2026-09-13 7 min read
A customer called last Tuesday with a question I hear at least twice a week: "My garage door won't close, and I think it's the spring. But I don't know what kind I have." After 15 years on trucks around Auburndale and the surrounding area, I can tell you most homeowners don't realize there are two completely different types of garage door springs, and knowing which one you have could save you money and keep you safe.
The short answer: most residential doors use torsion springs mounted above the door opening, while older homes sometimes have extension springs along the sides. They work differently, fail differently, and cost different amounts to replace. Here's what you need to know.
Torsion springs are coiled metal rods that twist and untwist to lift your door. They sit horizontally on a shaft above the opening, usually centered between two mounting brackets. When the opener activates, the spring unwinds, releasing stored energy that helps lift the heavy door panel.
This is the safer design. If a torsion spring snaps, the door doesn't come crashing down because the spring sits above and isn't directly supporting the door's weight the way extension springs do. Torsion springs last about 7 to 9 years with normal use, depending on how often you open and close the door. A typical residential door operates 3 to 5 times daily, so a 10,000 cycle lifespan translates to roughly that timeframe.
The cost to replace a snapped torsion spring in Auburndale typically runs between $200 and $400 for both springs (they almost always fail as a pair). Labor is included in most estimates. If you've got a single broken torsion spring, both should be replaced together to avoid imbalance and premature wear on your opener.
Extension springs run horizontally along both sides of the door opening, inside metal tracks. They stretch and contract, storing energy to help lift the door. You'll usually see them on older homes or single-car garages. They're simpler mechanically but riskier if they fail.
When an extension spring snaps, there's nothing stopping the door from dropping hard and fast. This is why modern building codes prefer torsion design. Extension springs also tend to wear faster because they're exposed to more debris and temperature swings than torsion springs mounted above the opening.
**Need garage door springs in Auburndale today?** Call (617) 609-0939. We cover same-day service across the area.
Look up at your garage door opening from inside the garage. If you see a metal shaft running horizontally across the top with a spring wrapped around it, you have torsion springs. If you see springs running along the left and right sides of the opening near the tracks, those are extension springs.
It's also worth checking whether your springs are showing signs of wear. A snapped spring is obvious, but early warning signs include slower door operation, the door pulling unevenly to one side, or the opener struggling to lift the door. These symptoms often mean a spring is weakening and could break soon.
For more detail on what to expect when a spring fails completely, read about snapped garage door springs in Auburndale. That post covers emergency protocols and pricing for actual failures.
I recommend getting an estimate before springs fail completely. Most homeowners wait until something breaks, then they're stuck calling for emergency service, which costs more. A preventive inspection during your annual garage door maintenance in Auburndale can catch worn springs early.
The cost difference between scheduled replacement and emergency repair isn't huge, but the inconvenience is. You lose garage access, and if it's winter or you need your car, that becomes a real problem. A proactive estimate takes 15 minutes and gives you a clear picture of what needs work.
Never attempt to replace garage door springs yourself. I say this as someone who's seen the injuries. Springs are under extreme tension, and releasing that energy incorrectly can cause serious harm. Call a licensed technician in Auburndale who carries liability insurance and knows how to safely support the door while working.
Schedule a free quote for spring replacement or call us to discuss whether your door needs immediate attention. We'll identify which springs you have, estimate the cost, and explain your options clearly.
How long do garage door springs typically last? Torsion springs usually last 7 to 9 years under normal residential use, or roughly 10,000 cycles. Extension springs wear faster, often failing between 5 and 7 years. Frequency of use, climate, and maintenance all affect lifespan.
Can I use one spring instead of two? No. Garage doors are engineered to use matched pairs of springs. Using one new spring and one worn spring creates imbalance, damages the tracks, and overloads your opener. Always replace both springs together.
What's the difference in cost between torsion and extension spring replacement? Torsion spring replacement typically costs $200 to $400 in Auburndale. Extension springs cost slightly less upfront, around $150 to $300, but they fail more often and aren't recommended for new installations. Always get a same-day estimate before committing.
Are there warning signs before a spring breaks? Yes. Listen for creaking sounds from above the door, watch for uneven opening or closing, or notice if the door feels heavier than usual. A weakening spring often shows symptoms 2 to 4 weeks before complete failure.
Is spring replacement an emergency service? If the door won't open or close at all, yes. If you notice weakness but the door still operates, you can schedule regular service. Call (617) 609-0939 to discuss timing and get a cost estimate.