2026-08-21 7 min read
A snapped spring leaves your garage door either stuck closed or dangerously heavy to lift by hand. The good news: knowing whether you have a torsion or extension spring helps you budget accurately, avoid emergency markup fees, and understand why one type outlasts the other by years.
Your garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. Springs counterbalance that weight so a small motor can open and close it safely. Without springs, you would need tremendous force, and the door would crash down when power cuts out.
Two main types handle this job: torsion springs and extension springs. They work differently, last different lengths of time, and carry very different price tags when replacement comes due.
Torsion springs sit horizontally above your garage door opening on a metal shaft. As your door opens, the springs twist and store rotational energy. When the door closes, that tension releases and helps lower the weight smoothly.
Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use (opening and closing 10,000 to 15,000 cycles). They're more expensive upfront but rarely fail suddenly. You usually get warning signs: creaking noises, slower operation, or slight binding. Because they're built to handle higher stress, they're the preferred choice for heavier doors and frequent use.
Extension springs hang vertically on each side of your door opening. Instead of twisting, they stretch and compress to manage the door's weight. Think of them like the suspension in a car.
The catch: extension springs wear faster. Expect 4 to 7 years of service before needing replacement. They also fail more abruptly, sometimes without much warning. A snapped extension spring can happen overnight, leaving you with a door that won't open or close at all.
**Need garage door springs in Bolton today?** Call (978) 961-5818. we cover same-day service across the area.
Extension spring replacement typically runs $150 to $300 per pair. Torsion springs cost $200 to $400 or more per spring. If you have two torsion springs (common for heavier doors), you're looking at double that outlay.
However, do the math over a decade. An extension spring at $250 replaced every 5 years equals $500 in replacements. A torsion spring at $300 replaced every 8 years costs $375 over the same period. The longer lifespan of torsion springs actually saves money for homeowners who keep their homes long-term.
If you're on a tight budget and plan to sell in 3 to 5 years, extension springs make sense. For permanent residents in Bolton and surrounding areas, torsion springs deliver better value.
Walk into your garage and look at your door opening from the inside. If you see a horizontal metal shaft with springs wrapped around it above the door, you have torsion springs. If you see springs hanging vertically on cables on both sides, those are extension springs.
Not sure? Check your garage door opener's documentation or contact us for a free estimate. Bolton Garage Doors can identify your spring type and explain your options without charging a dime.
A snapped spring means zero mechanical advantage. Your door opener motor can't lift the weight alone, so the door stops moving. Don't force it. Forcing a garage door with a broken spring risks damaging the opener, door panels, or your back.
Oil or grease buildup on springs reduces their lifespan. Clean springs with a dry cloth annually. Never apply lubricant directly to the springs themselves; instead, lubricate the hinges, tracks, and pivot points.
If your door opens unevenly (one side higher than the other), a spring is losing tension. Schedule service before the weaker spring snaps completely. Learn the specific warning signs that demand immediate replacement so you don't get caught off guard.
Springs hold enormous tension. A release of that energy can cause serious injury. Unlike weather stripping or light maintenance, spring replacement requires specialized tools and training. A professional can handle it safely in 30 minutes. An injury costs far more than the service call.
Bolton Garage Doors installs springs correctly and backs the work with a warranty. We offer same-day estimates so you know the cost before committing.
When you call for a quote, a technician will ask your garage door's age, weight capacity, and how often you use it. They'll examine your current springs (or what's left of them) and recommend torsion or extension based on your door's needs and your budget.
Schedule a free estimate today by contacting us. Most spring jobs finish same-day, so you're back to normal operation by evening.
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The right spring choice depends on your timeline and budget. Torsion springs cost more upfront but last longer and fail more predictably. Extension springs save money initially but wear faster and tend to fail suddenly. Either way, don't ignore a snapped spring. A broken spring affects your door's safety, strains your opener, and leaves your garage vulnerable.
Call (978) 961-5818 or request a same-day estimate to get your door operating safely again.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years; extension springs last 4 to 7 years. Lifespan depends on usage frequency, maintenance, and climate. Bolton winters can accelerate wear due to temperature swings affecting metal tension.
Can I replace just one spring if both are broken? Technically yes, but it's unwise. Springs are sold and installed in pairs because they age together. Replacing only one creates uneven weight distribution, causing your door to bind and stressing the new spring prematurely. Replace both simultaneously.
What does a snapped spring sound like? A loud bang or crack, like a gunshot. Never ignore this noise. Stop using your door immediately and call for service. A snapped spring means your opener and door panels are at risk of damage.
Is spring replacement covered by my homeowner's insurance? Rarely. Insurance typically covers sudden damage from external events (tree falls, accidents) but treats normal wear and tear as maintenance. Check your policy, but budget for springs as a regular maintenance expense.
Why do springs fail in winter? Cold temperatures make metal brittle and less flexible. Thermal contraction increases tension on the spring coils. If a spring is already weakened by age or use, winter is when it finally gives out. Learn more about winter spring failures here.