Key Takeaways
- Torsion and extension springs do the same basic job, but they work in different ways.
- A broken spring can make your garage door heavy, uneven, or unsafe to use.
- Spring replacement should be handled by a trained technician because the springs hold strong tension.
Introduction
A garage door can appear to be in perfect condition until one of its springs breaks. Then the door may feel unusually heavy, refuse to open, or sit crooked. If you are searching for garage door springs in Phoenix, AZ, knowing which spring your door uses can help you understand the repair you need and why it matters.
What Is a Torsion Spring?
A torsion spring sits above the garage door and twists as the door moves. That stored energy helps lift the door and keeps its movement balanced. You will usually see the spring mounted on a metal shaft above the top section of the door.
Torsion systems are common on residential garage doors. They can provide controlled movement, but the spring is under high tension. If it breaks, you may hear a loud snap and notice a visible gap in the spring.
What Is an Extension Spring?
Extension springs are usually installed along the horizontal tracks on each side of the door. They stretch and contract as the door opens and closes.
Instead of twisting around a shaft, these springs extend to help counterbalance the door. They also work with other hardware, so a problem with a spring, cable, or track can affect the way the whole door moves.
Torsion vs. Extension Springs: What’s the Difference?
The main difference is how each spring stores and releases energy. Torsion springs twist around a shaft, while extension springs stretch along the tracks.
That difference changes the hardware around the spring and the way a technician approaches the repair. If you need garage door spring repair in Phoenix, the first step is identifying the system and checking the complete door, not simply replacing the broken part.
How Can You Tell Which Spring You Have?
Check for leaks above a closed garage door. Is a long spring running over the top of the door a torsion spring, or are the springs on the sidetracks of the horizontal track’s extension springs?
Never attempt to pull, cut, remove, or adjust garage door springs yourself, as they operate under significant tension and can cause serious injury. Get a trained service professional to look at your springs and make sure that your cables and rollers, the tracks, and other components of your door are in good working order.
What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks?
A broken spring can cause a door that would normally lift easily to become difficult or even impossible to open. The door may feel heavier than normal or even stop in the middle of its travel. Additionally, the door may not be hanging level.
Just because your garage door opener still sounds like it is functioning properly does not mean that you should continue to use a broken spring.
These parts can often be repaired by a professional, who can assess and repair any damage to get you back to normal operation.
When Should You Call for Repair?
Call for professional garage door repair service if you hear a sudden snap, see a broken or stretched spring, or find that the door will not open normally. Avoid trying to replace the spring yourself.
Elite Garage Doors & Gates handles both torsion and extension spring repairs throughout Arizona. The company also provides residential garage door repair, opener service, installation, and emergency help. For homeowners searching for garage door springs in Phoenix, AZ, local service can make it easier to get the right spring matched to the door.
Why Proper Spring Matching Matters
Not all springs are created equal. The correct replacement spring must match your garage door’s weight, dimensions, and counterbalance system to ensure safe, balanced operation. Because it is important to ensure that all parts of a garage door system are in balance, a professional garage door repair service will provide an inspection of all parts before attempting to change a spring.
Need garage door spring repair in Phoenix? Have us come out and give your garage door a complete inspection for other potential problems before they cause more problems with your door.
FAQs
Can I Replace a Garage Door Spring Myself?
It is safer to leave spring replacement to a trained technician. Springs hold significant tension, and incorrect handling can cause serious injury.
Are Torsion Springs Better Than Extension Springs?
Neither is automatically better. The right system depends on the garage door design and existing hardware.
How Do I Know When I Need Garage Door Spring Repair in Phoenix?
If the door is suddenly heavy, crooked, stuck, or making an unusual snap, the spring may be damaged. Have the system inspected before continuing to use it.
Does Elite Garage Doors & Gates Serve Phoenix?
Yes. Elite has a Phoenix location and provides garage door services across Arizona, including spring repair and emergency service.
Final Thoughts
Understanding whether your door is operated by torsion springs or extension springs can help you identify what is wrong with your door not functioning properly. We can inspect your door and recommend the best replacement part and complete the repair to get you back on track. Elite Garage Doors & Gates provides complete garage door repair service throughout Arizona and offers garage door springs in Phoenix, AZ, along with repair for other problems with your garage door.
