Safety First
Garage door springs store extreme tension. This article is for information only. Never attempt to adjust, wind or replace springs yourself. Always call a licensed technician.
Springs are the muscle of a garage door system. They counterbalance the weight of the door panel — which can be 80 to 200 kilograms depending on the door size and material — allowing the motor to open and close the door easily. Understanding how your spring system works helps you recognise failure symptoms early, ask informed questions when a technician visits, and make better decisions about replacement options.
Torsion Springs — How They Work
Torsion springs are the most common spring type in modern Gold Coast homes. They mount horizontally above the garage door opening on a metal shaft, with one spring (or sometimes two for heavier doors) wound tightly around the shaft. When the door closes, the spring winds tighter, storing energy. When the door opens, the spring unwinds, releasing that stored energy to assist the motor in lifting the panel.
The spring is attached at each end — one end fixed to a stationary cone anchored to the wall bracket in the centre of the shaft, and the other end to a winding cone that is secured to the torsion shaft. Cables run from drums at the ends of the shaft down to brackets at the bottom corners of the door, transmitting the spring force to the door panel.
When a torsion spring breaks, it typically stays on the shaft — it simply separates into two sections. This is safer than an extension spring failure, though still potentially dangerous. The bang of a torsion spring breaking is loud — often described as sounding like a gunshot inside the garage.
Extension Springs — How They Work
Extension springs are the older spring type, still found in many homes across the Gold Coast built before the 1990s. They run along the horizontal sections of track above the door on each side. When the door closes, the springs stretch (extend), storing energy. When the door opens, the springs contract, pulling the door upward via a pulley and cable system.
Extension springs carry a significant safety risk when they break. Without safety cables running through the spring (which most modern installations include), a broken extension spring can become a dangerous projectile, shooting across the garage at high speed. If you have extension springs without safety cables, have them fitted immediately — it is an inexpensive safety upgrade.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Torsion Springs | Extension Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Above door opening on horizontal shaft | Along side tracks above door |
| Typical lifespan | 10,000–25,000 cycles | 7,000–15,000 cycles |
| Safety when broken | Stays on shaft (safer) | Can become projectile without safety cables |
| Door balance | More precise | Less consistent |
| Common in Gold Coast | Most homes built post-1995 | Older homes pre-1995 |
| Replacement cost | Moderate | Lower (but less durable) |
Spring Cycle Life and Gold Coast Conditions
Standard residential springs are rated for 10,000 cycles. One cycle equals one open and one close. For a family home that uses the garage as the main entry point, you might complete 4–6 cycles per day — meaning standard springs have roughly 5–7 years of useful life at that usage rate.
Gold Coast conditions reduce this further. Coastal salt air causes internal corrosion in spring coils that is not visible externally. Springs in beachside suburbs may begin to show fatigue at 70–80% of their rated cycle life. Annual lubrication slows this process significantly, but does not eliminate it. We recommend high-cycle springs (rated 25,000+ cycles) for high-use households or coastal properties where getting maximum life from the spring system is a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which spring type is better — torsion or extension?
Torsion springs are generally considered superior for residential use. They last longer, provide better door balance, are safer when they break (they stay on the shaft rather than flying), and are more predictable in their wear.
Can I upgrade from extension springs to torsion springs?
Yes, in most cases. Torsion spring conversion requires a different header bracket and shaft setup, but is often worthwhile for the improved balance and longevity. We assess feasibility on-site.
My spring broke — can I still open the door?
The door will be extremely heavy without spring counterbalance. Do not attempt to force it open with the motor, as this can damage the drive and the door. Some doors can be carefully lifted manually with two people — call us first for advice specific to your door type.
How do I know what size spring I need?
Spring sizing is based on the door's weight, height and width plus the wire gauge and inside diameter of the spring. It is not a measurement a homeowner can safely take while the door is operational. Our technicians measure correctly on-site.