Garage Door Springs Explained: Torsion vs. Extension & When to Call a Pro

Want this fixed rather than explained? We do garage door spring repair and replacement in London, with the prices published up front.

Why Springs Are the Heart of Your Garage Door System

Your garage door weighs anywhere from 130 to 400 pounds. Every time it opens or closes, it doesn't do so on motor power alone - it relies on the stored mechanical energy in its springs. Springs counterbalance the door's weight so the opener only has to move a fraction of the actual load. Without functioning springs, even the most powerful opener would strain, overheat, and fail within weeks.

Springs are also the component most likely to need replacement during the life of your door. Understanding the two main types, how long they last, what warning signs to watch for, and - critically - why they should never be handled by an untrained homeowner can save you significant expense and keep your family safe.

Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs

Nearly every residential garage door in Canada uses one of two spring types. Knowing which you have helps you understand maintenance needs, replacement costs, and safety considerations.

The Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) - the leading standards body for the garage door industry - recommends that both extension and torsion springs be inspected annually by a qualified technician, and that any broken or visibly worn spring be replaced immediately.

What Is a "Cycle"?

One cycle equals one complete open-and-close of your garage door. A household that uses the garage door four times per day goes through roughly 1,460 cycles per year. At that rate, a standard 10,000-cycle spring lasts approximately 6.8 years. A high-cycle spring rated at 20,000 cycles would last around 13.7 years under the same conditions. When comparing replacement quotes, always ask about the cycle rating of the spring being installed - it is a direct indicator of value and longevity.

Signs Your Spring Has Already Failed

Garage door springs look and perform perfectly right up until the moment they break. There is no visible deterioration to watch for. What you can learn to recognize are the signs that a spring has already failed - so you know immediately what has happened and can avoid using the door until a technician arrives.

• The door only opens a few inches then stops - the opener's safety mechanism detects unusual resistance and halts movement
• The door feels unusually heavy - disconnect the opener and try lifting manually; a balanced door should stay at about waist height with minimal effort
• Visible gap in the spring - a torsion spring that has snapped will show a visible separation in the coil, usually 1–3 inches wide
• Loud bang from the garage - a breaking torsion spring releases significant stored energy with a sound like a gunshot; this is often the first sign homeowners notice
• Uneven movement or cable slack - if one side rises faster than the other or you see slack in the lift cables, a spring on one side may have failed
• Squeaking or grinding from above the door - metal fatigue and coil wear produce noise before full failure; see our guide on noisy garage door solutions

The Critical Safety Warning: Do Not DIY Spring Replacement

Garage door spring replacement is one of the most hazardous home repair tasks a homeowner can attempt. Torsion springs are wound to extreme tension - a standard spring stores enough energy to cause severe lacerations, broken bones, or fatal injury if it releases uncontrollably. DASMA's official maintenance guide explicitly advises homeowners against adjusting, repairing, or replacing springs themselves, noting that even trained technicians use specialized winding bars and follow strict safety protocols.

Extension springs carry a different but equally serious risk: a broken extension spring without a properly installed safety cable can whip across the garage at high speed, striking walls, vehicles, or people. If your door uses extension springs and you are not sure whether safety cables are installed, this should be checked during your next professional service visit.

How Long Does Spring Replacement Take?

For an experienced technician, a standard torsion spring replacement takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours depending on door weight, spring type, and accessibility. Extension spring replacement is typically a little faster since both sides are accessible along the tracks. Most service calls can be booked within 24 hours, and your door is fully operational again before the technician leaves.

Our team at AA Advantage Doors carries a wide range of spring sizes and cycle ratings on every service vehicle, so we rarely need a return trip for parts. Read more about our approach to regular garage door maintenance to keep all components in top condition.

Should You Replace Both Springs at Once?

If your door has two torsion springs and one breaks, replacing both at the same time is the professional recommendation - and the more economical choice. Both springs were installed at the same time, have undergone the same number of cycles, and have experienced similar wear. The second spring is statistically very likely to fail within weeks or months of the first. Replacing both in one service call saves a second labour charge and avoids a second unexpected door failure.

The same logic applies to extension springs, which always come in pairs. Replacing only the broken one leaves a mismatched, worn spring in service on the other side.

Extending Spring Life: What You Can Do

While spring replacement is inevitable, proper maintenance extends service life significantly. The most important step is lubrication. Applying a garage-door-specific spray lubricant to the spring coils twice a year reduces friction between coils and slows metal fatigue. Use a product designed for garage doors - avoid WD-40, which is a solvent and can actually strip protective coatings from the spring.

Beyond lubrication, keeping the door balanced is the single biggest factor in spring longevity. An out-of-balance door places unequal stress on springs, tracks, and the opener. Annual professional tune-ups that include a balance check are the most cost-effective way to protect your investment. For a complete seasonal checklist, see our springtime garage door tune-up guide.

What Does Spring Replacement Cost in London, Ontario?

Prices on this page are before HST.

Spring replacement costs in London typically range from $229 to $320 for a standard residential torsion spring, including parts and labour. High-cycle spring upgrades (20,000+ cycles) run slightly higher but provide substantially better long-term value. Extension spring replacement is generally less expensive per spring but requires replacing both sides. Exact pricing depends on door size, spring specifications, and accessibility.

At AA Advantage Doors, we provide upfront pricing before any work begins, with no surprise charges. We back all spring work with our 4-year workmanship warranty and require no deposit - you pay only when the job is done and you are satisfied. Our BBB accredited track record reflects the trust London homeowners have placed in us since 2009.

When to Call AA Advantage Doors

Call us if you notice any of the signs listed above, hear a loud bang from your garage, or simply cannot remember the last time your springs were inspected. Our technicians will assess both spring condition and overall door balance, provide a clear recommendation, and complete any required work on the same visit in most cases. You can also browse our FAQ for answers to common garage door questions or request a free quote online any time.