Short answer, YES.

When a door is made by the manufacturer, door weight directly determines what the correct spring size is for that door. Door weight to spring size is calculated so closely, that a 10-lb difference will leave a door unbalanced. For a door of average weight, there are 2 different types of springs you can have installed.

2 Types of Springs:

A residential door can either have extension springs or a torsion spring.

Extension Springs are the smaller of the two spring types which means these are installed on smaller garage doors. Extension springs are always installed in pairs. You will see one stretched on each side of the door. Extension springs normally last up to 10,000 cycles on a new garage door.

Torsion Springs are the larger of the two spring types. With torsion springs, one or two will be installed on the garage door depending on the door’s weight.  You will see it on a shaft across the top of the door. Torsion springs also last up to 10,000 cycles on a typical new garage door but you have the option to increase cycles.

When you have a door that is compatible with both spring types, ask yourself how often you use the garage door. The amount of open and close cycles will determine what level of lifespan you need from your door spring(s). We will even show you a simple equation of how you can calculate the number of years a certain spring will last!

Calculate the Lifespan of a Garage Door Spring

A door spring’s lifespan is based on how many times you use your door. When we say ‘use’ your garage door or ‘times in a day’ we are referring to the number of open & close cycles completed.

1 Complete Cycle = The garage door opens and then closes.

If you use your garage door five times a day, your door springs will need to be replaced much sooner than if you were to operate your garage door twice a day.

To calculate how long your current door springs will last, use this equation:

Total Cycle / (Average Cycles in a Day x 365 days) = Spring Lifespan in Years

Example: Let’s say your door springs are manufactured to last 10,000 cycles and you, on average, use your door 4 times a day.

10,000 Cycles / (4 Cycles in a Day x 365 Days) = 7 Years

In our example, this spring will last about 7 years before breaking.

Increasing A Spring Cycle Life

Another difference between extension and torsion springs is that a torsion spring has the flexibility of increasing its cycle count. The cycle count can increase by using a heavier wire and a longer spring length.

Extra-long springs do not need to wind up as tightly as smaller springs which allows them to undergo less tension when in operation. This all means that an extra-long spring will last longer.

Save Money on Garage Door Spring Replacement

You do have the option to increase the number of spring cycles on torsion springs. This is highly recommended when your household operates the garage door frequently throughout the day and the week. Your service technician can even help calculate how much you can increase the spring’s cycle count at the time of replacing your current door springs.

PRO TIP: Always replace both springs at the same time. You save on labor costs by avoiding a second service call whenever the other spring breaks which is usually sooner than later since both springs were installed at the same time.   

It’s true what they say… size does matter when it comes to garage door springs. Call ODW for a free estimate on switching your spring to a higher cycle count.