Garage Door Extension Springs

Learn everything you need to know about garage door extension springs – from how they work and when to replace them to important safety considerations and professional installation options.

Find Garage Door Repair Services

Get a fast & free quote | Schedule your service today


Extension springs are a lower cost option when compared to torsion springs. These attach at either end to your track hanging hardware and to a cable from your door. Most extension springs have a safety cable strung through them to help prevent injuries if they give way.

Being fully informed about the function and proper operation of your garage door springs can help you to navigate any DIY maintenance or repairs. We’ve outlined all of the basics of extension springs here. We at Garage.com are committed to ensuring your safety when attempting any home maintenance and to recommending the top garage door pros near you. Read here to learn more.

What Are Garage Door Extension Springs and How Do They Work?

Extension springs and garage door springs of any type work in tandem with your garage door opener to easily lift and safely lower your doors. Unlike torsion springs, extension springs are side-mounted to your track brackets and to a hanging wheel or spool that winds the garage door cable.

These springs come with weight ratings. You’ll have to get a “dead weight” for your garage door to determine the spring rating you require. Dead weights are calculated by weighing your garage door while in its tracks with no spring tension applied.

Signs Your Garage Door Extension Springs Need Attention

You can diagnose most spring issues through routine visual inspections. We recommend cleaning and lubricating your garage door once every four to six months. This should include conducting a few operation cycles along with looking over all of your hardware and moving parts like rollers hinges.

A few signs that your garage door springs are weak or failing include:

  • Uneven door: If your door is raising or lowering unevenly, it usually means one or both of your springs need replacement. Noise often accompanies this, as your door rollers will scrape against the tracks while in use.
  • Labored operation: Springs assist the garage door opener to make raising and lowering less stressful on your system as a whole. If your opener is handling the entire weight of your door, it can lead to more costly repairs.
  • Visible rust buildup: Rust can be a sign of a weakened or compromised spring. Routinely lubricating your spring with a silicone or white lithium product and cleaning it of debris will allow you to maximize its lifespan.
  • Noisy operation: Noise is a harbinger of many other issues. This can include loose or damaged hardware, rusty springs, a compromised opener and more. Conduct full inspections of your door if you notice increased noise.

Remember that extension springs usually last between 8,000 and 10,000 cycles. This is usually seven to 10 years. Once you begin to approach this, it’s worth contacting one of our top licensed pros to handle any replacement tasks.

Extension Springs vs. Torsion Springs: Understanding the Differences

Often, extension springs are a cheaper option than torsion components. This is the primary reason why some homeowners opt for these in their garages, as torsion springs offer quieter operation, longer lifespans and higher lift capacities. In addition to this, these springs are compatible with a greater range of opener types, including jackshaft openers: a much quieter alternative to conventional systems.

Both springs provide tension to offset your garage door’s weight. Torsion springs operate through winding around a central bar. The more tightly-wound a spring is, the greater the force it can exert on your door. Extension springs are far simpler by comparison, and help to lift your door via pulling force.

DIY Maintenance Tips for Garage Door Extension Springs

Visual inspections  are a homeowner’s responsibility when maintaining any garage door opener system. This includes the opener itself, hardware and moving parts and the door panels. 

Inspect and clean your door and opening system every four to six months while investigating any abnormal sounds that may come from your doors while in operation. Extension springs don’t require lubricant to operate properly, but we still recommend doing so to repel rust and dirt. A light layer of silicone or white lithium solution should suffice; you should always keep a cleaning rag on hand to wipe away any excess liquid.

Note that any breaks or gaps in your springs always require professional attention. 

Choosing the Right Extension Springs for Your Garage Door

If you’ve determined that you need to replace the springs on your door, you should be aware of requirements to look for in a new spring. First, you’ll have to note whether the ends of your springs have visual color coding. These are indicative of its maximum lift capacity. Note that torsion springs also have color codes, which correspond to their wire diameter rather than actual lift capacity.

ColorPounds
White10/110/210
Green20/120/220
Yellow30/130/230
Blue40/140/240
Red50/150/250
Brown60/160/260
Orange70/170/270
Gold80/180/280
Light Blue90/190/290
Tan100/200/300

If your springs don’t have a discernible color on their ends, you’ll have to get a dead weight for your garage door to determine your required spring tension requirements. You have to fully release spring tension from your doors to accurately measure this, so we recommend getting professional assistance.

Common Questions About Garage Door Extension Springs

Extension springs come with three main types of ends: single-loop, double-loop and clipped ends. These usually appear on springs with differing lift capacities. Single loops are a serviceable option for lighter metal doors, while clipped ends are the most durable choice for heavier doors.

Loud banging noises from your garage door during operation are usually the first sign of spring damage. After you hear these sounds, you’ll often be able to see a gap or break in your springs. Other signs include grinding noises from your tracks and rollers, straining from your opener and visible sagging on one side of your garage door.

