Before you call anyone about a repair, it helps to know which type of spring your door uses. The two systems work differently, wear differently, and cost different amounts to fix. Here is how to tell them apart in under a minute.
Torsion Springs: The Overhead System
Torsion springs mount on a metal shaft that runs horizontally above the garage door opening, usually centered right over the door. Instead of stretching, a torsion spring twists. As the door closes, the spring winds tighter, storing energy. As the door opens, that stored energy releases and does most of the lifting work, which is why a properly balanced door with good torsion springs can be lifted by hand with surprisingly little effort.
Most homes built in Coral Springs since the 1990s use torsion springs, including many of the newer developments around Coral Springs Drive and the communities near Heron Bay and Wyndham Lakes. Builders shifted toward torsion systems because they last longer, offer smoother operation, and put less strain on the door's cables.
To check if you have a torsion spring, look directly above the door on the inside of the garage. You should see a single spring, or sometimes two side by side, mounted on a metal bar with cables running down to drums on either end.
Extension Springs: The Side Mounted System
Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door, above where the door travels when open. Instead of twisting, they stretch, extending and contracting as the door moves. This system was standard in older construction and still shows up in many established Coral Springs neighborhoods, including parts of Ramblewood and older sections around Royal Palm Boulevard.
Extension springs require a safety cable threaded through the center of each spring. Without that cable, a spring that snaps under tension can become a projectile, since there is nothing to contain the sudden release of stored energy. If your door has extension springs and you cannot see a cable running through them, have a technician check this immediately. It is a straightforward and inexpensive safety upgrade.
To check if you have extension springs, look along the horizontal tracks above the door on each side. You will see a stretched spring running parallel to the track, roughly the same length as the track itself.
Why the Difference Matters for Repair
Torsion springs require a winding bar and precise tension control to install safely, since the spring holds most of its stored energy while being wound onto the shaft. Extension springs are generally considered somewhat easier to replace, but they still hold significant tension and require the same level of caution, plus the added step of installing or replacing the safety cable.
Neither type is a safe do it yourself repair. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has tracked tens of thousands of garage door related injuries treated in emergency rooms each year, and a meaningful share involve spring related incidents. Both spring types can cause serious injury if handled without the correct tools and training.
Which One Lasts Longer in Coral Springs
Both spring types face the same environmental pressure here. Average relative humidity in this part of Broward County runs between 67 and 78 percent depending on the month, and that moisture accelerates rust on any exposed metal coil, torsion or extension. In a dry climate, either type might last 10 to 15 years. In Coral Springs, and in nearby Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, and Tamarac, most springs of either type need replacement closer to the 7 to 10 year mark.
Torsion springs generally hold up slightly better over time because the shaft and coil sit above the door, away from direct contact with anything at floor level. Extension springs mounted lower along the track can pick up more dust and debris, which can accelerate wear on the coil surface.
Can You Switch From One System to the Other
Yes, and many homeowners upgrading an older door choose to convert from extension springs to a torsion system during a full door replacement or major repair. Torsion systems offer smoother, quieter operation and typically require less long term maintenance. This conversion involves more than swapping the spring itself, since the header above the door needs enough clearance to mount the torsion shaft, so it is worth discussing with a technician before deciding.
What to Tell a Technician on the Phone
If you call for a repair, knowing your spring type in advance helps the technician arrive with the right parts. Mention whether you see one spring centered above the door, or two springs running along the side tracks. If you are not sure, a quick photo sent ahead of the appointment usually answers the question in seconds.
Serving Coral Springs and Nearby Communities
Spring Door FL repairs and replaces both torsion and extension spring systems throughout Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, and Tamarac. Our trucks carry common sizes for both systems, so most repairs are completed in a single visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which spring type my garage door has?
Look above the door. A single spring on a horizontal bar directly over the opening is a torsion spring. Two springs stretched along the tracks on either side are extension springs.
Is one spring type safer than the other?
Both require professional handling due to stored tension. Extension springs need a safety cable to prevent the spring from becoming a projectile if it breaks, so confirm that cable is present if you have this system.
Which spring type is more common in newer homes?
Torsion springs are standard in most homes built since the 1990s, including much of the newer construction across Coral Springs. Extension springs still appear in older homes that have not been upgraded.
Do torsion springs cost more to replace than extension springs?
Pricing is similar for standard residential doors, though torsion spring replacement can cost slightly more due to the precision required for winding and balancing. Both typically fall within the $150 to $330 range depending on whether one or both springs need replacement.
Can I convert my extension spring door to a torsion system?
Yes, this is a common upgrade during a full door replacement. It requires enough header clearance above the door for the torsion shaft, so a technician should evaluate your garage before you commit to the switch.