2026-08-21 7 min read
If you've ever dealt with a stuck garage door, chances are a broken spring was the culprit. Most homeowners don't know there are two main types of garage door springs, and understanding the difference could save you money and headaches down the road.
The two most common spring types are torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs sit above your garage door and twist to lift the weight. Extension springs run along the sides of your door and stretch as it opens. Both do the same job, but they fail differently, cost differently to replace, and require different repair approaches.
Torsion springs are the preferred option for most modern garage doors. They're mounted horizontally above the door on a steel shaft and use torque (twisting force) to counterbalance the door's weight. When you open your garage door, the spring winds tighter. When you close it, the spring unwinds.
These springs are more durable and precise than their extension counterparts. They also distribute weight more evenly, which means less strain on your garage door opener. Most homes built in the last 20 years use torsion springs.
The downside? They're more expensive to replace. A single torsion spring replacement in Burgaw typically runs between $150 and $300, depending on the spring's size and your door's weight rating. However, they last longer: torsion springs usually last 7 to 9 years with normal use.
Extension springs stretch horizontally along both sides of your garage door opening. As the door rises, the springs extend. As it lowers, they contract. They're simpler mechanically and cost less upfront than torsion systems.
You'll find extension springs on older garages or lighter residential doors. They're also common on budget installations. The trade-off is lifespan and safety. Extension springs typically last only 5 to 7 years and can wear unevenly if one breaks before the other.
A snapped spring on one side means the other side carries the full load until it fails too. This is why many homeowners end up replacing both extension springs at once, even if only one breaks.
**Need garage door springs in Burgaw today?** Call +1 910 994 0289. we cover same-day service across the area.
Walk into your garage and look directly above your closed garage door. Do you see a single spring wound around a horizontal shaft? That's torsion. Do you see two springs running down the left and right sides? Those are extension springs.
Torsion springs look like tight coils. Extension springs look like long metal cables with spring coils at each end. If you're unsure, don't open or touch them. Both types carry enormous tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
The cost to replace garage door springs in Burgaw depends on which type you have and how many need replacement. Here's a realistic breakdown:
Torsion spring replacement: $150 to $300 per spring, plus labor. Most doors have one or two springs. Extension spring replacement: $75 to $150 per spring. You'll usually replace both sides together.
Our team at Burgaw Garage Doors can give you an accurate garage door estimate without overspending. We don't charge extra fees or markup unnecessary parts.
If you're wondering whether to repair or replace your springs, read our guide on when to repair versus replace your garage door springs. Sometimes a repair buys you time. Often, replacement is the safer, longer-lasting choice.
This matters. Garage door springs carry the full weight of your door (usually 300 to 600 pounds). If a spring snaps during installation, it can cause serious injury or death. Even professionals use specialized tools and follow strict safety protocols.
If you've already experienced a snapped spring, we've documented what happens and what it really costs in our post about snapped garage door springs in Burgaw.
Replacement is a job for licensed technicians. When you call Burgaw Garage Doors, we handle the entire process safely and efficiently. Schedule a free quote today and we'll assess your springs, recommend the best type for your door, and give you honest pricing upfront.
Both torsion and extension springs serve their purpose. Torsion springs are superior for durability, safety, and precision. Extension springs work fine for lighter doors and lower budgets, but they wear faster and require more careful monitoring.
If you're replacing springs soon, ask your technician about upgrading to torsion if your door currently uses extensions. The extra cost upfront pays for itself in longevity and fewer headaches over the next decade.
Garage doors break at inconvenient times. Springs fail without warning. The best response is a fast, honest repair from someone who knows Burgaw's humidity and salt air can accelerate rust and wear. Call us at +1 910 994 0289 for same-day service, or visit our garage door services page to learn more.
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How long do garage door springs last? Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years. Extension springs last 5 to 7 years. Lifespan depends on usage frequency, climate, and maintenance. Springs in humid coastal areas like Burgaw may wear faster due to rust and corrosion.
Can I replace just one spring if both are old? With extension springs, it's wise to replace both at once, even if one breaks first. If you replace only one, the newer spring carries uneven load, leading to premature failure of the other. Torsion springs are often replaced individually, but check your door's specification.
What happens if a garage door spring breaks? Your garage door becomes extremely heavy and difficult or impossible to open manually. If the door was closing when the spring snapped, it may fall rapidly. Never try to force a broken spring door open or closed. Call a professional immediately.
How much does spring replacement cost near me in Burgaw? Torsion spring replacement costs $150 to $300 per spring plus labor. Extension spring replacement costs $75 to $150 per spring. Total cost depends on your spring type, door weight, and whether you're replacing one or both springs.
Is it safe to open a garage door with a broken spring? No. A broken spring removes the counterbalance mechanism. Your garage door opener cannot safely lift the full weight of the door alone. Attempting to force it open stresses the opener, door tracks, and cables. Call a technician instead.