7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
Garage door springs do one job, but it's the most important one: they counterbalance your door's weight so the opener can lift it safely. Two types exist. Torsion springs wind above the door opening, and extension springs run along the sides. Knowing the difference matters when a spring fails, costs add up, or safety becomes a concern.
Torsion springs twist around a metal shaft to store and release energy. When the door closes, the spring winds tighter, storing tension. When you open it, that coiled energy unwinds, helping the opener lift the full weight of your door.
Most modern homes use torsion springs. They're more durable than their extension cousins and last roughly 7 to 9 years under normal use. A single torsion spring on a standard residential door can weigh 40 to 100 pounds under tension. Never attempt removal yourself. The stored energy can cause serious injury.
Torsion springs fail for predictable reasons: wear from cycles, rust in damp Pacific Northwest weather, or manufacturing defects. If your door feels heavier than usual or won't stay open on its own, a snapped spring is likely the culprit. Rust accelerates failure, especially in wet climates like ours around Burlington.
Extension springs stretch and contract on both sides of your door opening. They're less common in new installations but still found in older homes throughout Washington. They hook to a cable system that guides the door up and down.
Extension springs are cheaper initially but require more maintenance. They need regular lubrication and safety cables running parallel to prevent them from whipping across the garage if they break. Because extension springs operate on both sides, they must be perfectly balanced to avoid binding or crooked door movement.
If one extension spring breaks, the other continues working at uneven tension. This puts stress on your opener and causes the door to hang at an angle. Many homeowners notice this right away because the door becomes noticeably unbalanced during operation.
A snapped spring stops your door cold. The opener won't budge it more than a few inches. Don't force it. Forcing a door with a broken spring risks damaging the opener and the tracks.
Slow door movement signals weakening springs, even if they haven't failed yet. The opener works harder to compensate, shortening its life. Spring replacement is far cheaper than replacing the entire opener system afterward.
Listen for creaking or squeaking during operation. This usually means rust is forming inside the spring coils, eating away at the metal. A little lubrication and inspection can slow the process, but replacement will come sooner rather than later.
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Spring replacement cost depends on the type, quantity, and whether additional work is needed. A torsion spring replacement typically runs more than an extension spring job, but torsion springs last longer and perform better. You're also paying for the specialized labor and safety equipment required to remove high-tension springs safely.
At Garage Door Burlington, we provide honest estimates before any work begins. We won't replace springs you don't need or upsell unnecessary service. A proper estimate includes the springs themselves, labor, and any safety cable or hardware replacement that pairs with the job. Check our cost and pricing guide to understand what fair pricing looks like in our area.
Some homeowners wonder if they can wait or live with a weakened spring. Don't. A failing spring forces your opener to work at maximum strain. That shortened opener life becomes an expensive surprise when a $200 spring repair turns into a $600 opener replacement in six months.
DIY garage door spring work is extremely dangerous. The tension stored in a coiled spring can cause broken bones, lacerations, or worse. Professional technicians have the right tools, knowledge of local building codes, and insurance to handle the job safely.
If you're in Burlington or nearby areas like Sedro-Woolley or Mount Vernon, we can typically get to you quickly. Spring failure often happens when you need your garage door most. Schedule a free quote or call us today for same-day service when your spring fails unexpectedly.
How long do garage door springs typically last? Torsion springs last 7 to 9 years under normal residential use. Extension springs often fail sooner, typically at 5 to 7 years. Frequency of use, humidity, and maintenance all affect lifespan.
Can I replace just one spring if I have two? We recommend replacing both springs at the same time, even if only one failed. This ensures balanced operation and prevents the remaining spring from failing shortly after. Paired springs wear together.
What's the difference between a snapped spring and a weakening spring? A snapped spring breaks suddenly and completely stops door operation. A weakening spring deteriorates gradually, making the door feel heavier or opening more slowly. Both need professional attention.
How much does spring replacement cost in Burlington? Typical spring replacement ranges from $200 to $400 depending on the type and condition of related hardware. We provide a free estimate before starting work.
Is it safe to operate my door with a broken spring? No. Operating the door puts excessive strain on the opener and can cause damage. It's also unsafe. Stop using the door and call a professional immediately.