2026-08-06 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
In our years serving Boring, we've seen this problem again and again: homeowners don't know which type of spring holds up their garage door until one snaps. Your door won't open. Panic sets in. The truth is simple. Two main spring types exist: torsion and extension. Understanding the difference now saves you time, money, and stress later.
Springs do the heavy lifting on your garage door. A typical residential door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. The springs counterbalance that weight so your opener can lift it smoothly with minimal effort. Without working springs, your opener burns out fast. Your door becomes a safety hazard. See our guide on garage door maintenance tune-up in boring, or: what.
Springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use. That's about 10,000 to 15,000 cycles (up and down). Once a spring fails, the door won't function properly. You'll need professional repair or replacement.
Torsion springs sit horizontally above your garage door opening, mounted on a metal shaft. When the door closes, the spring winds up and stores energy. When you open the door, that stored energy unwinds and helps lift the weight. Read about garage door openers in boring: belt vs. chain, cost, and when to upgrade.
Most homes in Boring use torsion springs because they're durable, precise, and last longer than extension springs. They also take up less space and offer better balance. A snapped torsion spring usually means the entire spring assembly needs replacement, not just one component.
The cost to replace a torsion spring ranges from $200 to $400 per spring, depending on the door size and spring quality. Larger, heavier doors need heavier-duty springs, which cost more.
Extension springs run vertically along both sides of the door opening. They stretch and contract as the door moves up and down. When one snaps, the other side still works partially, but your door becomes unbalanced and unsafe.
Many older Boring homes have extension springs. They're cheaper upfront but don't last as long as torsion springs. Extension springs typically fail around the 7 to 10 year mark, sometimes sooner if your door operates frequently.
Replacing extension springs costs $150 to $250 per spring. However, if one fails, both should be replaced together to maintain even weight distribution.
**Need garage door springs in Boring today?** Call (541) 703-3587. We offer same-day service and free estimates for spring repair and replacement.
Springs break due to metal fatigue, rust, or sudden stress. In Boring's wet climate, rust accelerates the process. Springs exposed to moisture and temperature swings weaken faster.
Warning signs include a loud bang or crack sound when opening the door, a door that won't open, or uneven door movement. If you notice these, stop using the door immediately. A broken spring puts enormous strain on your opener and creates a pinch hazard.
Regular maintenance extends spring life. Lubricate springs every six months with a light garage door lubricant. Keep the garage reasonably dry. These simple steps add years to spring performance.
Our garage door maintenance tune-up guide covers preventive care in detail.
If you're replacing springs, choose what matches your door design. Don't mix types. Torsion springs work best for heavier doors and offer superior balance and safety. Extension springs suit lighter doors and tight spaces.
For most homeowners in Boring upgrading older systems, torsion is the smarter investment. You'll get longer life, better reliability, and fewer callbacks. The slightly higher upfront cost pays for itself over years of trouble-free operation.
Get a professional free estimate on spring replacement before deciding. We'll assess your current setup and recommend the best option for your door and budget.
Never attempt to replace garage door springs yourself. The tension stored in a compressed spring can cause serious injury or death. Springs under extreme pressure can snap unexpectedly and cause broken bones, lacerations, or worse.
Professional technicians have the proper tools, training, and insurance to handle spring work safely. We replace springs correctly the first time, with a warranty on parts and labor.
Visit our full spring repair and replacement services to learn more about what we offer.
A complete spring replacement in Boring typically runs $250 to $500 depending on spring type and quantity. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that a snapped spring requires full replacement, not just repair. Once a spring breaks, it cannot be welded or patched safely.
Delaying replacement is expensive. A broken spring forces your opener to work twice as hard, wearing it out faster. You might face a $400 to $800 opener replacement soon after.
If your door is old or springs fail repeatedly, learn when a full garage door replacement makes sense rather than repair alone.
Stop using your door immediately. Don't force it open. Call a professional garage door technician in Boring right away. We offer same-day service for snapped springs and can usually schedule you within hours.
Have your door size, age, and current opener information ready when you call. This speeds up diagnosis and gives us a better estimate. Most spring replacements take 1 to 2 hours.
Contact Garage Door Boring today at (541) 703-3587 or schedule a free quote online. We'll get your door working safely again, fast.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use (10,000 to 15,000 cycles). Extension springs fail sooner, around 7 to 10 years. Lifespan depends on climate, humidity, maintenance, and door usage frequency.
Can I replace just one spring? For extension springs, both should be replaced together to maintain balanced weight distribution. For torsion springs, you can replace one at a time, but many technicians recommend replacing both for even wear and longer overall life.
What does a snapped spring sound like? A snapped spring produces a loud bang or crack, similar to a gunshot. If you hear this sound, stop using your door immediately. Do not attempt to open or close it manually.
Is spring replacement expensive? Torsion spring replacement costs $200 to $400 per spring. Extension springs run $150 to $250 each. Most residential doors need one or two springs, bringing total cost to $250 to $500 depending on type and quality.
Why shouldn't I replace springs myself? Springs hold extreme tension under pressure. A snapped spring can cause serious injury or death. Professional technicians have specialized tools and training to handle this safely. DIY attempts result in broken bones, cuts, or worse.