2026-06-22 7 min read
A snapped spring stops your garage door cold. The good news: you don't need to guess which type you have or why it failed. Torsion springs sit above your door and wind tight under load. Extension springs hang on both sides and stretch as the door lowers. Most homes in Cusick run torsion, which last 7 to 9 years with normal use.
Torsion springs mount horizontally on a metal shaft above your garage door opening. They store energy by twisting, then release it to lift the 300 to 400 pound door with minimal effort from your opener. This design concentrates force in one spot, making it safer and more efficient.
Extension springs work opposite. Two springs sit parallel on each side of the door track. As the door closes, they stretch. When you open it, they contract and help pull the door up. Extension springs take up more space and wear faster because they're always in motion along the full track length.
If you're unsure which type you have, look above the door. A horizontal rod with a coil around it means torsion. Two springs flanking the tracks mean extension. Cusick homes favor torsion for newer installations because they're quieter and more durable.
Springs wear out from use. A typical garage door cycles 1,000 to 3,000 times per year. Each cycle stresses the metal. After 7 to 9 years, metal fatigue sets in. Temperature swings in Cusick, especially winter to spring, can accelerate failure too.
A snapped spring makes itself known fast. Your door won't open, or it opens unevenly. You might hear a loud bang or crack. Never try to force a broken spring. The door is heavy, the spring is under extreme tension, and injury is real. This is why our garage door safety guide covers springs in detail.
Other warning signs: the door feels heavier than usual, or your opener struggles. Sometimes a spring is about to break but hasn't yet. Rust on the coil, visible cracks, or gaps in the metal all point to replacement time coming soon.
**Need garage door springs in Cusick today?** Call +1 509 498 3750. We cover same-day service across the area.
A single torsion spring runs $150 to $300 installed, depending on quality and your door's weight rating. Extension springs cost $100 to $200 each. Most doors have two springs, so budget $300 to $600 for a full replacement. Labor typically adds $100 to $200.
Don't cheap out on springs. A quality spring from a trusted brand outlasts a bargain part by years. We've seen cut-rate springs fail within 2 to 3 years. Spend a bit more now and skip the headache later.
Our garage door repair costs breakdown goes deeper into pricing across all common fixes. If you want an exact quote for your situation, schedule a free estimate and we'll inspect the springs in person.
If one spring snaps, the other is close behind. Springs age together under identical conditions. Replacing just one leaves you vulnerable to a second failure weeks or months later. You'll pay for another service call, more labor, and more downtime.
The smart move: replace both springs at the same time. The extra cost is minimal compared to a second repair. It also keeps your door balanced and operating smoothly. An unbalanced door wears the opener faster and stresses the tracks.
Spring selection depends on door weight, size, and cycle rating. Lighter doors need softer springs. Heavier doors need stiffer ones. Mismatch the two and your opener burns out or the door won't open smoothly.
This is why DIY spring replacement is risky. A professional measures your door, checks the opener specs, and picks the correct spring. Cusick Garage Doors stocks springs for standard residential and commercial doors. If your home has a custom setup, we can order the right part in 24 to 48 hours.
Check our full services page to see what we offer and how we handle spring jobs from start to finish.
Springs don't last forever, but you can add years to their lifespan. Lubricate the coil and shaft twice a year with a garage door specific lubricant. Keep the tracks clean and aligned. A misaligned track forces the spring to work harder and wear faster.
Have your door inspected annually. A technician spots weak springs before they snap. It's far cheaper to replace a tired spring on your schedule than to get stuck with an emergency call.
Garage door springs are the hardest working part of your door system. When one fails, your garage becomes a paperweight. The fix is straightforward: identify the type, pick quality replacements, and have a pro install them. Don't ignore rust, cracks, or odd noises.
If you're in Cusick and your door needs attention, call us at +1 509 498 3750 or book a same-day appointment online. We'll handle the diagnosis and repair so you can get back to normal.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years under normal use. Extension springs wear faster, often 5 to 7 years. Cycle rating, climate, and maintenance all affect lifespan. Professional inspection helps predict failure before it happens.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself? Not safely. Springs store hundreds of pounds of tension. A slip can cause serious injury or property damage. Leave spring work to trained technicians with proper tools and experience. The cost of professional labor is worth the safety.
Why did my spring break without warning? Metal fatigue from repeated stress is the main cause. Springs also fail faster in cold weather or if mismatched to your door's weight. Lack of lubrication accelerates wear. Rust from humidity can weaken the metal over time.
Should I replace both springs if only one broke? Yes. Springs age together and fail around the same time. Replacing one leaves the other ready to snap soon after. The extra cost now beats a second emergency service call weeks later.
What's the difference in cost between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs typically cost more upfront but last longer and perform better. Extension springs are cheaper but need replacement sooner. For most Cusick homes, torsion is the better long term investment.