7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
If you've ever had your garage door refuse to budge, the culprit was likely a broken spring. Most homeowners in Mulberry don't realize there are two distinct types of garage door springs, and knowing which one yours has could save you from an expensive mistake. Torsion springs and extension springs operate on completely different physics, fail for different reasons, and require very different repair approaches. This guide breaks down both types so you can speak intelligently with a technician and understand what's actually happening above your head.
Your springs do the heavy lifting. A typical garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. Without springs, your garage door opener would burn out immediately. Springs store and release energy, making the door feel weightless when you press the button. They're not a luxury component. They're essential to keeping your system from self-destructing.
Springs wear out because they cycle thousands of times. A typical spring lasts 7 to 9 years with normal use (roughly 10,000 to 15,000 cycles). Every open and close is a cycle. After that lifespan, metal fatigue sets in, and failure becomes inevitable. When a spring snaps, your door either won't open at all or drops dangerously. Both scenarios require immediate professional attention.
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above your garage door opening, running perpendicular to the door itself. They twist or "torque" to lift the door. When you press the opener button, the door's weight causes the spring to wind tighter. As the spring unwinds, it releases energy that counterbalances the door's weight, making it rise smoothly.
This is the most common type in modern homes, especially newer construction in the Mulberry area. Torsion springs are safer, more durable, and smoother. They last longer because the stress is distributed more evenly across the coil.
However, when a torsion spring snaps, you know it immediately. You'll hear a loud bang that sounds like a gunshot. The door becomes extremely heavy and won't open without the spring. Attempting to force it can damage your opener or hurt you. Never try to lift a door with a broken torsion spring yourself.
Extension springs run vertically on both sides of the door, usually inside metal tubes for safety. They stretch and contract to lift the door. When the door is closed, the springs are stretched. When you press the opener, they contract and pull the door upward via cables and pulleys.
Extension springs are older technology. You'll find them in many established homes across Polk County. They're less expensive than torsion springs upfront, but they don't last as long and require more frequent maintenance.
The danger with extension springs is less dramatic but equally serious. When one snaps, the other side keeps working, causing the door to jam sideways. The snapped spring dangles freely, and if you or a family member steps underneath it, the metal can cause severe injury. Safety cables are installed to prevent the spring from flying across your garage, but the hazard is real.
**Need garage door springs in Mulberry today?** Call 863-312-0626. we cover same-day service across the area.
Springs fail because of metal fatigue. Each cycle, the coil loses microscopic tensile strength. Rust accelerates failure, especially in Florida's humidity. If you notice rust on the spring, failure is likely within months.
Poor lubrication also shortens spring life. Springs need silicone-based lubricant every 6 months to reduce friction and corrosion. Dust and debris buildup creates micro-fractures that spread into larger cracks. Extreme temperature swings (common during Florida summers and cold snaps) put additional stress on the metal.
Some springs are simply defective. If your door is less than 5 years old and a spring has failed, contact your installer immediately. Warranty coverage may apply.
If you're unsure whether your springs need attention, read our guide on recognizing snapped garage door springs in Mulberry for specific warning signs.
Look above your garage door opening. If you see one or two horizontal coils mounted perpendicular to the door, you have torsion springs. If you see springs running vertically along the sides inside tubes, you have extension springs.
Never touch a broken spring yourself. Springs under tension can cause serious cuts, broken bones, or eye injuries. Your garage door opener cannot lift the door safely without functioning springs. Attempting to use the opener with a broken spring can damage the motor permanently, leading to a replacement cost far exceeding a simple spring repair.
Regular maintenance catches spring problems before complete failure. A technician inspects for rust, measures spring tension, and applies appropriate lubrication. This simple tune-up extends spring life by years and catches other problems like worn cables or misaligned tracks.
Our garage door maintenance guide walks through what a professional inspection includes and why it matters for your safety.
If your garage door is sluggish, won't close completely, or you've heard grinding noises, springs may be the issue. Don't wait for a complete failure. Contact Garage Door Mulberry to schedule a free quote and let a licensed technician diagnose the problem. We'll explain the cost upfront and answer all your questions before any work begins.
Call 863-312-0626 now or book online. We serve Mulberry, Lakeland, and the surrounding area with fast, honest service.
Can I replace one spring if the other is still working? No. Springs always fail in pairs, even if one is still functional. If one has failed, the other is at the end of its life cycle. Replacing both together ensures balanced door operation and prevents a second failure weeks later.
How much does a garage door spring replacement cost? Torsion spring replacement typically runs $200 to $400 per spring including labor. Extension springs cost $150 to $300 per spring. See our detailed pricing breakdown for spring repairs to understand what you'll pay.
What happens if I use the garage door with a broken spring? The opener will struggle or fail to lift the door. Forcing it can burn out the motor, requiring a $300 to $600 replacement. If the door does open, it may drop suddenly, causing injury or property damage.
How often should springs be inspected? Annual inspections catch rust and wear early. If you use your door heavily (more than 15 times per day), inspect twice yearly. Professional maintenance identifies issues before emergency calls are needed.
Are torsion springs safer than extension springs? Yes. Torsion springs are mounted high and centered, reducing injury risk. Extension springs run along the sides with cables and pulleys, creating more pinch points. Both require professional replacement, but torsion is the safer, modern standard.