2026-06-22 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
If you've ever dealt with a stuck garage door, there's a good chance a broken spring is to blame. Most homeowners in Almira don't realize they have springs until one snaps. This post breaks down the two main types of garage door springs, how to tell them apart, and why knowing the difference saves you time and money on repairs.
Garage door springs do the heavy lifting. They counterbalance your door's weight, making it easy to open and close by hand or with an opener. Without them, you'd be wrestling with hundreds of pounds of steel or aluminum every single time.
Two types dominate residential garages: torsion springs and extension springs. Both systems work, but they operate differently and fail in different ways. Knowing which one you have helps you understand repair costs and urgency.
Torsion springs run horizontally above your garage door, mounted on a metal shaft. They twist or rotate as your door moves, storing and releasing energy like a wound-up clock spring.
Here's what makes them special:
* Located above the door opening (not on the sides) * Twist to lift and lower the door * Last roughly 7 to 9 years with normal use * Handle heavy doors and frequent cycles well * More expensive to replace, but safer and more durable
When a torsion spring snaps, you'll hear a loud bang. The door becomes almost impossible to lift, even with an opener. This is one reason we offer same-day service for snapped spring calls in Almira and nearby Reardan. A broken torsion spring isn't just inconvenient. It's a safety hazard.
Extension springs hang vertically on both sides of your door frame. They stretch and contract as your door moves, like a rubber band being pulled and released.
Key differences:
* Located on left and right sides of the door * Extend and contract to lift the door * Typically last 4 to 7 years * More common on lighter residential doors * Lower replacement cost than torsion systems * Require safety cables to prevent injury if they snap
If an extension spring breaks, your door may still move, but it'll feel lopsided. One side lifts faster than the other, and the door may jam in the track. Extension springs are cheaper to replace, but they wear out faster. For details on when replacement makes sense, check our guide on replacing springs before they snap.
Eastern Washington winters are brutal on garage doors. Cold temperatures make metal brittle. Springs that work fine in September can snap on a January morning after just one or two cycles.
Salt from winter roads and moisture also accelerate corrosion. If you haven't had your springs inspected in the last 18 months, now's the time. Learn more about cold weather damage in our seasonal breakdown.
**Need garage door springs in Almira today?** Call (509) 561-1110. We cover same-day service across the area.
Spring replacement cost varies. A single extension spring runs $150 to $300. Torsion springs cost $200 to $400 per spring. Most doors have one torsion or two extension springs.
Labor adds another $100 to $150. If both springs are old, we often recommend replacing both at once, even if only one has snapped. That's the smart move. Why? Springs wear at the same rate. The second one will fail within weeks or months.
Get an accurate estimate for your situation. Schedule a free quote with us today and we'll give you an upfront cost before we touch anything.
* Door opens slowly or won't open at all * Door feels heavier than usual when lifting by hand * Loud bang or crack sound from the garage * Visible gap or separation in the spring * Door sits unevenly in the frame
Don't ignore these signs. A failing spring puts stress on your opener and can damage the door track. For a full troubleshooting guide, see our post on broken door repairs.
Spring replacement isn't a DIY job. Springs are under extreme tension. If you slip or miscalculate, you risk serious injury. We've seen too many homeowners hurt trying to save a few dollars.
Almira Garage Doors handles spring replacement safely, quickly, and affordably. We diagnose the problem, replace springs correctly, and test your door before we leave. Browse our full spring services here.
Spring problems don't wait for business hours. If your door is stuck and you need help now, we offer emergency service. Call us anytime.
The bottom line: know which springs you have. Know their age. And don't wait until one snaps in the middle of winter. A $250 spring replacement today beats a $500 emergency call next month.
Ready to fix your springs or just want peace of mind? Get a same-day estimate from our team or call (509) 561-1110. We're here to keep your garage door working.
How long do garage door springs typically last? Torsion springs last 7 to 9 years under normal use (roughly 10,000 to 15,000 cycles). Extension springs wear faster, lasting 4 to 7 years. Cold climates and frequent use shorten lifespan.
Can I replace just one spring if only one breaks? You can, but we don't recommend it. Springs wear together. Replacing both prevents a second failure within weeks and saves on future service calls and labor costs.
Is a snapped spring an emergency? Yes. A broken spring makes your door unsafe to operate and puts extra strain on your opener. Call for same-day service rather than trying to use the door.
What's the difference between a torsion and extension spring replacement cost? Extension springs cost $150 to $300 per spring plus labor. Torsion springs run $200 to $400 per spring plus labor. Torsion replacement takes longer and costs more, but lasts longer.
Why did my spring break in winter? Cold makes metal brittle. Moisture and salt accelerate corrosion. Springs that work fine in fall often snap on the first cold morning when the metal contracts and stress increases.