2026-08-18 7 min read
A customer called last Tuesday with her garage door stuck halfway open. She'd heard a loud bang that morning but didn't think much of it. Turns out, a torsion spring had snapped clean in half. That's the call we get most often around Marcus. Springs wear out faster than homeowners expect, and when they go, your door goes with them. Here's what you actually need to know about garage door springs.
Your garage door weighs between 300 and 500 pounds. Two springs balance that load so an opener motor doesn't have to fight dead weight every single time. Springs last roughly 7 to 9 years under normal use, not 10 or 15 like some folks assume. Each spring cycles 10,000 to 15,000 times before fatigue sets in.
There are two main types. Torsion springs sit above the door on a rod and twist to lift the weight. Extension springs run along each side and stretch. Both fail without warning. You don't get a "spring running low" light. One day it's fine. The next, you hear that bang and the door either won't open or drops fast.
Marcus winters can be harsh on equipment. Cold makes metal brittle. Rust weakens the coils. If you skip maintenance, springs corrode from the inside out. We've pulled springs that looked fine on the outside but snapped at the slightest tension.
A single torsion spring costs between $150 and $300 to replace, depending on the spring's grade and your door size. Extension springs run $100 to $200 each, and most doors have two. Labor typically adds $75 to $150 per spring. That's not a repair you do yourself. Spring tension is dangerous. Unwind it wrong and you're looking at a hospital visit.
The question isn't usually "repair or replace one spring." It's "should I replace both?" Here's the truth: if one torsion spring snaps, the other is close behind. They wear at the same rate. Replacing both at once costs more upfront but saves you a second service call in six months. Same logic applies to extension springs.
**Need garage door springs in Marcus today?** Call (509) 253-5363. We cover same-day service across the region.
If your door still opens and closes smoothly but you want to prevent failure, maintenance helps. Lubricating springs twice a year extends their life. A light coat of garage door lubricant, not WD-40, keeps corrosion at bay.
The sound is unmistakable. A loud crack or bang while opening or closing means something broke. Stop using the door immediately. A snapped spring puts extra stress on the remaining spring and the opener. You could burn out the motor or damage the cable.
Other warning signs: the door moves slower than usual, won't open past a certain point, or feels heavier when pulling it manually. If your garage door opener is straining harder each week, springs are wearing out. Don't wait for the bang.
We handle spring replacement as an emergency in Marcus and neighboring areas. Call us and describe what happened. We'll schedule a free quote and often arrive the same day, especially if you're stuck unable to open.
Our technician will inspect both springs, check the cable, and test the door balance. If springs are the culprit, we replace them, adjust the tension, and make sure the door lifts smoothly without sagging. The whole job takes 45 minutes to an hour. You'll have your door working again the same day.
For ongoing care, read our guide on garage door maintenance in Marcus. Regular upkeep catches wear before springs snap. It also saves money over time.
We also see spring issues tied to weather seals. Drafts and moisture creep in around a worn door and accelerate rust on springs. If you're replacing springs anyway, it's smart to check your weather stripping and seals while we're there.
Marcus Garage Doors handles everything from diagnosis to replacement. Visit our services page to learn more about what we offer.
Driving around with a broken spring doesn't just inconvenience you. It strains the garage door opener and can damage the cable system. Costs balloon fast. A $250 spring replacement becomes a $500 cable repair, which becomes a $1500 opener replacement if the motor fails.
Plus, a stuck garage door is a security risk and a hassle you don't need. The longer you wait, the worse it gets. Spring failure isn't a "maybe someday" problem. It's a "this week" problem.
Call (509) 253-5363 or get a same-day estimate. We'll walk you through your options and get your door working again quickly.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion and extension springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use. Life span depends on how often you use the door, climate, and maintenance. Springs in cold climates wear faster due to metal brittleness.
Can I replace one spring instead of both? You can, but we don't recommend it. If one torsion spring snaps, the other is worn to similar levels and will fail soon. Replacing both avoids a second service call and spreads labor cost across two replacements.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs twist above the door on a shaft. Extension springs stretch along the sides of the door frame. Torsion springs are more common and safer because they don't launch off the cable if they snap.
How much does spring replacement cost? A single torsion spring costs $150 to $300 plus $75 to $150 labor. Extension springs run $100 to $200 each. Total cost for a full replacement typically ranges $300 to $600 depending on door size and spring type.
Is it safe to use the door if a spring is broken? No. Stop using it immediately. A snapped spring shifts all weight to the remaining spring, the cable, and the opener motor. Continued use can cause cable failure or opener burnout, leading to bigger repairs.