2026-07-18 7 min read
After 15 years on the trucks, I've learned that most homeowners don't understand their garage door springs until one fails. There are two main types: torsion and extension. Both do the same job, but they work differently and fail for different reasons. Knowing which one you have saves money and prevents injuries.
Your garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. Springs counterbalance that weight so your opener doesn't strain itself lifting dead weight. Without them, your door is a falling sledgehammer.
Torsion springs sit above your door on a horizontal rod. When the door closes, the springs wind tighter (twist). When it opens, they unwind and release energy. One torsion spring typically handles the whole load, though some doors use two for added safety.
Extension springs run along the sides of your door frame, parallel to the tracks. They stretch as the door closes and contract as it opens. Most homes with older doors or lighter installations use extension springs. They're cheaper upfront but wear faster.
I see more torsion spring failures in Swansea because our winters and temperature swings stress the metal. Cold makes metal brittle. Springs last 7 to 9 years under normal use, sometimes less in New England climates.
A snapped spring is obvious: your door won't open, or it opens partway then crashes down. But wear happens gradually. Check out our guide on maintenance signs you can catch yourself before a complete failure.
Listen for squeaking or creaking. Watch for the door moving unevenly, sagging on one side, or opening slower than usual. These are early warnings. Springs under tension can snap without warning, and a falling door breaks fingers, crushes cars, and damages the opener.
**Need garage door springs in Swansea today?** Call (508) 692-9153. we cover same-day service across the area.
I've handled dozens of emergency calls where a homeowner ignored early signs. A $300 spring replacement becomes a $1,200 repair when the door crashes into a car or the opener burns out trying to lift a broken door.
Look above your garage door, near the top of the opening. If you see a horizontal rod with springs wound around it, you have torsion. If springs run along the sides of your door tracks, you have extension springs.
Why does it matter? Torsion springs are safer and more durable, but they cost more to replace (typically $200 to $400 per spring). Extension springs are cheaper upfront ($150 to $250) but require more frequent replacement and pose a higher safety risk if they snap.
Both need professional installation. A snapped spring carries stored energy that can cause serious injury. Learn more about professional replacement costs and what to expect.
Spring replacement isn't a DIY job, despite what YouTube tells you. The tension is real, and mistakes are dangerous.
Our full service menu covers spring replacement, repair, and maintenance. A free estimate takes 15 minutes. We'll tell you upfront whether your springs can be repaired or need replacement, and give you an honest cost breakdown.
Same-day service is available for snapped springs across Swansea and nearby towns. If your door is stuck, schedule a free quote with us today and we'll get you moving again quickly.
Spring failure is inevitable, but you can extend their life. Annual lubrication and inspection catch wear before it becomes a crisis. Avoid slamming or forcing the door. Keep the tracks clean and aligned.
If you live in Swansea or the surrounding area and haven't had your springs checked in over a year, now's the time. A small service visit prevents a $1,500+ emergency repair down the road.
The best investment is knowing what you have and staying ahead of failure. Call us at (508) 692-9153 for a no-pressure inspection, or reach out to schedule your estimate.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion and extension springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use. Cold climates and frequent opening/closing shorten lifespan. Most homeowners replace springs once during home ownership.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself? No. Springs hold hundreds of pounds of tension. A slip or mistake causes serious injury or death. Always hire a licensed technician with proper tools and training to handle spring work safely.
What's the difference between a snapped spring and a worn spring? A snapped spring breaks suddenly, leaving your door unable to open or causing it to crash. A worn spring loses tension gradually, making the door harder to open and the opener work harder. Both need professional repair.
Why are torsion springs more expensive than extension springs? Torsion springs last longer, are safer, and require more skilled installation. Extension springs are cheaper but wear faster and have a higher failure risk, making them more expensive over the life of your door.
Do I need to replace both springs at once? Yes. If one spring fails, the other is likely near the end of its life. Replacing both ensures balanced operation and prevents a second failure weeks later.