Garage door springs are typically located on the upper part of the garage door, either above or to the sides of the door itself. There are two main types of springs: torsion springs, which are mounted horizontally above the door, and extension springs, which are found on either side of the door, extending and contracting as the door opens and closes. These springs play a critical role in the door's operation, providing the necessary counterbalance to help lift the heavy door with ease. Proper maintenance of these springs is essential for the smooth functioning of the garage door system. Where the springs sit also depends on the type of door. On sectional and panel lift doors, the torsion springs run across a steel shaft at the top of the opening, inside the garage. Roller doors and tilt doors are different again.
Roller Doors
On a roller door the springs are hidden inside the drum at the top of the opening, the part the door rolls up around. They're wound with tension to balance the weight of the door. Over time they lose some of that tension, which is why an older roller door can start to feel heavy and may need re-tensioning.
Tilt Doors
Tilt doors, the one-piece doors that pivot up and out, use springs mounted on each side of the door frame. They're attached to the lifting arms and stretch as the door closes.
Signs a garage door spring has broken
The most common sign is a loud bang from the garage when nobody was using the door. After that, the door usually feels very heavy, won't stay up when you lift it by hand, or opens a little way and stops while the opener strains. On a sectional door you may see a gap in one of the springs above the opening. A door that sits crooked or closes faster than usual can also point to a spring or cable problem.
Why spring repairs aren't a DIY job
Garage door springs hold a lot of stored energy. If a spring or the hardware holding it lets go while you're working on it, it can cause serious injury. The right spring also depends on your door's size and weight, and the wrong one leaves the door out of balance and puts extra strain on the opener. You'll see springs for sale at hardware stores, but fitting them safely takes the right tools and experience. If you think a spring has broken, leave the door where it is, don't keep pressing the remote, and call a technician.
How long do garage door springs last?
Springs are rated for a set number of open and close cycles, so the more often you use the door, the sooner they wear out. Rust and a lack of maintenance shorten their life. On doors with two torsion springs, when one breaks the other is usually not far behind, which is why many technicians replace both at once.
Looking after your springs
You shouldn't adjust springs yourself, but you can watch for early warning signs. Look for rust or gaps in the coils, listen for new noises, and notice if the door starts to feel heavier than it used to. A regular service picks up worn springs and frayed cables before they fail.
Broken spring? We can help
Southern Highlands Doors repairs garage doors and roller doors across Macarthur, Wollondilly and the Southern Highlands, including broken springs. See a recent broken spring replacement in Moss Vale, then call Kade on 0477 232 977 or request a quote online. If your door won't open at all, our step-by-step guide covers what to check first.
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Almost all home garage doors do. Sectional doors usually have torsion springs above the opening, roller doors have springs inside the drum, and tilt doors have springs on each side of the frame.
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Springs aren't in our online shop. The right spring depends on your door's size and weight, and fitting one safely takes a trained technician. If a spring has broken, we replace it as part of a repair.
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No. Without a working spring the door is very heavy and can drop suddenly, and running the opener can damage it. Leave the door where it is and call us.
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Roller door springs slowly lose tension. If your door is harder to lift than it used to be, the springs may need re-tensioning. Book a service and we'll check it.