We always recommend replacing both springs if one breaks. Prolonged operation with one broken spring can weaken the functional one, making a double replacement necessary.

garage repair service provider repairing a garage door track

Get Your Free Quote and Schedule Your Garage Repair Today

Find top-rated companies for fast garage repairs and service to make sure your garage door system lasts. Get free quotes from garage door companies in your area.

Tips and Expert Advice for Your Garage

Stay informed with expert advice on garage door maintenance, garage door service, garage door replacement, and upgrades. Explore our blog for guides, troubleshooting tips, and more.

A modern suburban house with a parked car on the driveway with closed garage door unable to open.

Why Your Garage Door Won’t Open

Is Your Garage Door Stuck? Don’t let a stubborn garage door that won’t open ruin your day. The most frequent reason for a door refusing to open? A simple power issue, like a tripped circuit breaker. Often, flipping that breaker back on is the only fix needed. This guide will walk you through the steps to identify and resolve common reasons garage doors get stuck down, so you’re not left waiting outside or unable to move your car.
A sunlit suburban house with a garage and palm trees in the driveway during the summer heat.

How to Insulate a Garage Door

Struggling with a garage that’s too hot or too cold? Insulating your garage door can solve this. Learn how to easily do it yourself using foam board or insulation kits. To insulate your garage door just measure, cut, and attach to the door panels for a more comfortable and energy-efficient space. Get the full guide for DIY tips and tricks here.
Homeowner opening garage with remote garage door opener form driveway

Best Garage Door Openers: Complete Buying Guide & Top Recommendations

Choosing the right garage door opener involves weighing multiple factors including drive type, horsepower, noise level, and smart home capabilities, with options ranging from budget-friendly chain drives to high-tech jackshaft systems. Find the best garage door opener whether you’re looking for enhanced security, quieter operation, or convenient features.
garage door technician installing a direct drive garage door opener

Direct Drive Garage Door Opener

Explore direct drive garage door openers, renowned for their quiet operation and reliability, featuring German-engineered technology that offers superior lifting capacity and minimal maintenance for modern homes.
Bright suburban home with classic architecture and multiple garage doors

Standard Garage Door Sizes

Navigating the world of garage door sizes can be overwhelming, from single and double door dimensions to specialized sizes for RVs and boats. Standard garage doors are usually 7-8 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide. Whether you’re renovating, building, or simply curious, find the perfect garage door size for your home and vehicle with our detailed charts and measurement tips.
garage door service provider applying garage door lubrication to springs

How to Lubricate a Garage Door

Want a garage door that opens without a racket? This guide walks you through lubricating all the moving parts so your door runs smooth and quiet. You’ll learn exactly what to lube, what not to lube, and how to do it right. Plus, we’ve got some simple tips to keep your door in top shape and save you from expensive fixes down the road.
Homeowner pulling manual garage door release cord in order to operate garage door manually without power or automatic opener.

How to Open Your Garage Door Manually

Power outages or mechanical failures don’t have to trap you. Follow simple steps to manually open your garage door: just find the emergency release cord, pull it to disengage, and then lift the door. For a full breakdown, including safety tips and reconnection instructions, dive into our comprehensive manual.
Carriage House Garage Doors installed on traditional new home

Carriage House Garage Doors

Carriage house garage doors combine the classic look of barn doors with modern engineering for enhanced home aesthetics and functionality. These durable doors, often made of steel or composite to resemble wood, offer customization in design, hardware, and insulation, providing an elegant and long-lasting upgrade to any home’s exterior.
A modern suburban home at dusk, beautifully lit with exterior lights and three garage doors.

 Screw Drive Garage Door Opener

Quiet, powerful, and built for heavy lifting, screw drive garage door openers offer unique advantages despite their declining popularity. Discover how they work, their pros and cons, and whether one is right for your garage.
Beautiful two-story home with garage in a serene neighborhood, perfect for families.

Sectional Garage Doors

Unlock the secrets of sectional garage doors! Discover why they’re the top choice for homeowners, from space-saving design to endless customization. This guide covers everything from materials and insulation to installation and maintenance.
A stylish green two-story suburban house with white trim and tilt-up garages on a sunny street corner.

Tilt-Up Garage Doors

Thinking of adding a unique touch to your home? Discover the charm of tilt-up garage doors, a stylish alternative that blends vintage appeal with modern functionality. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the benefits, types, and considerations of these one-piece wonders, helping you decide if they’re the perfect fit for your garage. Learn about everything from materials to maintenance and transform your home’s facade.
New Clopay modern garage doors featuring right side frosted glass inserts, 4 panels, faux wood, oak colored

Contemporary Garage Doors

Elevate modern living with sleek contemporary garage doors, fusing minimalist aesthetics with advanced smart technology and diverse materials for striking curb appeal and unparalleled functionality.
Linear garage door openers logo

Linear Garage Door Openers

Thinking about a Linear garage door opener will bring a smile to a homeowner’s face as the product is one of high quality known for its quiet nature, durability and low maintenance. In this guide, we’ll explore what a Linear garage door opener is and how it differs from others on the market.