No, you do not always need two torsion springs, but it is highly recommended for most setups. Lightweight or single-car garage doors (up to 10 feet wide) typically only need one. However, double-wide doors or heavier doors usually require a pair of springs to safely and evenly balance the weight.
Most garage doors have the space for springs with a longer cycle life. Because of the design of springs, the homeowner tends to have more cycle life options when he installs two torsion springs instead of just one.
A) This depends on the weight of your garage door. Most commonly if you have a single car 9x7 garage door these will only have one torsion spring. We recommend any door that weighs over 150lbs to have a pair of springs.
Generally speaking though, when you have a double car garage door that is 16ft and over wide we will recommend converting to a pair of springs if you currently only have a single. There are several benefits that come with this: 1) The springs will last longer.
Torsion Springs typically last longer, with 10,000–15,000 cycles. For example, opening and closing your door four times a day would give a torsion spring a lifespan of about 7–10 years. Extension Springs wear out faster, averaging 5,000–10,000 cycles—roughly 3–5 years with regular use.
No two garage doors are exactly alike, which is why spring repair pricing can differ from one home to another. Factors such as door weight, spring type, and installation complexity all play a role. Local labor rates, service availability, and the urgency of the repair also influence cost.
Repairing garage doors, particularly replacing torsion springs, is dangerous work, whether you are a do-it-yourself homeowner or an experienced technician. It is impossible to cover every dangerous situation you may encounter.
Long Life Torsion Springs
By using larger springs, you can, in most cases, quadruple your spring life while only doubling the cost of the springs. You will also avoid extra work down the road. The industry standard is 10-15,000 cycles for new doors.
While WD-40 has many valuable applications, it is not recommended to use it on your garage door's springs. The best way to keep your garage door springs lasting throughout the years is to lubricate them 1-2 times annually with either white lithium or silicone-based spray.
The most common reason is a broken spring. Without it, the opener can't lift the heavy weight of the door. Look for a torsion spring split in half, an extension spring stretched or broken, or test a TorqueMaster system by manually lifting the door. If it feels very heavy, the spring is broken.
Is it worth repairing a 20-year-old garage door opener? Generally, it's not. Garage door openers typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. A new opener is often a better purchase because it comes with updated safety features and runs more quietly.
To open a garage door manually with a broken spring, pull the red emergency release cord to disconnect the automatic opener, then lift the door slowly with help, as it will be extremely heavy.
Average Garage Door Spring Repair Costs
Torsion springs: $150–$350 per spring, including parts and labor. Extension springs: $100–$200 per spring, slightly less expensive but less durable. Two-spring systems: $200–$400 for both springs, often replaced together for balance.
If you only replace the one, it will typically result in the door becoming crooked or even jamming. With torsion springs, the recommendation is to replace both, but it is not as critical. A torsion spring can work well if one is new and the other is old.
Is it common for garage door springs to break? Yes, garage door springs do commonly break and need to be replaced an average of every 8.5 years or 10,000 opening and closing cycles. After years of use and exposure, the constant stress they're under weakens them.
It usually ranges from £100-300 depending on your vehicle, and you can pay online.
Coated torsion springs are the best option for your garage door. Torsion springs are safer than extension springs and often last twice as long. Coating on a torsion spring makes it last even longer than a regular torsion spring.
🔺 You should not use regular WD-40 on garage door rollers, as it is a solvent, not a long-lasting lubricant, and can attract dirt and dry out components. Instead, use a silicone-based spray or a white lithium grease to lubricate the rollers, hinges, and springs for a smooth and quiet operation.
On average, you should plan to budget around $2,171 for a single-car garage door or $3,478 for a two-car garage door. If you're looking to use premium materials, designer styles, or additional features like insulation or automation, you may need as much as $3,498 (single door) or $4,522 (double door).
The length of the torsion spring often correlates with its life cycle. A longer spring doesn't just affect the door's operation; it can also indicate a longer lifespan, meaning fewer replacements over time.