2026-07-28 7 min read
In our years serving Conconully, we've seen this problem again and again: homeowners don't know what type of spring their garage door uses until one snaps. The spring type matters enormously because torsion and extension springs behave differently, fail at different rates, and cost different amounts to replace. Knowing which one you have can save you money and headache when failure happens.
Torsion springs sit above your garage door, mounted horizontally on a metal rod that runs across the door's opening. When the door closes, these springs wind up like a clock spring, storing energy. When you open the door, that stored energy unwinds and helps lift the weight.
Most homes built in the last 30 years use torsion springs. They're engineered for balance and smooth operation. A properly sized torsion spring makes your garage door feel effortless to open, whether you're using a manual pull or an electric opener.
The trade-off is cost. Torsion springs are more expensive than extension springs, and they require precise installation. The spring itself might run $150 to $300, but labor and safety equipment add up quickly. That said, they last longer: typically 7 to 9 years with average use (around 10,000 cycles). One snapped spring doesn't always mean both need replacement at the same time, though we often recommend replacing both for balance.
Extension springs run along both sides of your garage door opening, parallel to the horizontal track. Instead of twisting, they stretch and compress as the door moves. Think of them like rubber bands under tension.
Older garages and some lighter-duty residential doors use extension springs. They're cheaper upfront, usually $75 to $150 per spring. Installation is simpler, which also keeps labor costs down.
The catch? Extension springs wear out faster. You're looking at 4 to 7 years of typical life before failure occurs. They also require safety cables that run through the center of each spring. If an extension spring snaps, the cable prevents it from whipping across your garage, which could cause serious injury. If your garage door has extension springs, check those cables visually every few months.
Look above your garage door from inside the garage. If you see a spring wound around a horizontal rod running left to right, you have a torsion spring. If you see springs running along the left and right tracks, those are extension springs.
This matters because you can't mix types, and trying to install the wrong spring is dangerous and will damage your door. When you call for a same-day estimate, we'll confirm exactly what your door needs.
**Need garage door springs in Conconully today?** Call (509) 652-3153. We cover same-day service across the area.
Springs fail because they're under constant stress. Every time you open or close your door, the spring cycles. After 7 to 9 years (torsion) or 4 to 7 years (extension), the metal fatigues and eventually snaps.
Cold weather in our region speeds up failure. Metal becomes brittle in winter, and springs that might have lasted one more season can snap suddenly when temperatures drop. This is why we see clusters of spring failures in late fall and early winter around Conconully and nearby areas.
A snapped spring won't let your door open unless you have a backup battery opener. If you hear a loud bang from your garage and the door won't budge, a spring likely broke. Don't force the opener. Call us for help.
For more details on what happens after a spring breaks, read our guide to snapped springs in Conconully and what to do next.
If one torsion spring snaps, you can replace just that one. But because both springs carry the door's weight equally, replacing only one creates imbalance. This stresses the opener and the remaining spring. We usually recommend replacing both at once, even if only one is broken.
With extension springs, if one snaps, the other typically follows within months. Replace both to avoid a second emergency call.
Want to understand spring costs in detail? We've broken down garage door spring repair versus replacement pricing for Conconully homeowners so you know what to expect.
When your spring fails, you have a choice. If you have an old extension spring system, you might upgrade to torsion springs. The upfront cost is higher, but the longer lifespan and smoother operation pay off over time.
If your torsion system is working well, replace it with the same type and size. Changing spring size or type requires door and opener adjustments that add cost and complexity.
Our team at Conconully Garage Doors will assess your door and recommend the best path forward. Browse our spring replacement services or schedule a free quote today to get exact pricing.
Torsion springs last longer but cost more upfront. Extension springs are cheaper but wear out faster and require safety cables you need to monitor. Neither type lasts forever. Planning for replacement and knowing your door's type keeps you from being stranded when failure happens.
If you're unsure what you have, or if you've heard odd noises from your garage lately, don't wait. A spring failure is never convenient, but catching problems early makes the fix simpler.
Call us at (509) 652-3153 or get a same-day estimate online. We're here to keep your door running safely and smoothly.
How long do garage door springs really last? Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use. Extension springs last 4 to 7 years. Cold weather and frequent cycling shorten lifespan. Regular maintenance and lubrication can help extend spring life slightly.
Can I replace just one spring if the other is fine? With torsion springs, yes, but both springs share weight equally. Replacing only one causes imbalance and stresses the remaining spring and opener. We recommend replacing both together for safety and longevity.
What's the average cost to replace garage door springs in Conconully? Torsion spring replacement typically costs $300 to $600 total for both springs and labor. Extension springs run $200 to $400. Exact pricing depends on your door's size and spring type. Call us for a free estimate.
Is it safe to use my garage door if one spring is broken? No. A broken spring removes half the lifting force your door needs. The opener will strain trying to lift the door, and you risk injury. Stop using the door until springs are replaced.
Can I install springs myself? Springs are under extreme tension and highly dangerous to handle without proper tools and training. A snapped spring can cause serious injury. Always hire a professional for installation and replacement.