Your garage door likely only has one torsion spring because it is a standard single-car door, or it was built with a heavier, single-spring system to cut costs during installation. Torsion springs are sized by their wire gauge and length to perfectly counter the weight of the door.
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.
Yes, a garage door can operate with one spring, but whether it's a single spring system by design or a dual-spring system with one broken spring changes the situation entirely.
Longevity – By distributing the weight of the garage door between two torsion springs instead of the traditional single spring, they not only have an easier time lifting the door, but those springs will last longer too. That means fewer repair calls to the overhead door company.
For a standard residential garage door, a common rule of thumb is to apply 11𝟏 full turn per foot of door height, plus an additional 0.50.5𝟎.𝟓 of a turn. For example, a standard 7-foot tall door typically requires about 7.5 full turns.
No, you should not use standard WD-40 on garage door springs. Standard WD-40 is a water displacer and degreaser, not a lubricant. It will wash away existing grease, cause the springs to dry out, and can even attract dust and dirt.
To check if your garage door springs are properly adjusted, disengage the opener and manually operate the door. A perfectly balanced door will take under 10 pounds of effort to lift and will remain stationary at any height. If the door slams shut or flies open, the springs require adjustment.
How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last? The lifespan of garage door springs depends on their type and how often the door is used. 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.
Yes, you can manually open a garage door with a broken spring, but it is extremely dangerous and requires significant physical effort. A standard garage door weighs between 100 to 350+ pounds, and the springs are specifically designed to bear that weight.
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.
A matching set of garage door springs ensures both springs are lifting equally. This reduces wear and maximizes the lifespan of your entire garage door system. With the correct wire size, length, and inside diameter, the springs will be perfectly balanced for your door's weight and size.
To identify a garage door torsion spring, determine its location (mounted on a metal shaft above the closed door) and locate the four key specifications: wire size, inside diameter, overall length, and wind direction.
Typically, replacing just one spring is acceptable, but be aware that the vehicle may not sit as evenly as it did previously due to having one new spring and one old spring. This isn't a safety issue; it's primarily related to appearance.
Yes, a garage door can operate with one spring, but whether it's a single spring system by design or a dual-spring system with one broken spring changes the situation entirely.
Garage door torsion springs sit on a shaft above the door and use a twisting motion to provide lifting power. Extension springs stretch out along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. Torsion springs are generally safer, last longer, and provide smoother operation, while extension springs are more affordable upfront.
The optimal spring for your door is going to give you the same lifespan whether you go with the perfectly sized option or if you went three sizes up and underwound it. Both will last roughly the same number of cycles before needing replacement. So really, trying to beef up your spring system isn't the smart play.
Yes, you can open a garage door with a broken torsion spring, but you should not use the automatic motor. Doing so risks stripping the motor gears or burning it out. Manually lifting is possible, but a broken spring makes a 150-pound door feel like 300+ pounds, turning it into a severe hazard.
Does home insurance cover garage door springs? Whether home insurance covers garage door springs depends on your policy and how the spring was damaged. If your policy covers your garage and the spring breaks due to a covered peril, it should cover garage spring repair.
Yes, you can replace a garage door spring yourself if you are an experienced DIYer with the right tools, but it is highly dangerous. Springs are under immense tension. Mishandling them can lead to severe injury, property damage, or worse. Always prioritize safety by wearing protective gear and proceeding cautiously.
No, you should not use standard WD-40 on garage door springs. Standard WD-40 is a water displacer and degreaser, not a lubricant. It will wash away existing grease, cause the springs to dry out, and can even attract dust and dirt.
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.
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.
For standard two-car garage doors (16 feet wide), two torsion springs are strongly recommended. Single springs are often installed by builders to cut costs, but upgrading to a dual-spring system improves balance, safety, and longevity. Single springs are only sufficient for smaller, single-car doors (10 feet wide or less).
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.