There are 2 different types of garage door springs. Torsion springs – Torsion springs are tubular and attach to metal pole above door opening. Extension springs – Extension springs are found on sides of door or run along sides on top of track. Solid one-piece doors have springs attached to the hinges on either side of garage door.

Torsion springs are rated by cycles

Anytime garage door springs break the spring has reached the end of its life. Torsion springs are rated by cycles. (Cycles: 1 cycle is equal to a garage door opening and closing one time.) Most torsion springs are rated between 10000 and 15000 cycles). Extension springs break for the same reasons. Garage doors within 2 miles of ocean coastline will rust much quicker than normal. Springs normally do not break for any other reasons.

All spring replacements should be done by a technician

for safety purposes. Try not to open a garage door with broken springs. It just causes more damage to door or door opener.

Springs are the most commonly replaced parts. Whenever I arrive for service calls the first thing I look is for broken springs.

No matter how mechanically inclined you may be you should never attempt to unwind or replace springs yourself, EVER. There is usually a warning tag that hangs from spring bracket. It will read. Do not touch these springs. May cause serious bodily injury or DEATH