If you type “how many springs does my garage door need” into Google at 2 a.m. while staring at a crooked door, you are not alone. Coopers Garage Door Repair answers that exact question every day across Dallas, Plano, Irving, and Garland. Below you will learn the correct spring count for almost every residential door, why the number matters, and when to call a professional.
How Many Springs Does My Garage Door Need in Dallas TX?
The short answer: most single-car doors use one torsion spring, and most double-car doors use two. Extension-spring systems follow the same rule; one spring per side, so a double door still has two. Yet door weight, track radius, and wind-load requirements can shift the count to three or even four high-cycle springs. Keep reading to see where your Dallas home fits.
Single-Car vs. Double-Car Doors: the Spring Math
- 8 ft or 9 ft wide single door: 1 torsion spring (standard ½ hp opener)
- 16 ft double door: 2 torsion springs for balance and 20,000-cycle life
- Heavy wood or insulated carriage style: 2–3 springs to offset 300+ lb weight
- High-lift or vertical-lift tracks common in Dallas garages with attic storage: add an extra spring to reduce cable fatigue
Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs: Does the Type Change the Number?
Torsion springs mount on a steel shaft above the header and deliver smoother lift; extension springs run along the horizontal tracks and stretch to provide force. Both systems still follow the one-per-side baseline. In other words, a double door needs two extension springs (left and right) or two torsion springs (left and right wind). Converting from extension to torsion normally keeps the same quantity but upgrades the cycle life from 10,000 to 20,000 cycles.
Why Two Springs Are Safer Than One on a Double Door
Using only one spring on a 16-foot door creates uneven torque; the side with less tension will drop faster, twisting the shaft and bending the top panel. Dual springs balance the load, cut cable wear in half, and keep the door level during a power outage when you must lift manually. For Dallas homeowners who face sudden spring storms and power failures, balanced lift is a safety must, not a luxury.
You May Like To Read: What Makes Garage Door Shake Violently When Operating?
Can I Add a Second Spring to an Existing Single-Spring Door?
Yes. Our technicians often retrofit a second spring by installing a longer shaft, new bearing plates, and matching wind cones. The service costs less than a full door replacement and doubles cycle life. Expect the job to take about 90 minutes, including safety cable additions and a fresh drum alignment.
High-Cycle Spring Options for Busy Dallas Families
Standard springs are rated 10,000 cycles; high-cycle versions reach 25,000–50,000 cycles by using thicker wire and longer length. If your kids come and go through the garage for school and sports, two high-cycle springs can add six extra years before replacement. Coopers keeps galvanized and oil-tempered high-cycle inventory on every truck so we finish the job in one visit.
Warning Signs You Have the Wrong Spring Count
– Door hangs crooked in the opening
– Cables jump off the drum every few weeks
– Opener strains or reverses at the same spot
– One spring shows a visible gap while the other looks new
– Loud bang heard on only one side of the door
Any of these clues means the spring system is unbalanced or undersized. Schedule a same-day tension test before a snapped cable damages the entire track.
DIY Spring Counting: What Homeowners Can Safely Check
1. Close the door and disconnect power to the opener.
2. Look above the header: count the black winding cones on the torsion tube; each cone equals one spring.
3. If you see long springs stretching parallel to the tracks, count left and right; both should match.
4. Never unwind or adjust a spring; counting is safe, touching is not.
Still unsure? Text a photo to Coopers and we will confirm the count for free.
Cost to Replace One vs. Two Springs in Dallas
Labor is roughly the same because the technician already has to release tension, remove drums, and reset cables. Typical prices (spring + labor + warranty):
– Single torsion spring: $159–$189
– Pair of torsion springs: $229–$269
– Extension spring pair: $149–$179
High-cycle or oil-tempered upgrades add $30–$60 per spring but last twice as long.
How Long Does Spring Installation Take?
Most residential jobs finish in 45–60 minutes. Commercial doors with three or four springs may need two hours. Coopers offers 7 a.m.–7 p.m. arrival windows and emergency night service for broken spring situations that leave your car trapped.
Warranty Comparison: Single vs. Dual Springs
Single springs carry a three-year parts warranty; dual sets receive five years because balanced tension reduces fatigue. Our lifetime lubrication service extends coverage to seven years when you pair it with an annual tune-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many springs does a 16×7 garage door need in Dallas?
Two torsion springs or two extension springs are standard for a 16-foot-by-7-foot door weighing 250 lb.
Can a garage door work with only one spring if the other breaks?
It will open a few times but will warp panels, damage the opener, and is unsafe; replace both springs immediately.
Do insulated steel doors in Dallas need an extra spring?
Yes, the added 30–50 lb weight usually requires two springs, even on single-car insulated models.
What is the average life of two torsion springs in Texas heat?
With 110° summer garage temps, expect 8–10 years on standard 10,000-cycle springs or 15–18 years on high-cycle versions.
How much does spring count affect garage door opener life?
An unbalanced single-spring double door can cut opener gear life in half; proper dual springs extend opener lifespan up to 15 years.
Does homeowners insurance cover spring replacement in Dallas?
Most policies exclude normal wear; however, if a spring snaps and damages the car or door, the casualty portion may pay for both door and vehicle repairs.
Key Takeaway
So, how many springs does my garage door need? Count the sides, weigh the door, and match the cycle life you want. When in doubt, trust Coopers Garage Door Repair to balance the system correctly the first time. Call 214-722-4436 or book online for Dallas spring replacement, 24/7.
