Portland, Oregon
Torsion vs. Extension Springs: What Portland Homeowners Need to Know
Your garage door has either torsion springs or extension springs. Knowing which type you have tells you a lot about what broke, what it'll cost to fix, and what to expect from the repair.
How to tell which type you have
Stand inside your garage facing the door and look up. This takes about five seconds.
Torsion spring
Most common in Portland homes built after ~1985
You'll see a single horizontal metal bar mounted above the door opening, running parallel to the top of the door. One or two tightly coiled springs wrap around this bar. The springs are usually 18–36 inches long and have visible coils when the door is closed.
- ✓Longer lifespan — 10,000–20,000 cycles standard
- ✓More controlled operation — smoother, quieter
- ✓Safer when it breaks — contained by the shaft
- —Costs more to replace: $200–$400 per spring
- —Requires a technician — high-tension repair
Extension springs
Common in older Portland homes and some newer construction
You'll see two springs — one on each side of the door — running horizontally along the upper tracks. They're typically 24–36 inches long when relaxed and stretch out (extend) as the door closes. Often have a safety cable running through the center.
- ✓Less expensive to replace: $160–$280 per spring
- ✓Easier to visually inspect for wear
- —Shorter lifespan — ~7,500 cycles typically
- —Can be more dangerous when they snap
- —Require replacement in pairs
How each spring type works
Torsion springs
A torsion spring works by storing energy through twisting — torsion means rotation. When the door closes, the spring winds up tighter. When you open the door, that stored rotational energy unwinds and helps lift the door's weight. The spring transfers this force through the metal shaft to the cable drums on each side, which wind the cables that lift the door.
This is why a broken torsion spring is so recognizable: the door suddenly becomes very heavy, because the motor or your arms have to lift the full weight of the door without any spring assist. A standard two-car garage door weighs 150–250 pounds — a broken torsion spring means none of that weight is counterbalanced.
Extension springs
Extension springs store energy by stretching — they extend as the door closes and snap back to help pull the door up as it opens. They're simpler mechanically and have fewer components, but the stretching motion puts a different kind of stress on the metal that leads to fatigue faster than the twisting stress on torsion springs.
A safety cable running through the center of each extension spring is important. If an extension spring snaps without a safety cable, it can fly off the track with significant force. If your extension springs don't have safety cables, having them added during a repair is worth the small additional cost.
Which is more common in Portland?
The majority of Portland-area homes built after 1985 have torsion springs. The shift happened as torsion spring systems became the industry standard for residential doors due to their longer lifespan and safer failure mode.
Older Portland neighborhoods — particularly the Craftsman bungalows and mid-century homes in Sellwood, Irvington, Laurelhurst, and Mt. Tabor — are more likely to have extension springs, especially if the garage was original to the house or converted from a carriage house. Homes in Gresham and east Portland with original 1970s garages also frequently have extension springs.
Can you switch from extension to torsion?
Yes, and it's a relatively common upgrade in Portland. The conversion requires installing the torsion bar, drums, cables, and new spring — plus the correct spring size for your door's weight. In the Portland market, a full conversion typically runs $400–$700 depending on door weight and whether any track hardware needs to be modified.
The main reason to convert is lifespan and safety. If you have extension springs on an older home and they're reaching end of life, it's worth asking about converting rather than replacing like-for-like.
What happens when a spring breaks
Torsion spring failure
A snapped torsion spring usually announces itself with a loud bang — the stored tension releases suddenly. The spring separates at the break, often leaving a visible gap in the coil. The door becomes very heavy immediately and the opener will strain and stop. Don't force it.
Extension spring failure
Extension springs can snap loudly or quietly depending on how much tension remains. Without a safety cable, a failed extension spring can fly across the garage. With a cable, it stays contained. Either way, the door will sag on one side and lose the ability to open smoothly.
After a torsion spring breaks
Check for a gap in the spring above the door. If you see one, the spring has snapped. Do not run the opener. Disengage it and leave the door in whatever position it's in until a technician arrives. Trying to lift it manually requires two people and should be done carefully.
After an extension spring breaks
Look along each track for a spring that's hanging loose or has come off its hook. If the safety cable is intact, the spring will still be in the track. Don't attempt to reattach it yourself — extension springs under load are dangerous. Call for service.