension springs |
|---|---|---|
| Location | On a shaft above the closed door | Along the horizontal tracks, one per side |
| How it works | Twists to store energy | Stretches and contracts |
| Typical lifespan | ~15,000–20,000 cycles (12–20 yrs) | ~10,000 cycles (7–12 yrs) |
| Safety | Safer; energy stays contained on the shaft | Can fly loose if not fitted with safety cables |
| Best for | Most modern & heavier doors | Lighter, older, single-car doors |
| Typical Bay Area replacement cost* | $200–$450 | $150–$350 |
*Installed price ranges for typical residential doors as of 2026; oversized, high-cycle, or insulated doors run higher. See our Bay Area garage door price guide for the full breakdown.
How to tell which springs you have
Stand inside the garage with the door closed and look up:
- One or two springs on a horizontal bar above the door header → torsion.
- Long, lighter springs stretched parallel to the tracks on each side → extension.
If you can't tell, snap a photo and text it to us — we'll identify it in seconds. Either way, see the dedicated broken spring repair page for what the job involves, or the garage door springs overview for tune-ups and conversions.
Should you convert extension springs to torsion?
If your older door still runs on extension springs and you're replacing them anyway, a torsion conversion is often worth it: torsion systems last longer, balance the door more evenly, and are safer. On heavier or hillside doors common around the Bay Area, we usually recommend it. We'll quote both options so you can choose.
Why spring replacement isn't a DIY job
A wound torsion spring stores enough energy to break bones. Replacing one requires winding bars, the correct wire size and wind direction, and proper cone setting — get any of it wrong and the spring can release violently. This is the single most common garage-door injury. Our technicians replace springs in pairs (so the second doesn't fail weeks later), match the spring to your door's exact weight, and test the balance before leaving.
Frequently asked questions
How long do garage door springs last?
Springs are rated in cycles (one open + close = one cycle). Standard extension springs last around 10,000 cycles and torsion springs 15,000–20,000. A typical household does 3–5 cycles a day, so that's roughly 7–12 years for extension and 12–20 for torsion — sooner in corrosive coastal air.
Should both springs be replaced if only one broke?
On a two-spring door, yes. Both springs have the same age and cycle count, so when one fails the other is close behind. Replacing the pair avoids a second service call and keeps the door balanced.
How much does garage door spring replacement cost in the Bay Area?
Most residential spring replacements run $150–$450 installed, depending on spring type, whether one or two are replaced, and door size. We give an exact, upfront price before any work begins — see our full price guide.
Can I just keep using the door until I get the spring fixed?
No. Running the opener against a broken spring strains the motor and can damage the door, and the unbalanced door can fall. Stop using it and schedule a repair — we're available 24/7.
Need it fixed instead of explained?
Same-day garage door service across the Bay Area — upfront quote before any work begins.
- Broken Spring Repair Torsion & extension springs replaced same-day — the #1 emergency call we get.
- Cable Repair Frayed or snapped lift cables replaced safely under tension.
- Off-Track Repair Doors back on track with bent-rail straightening or replacement.
- Roller Replacement Worn rollers swapped for quiet nylon upgrades.
- Panel Replacement Dented or damaged sections matched and replaced.
- Opener Repair Chain, belt and screw-drive openers diagnosed and fixed.
