2026-04-23
A snapped garage door spring doesn't repair itself.and ignoring it risks a door that won't open, or worse, a sudden crash that damages your car or injures someone. Here's what you need to know about garage door springs in Somerset before a failure catches you off guard.
Your garage door relies on one of two spring systems: torsion springs or extension springs. Most modern homes in Somerset use torsion springs, which wind around a shaft above the door and store energy as the door moves up and down. Extension springs run parallel to the tracks on either side and stretch to balance the door's weight.
Torsion springs are the industry standard because they're safer, last longer (typically 7,9 years with proper maintenance), and distribute load more evenly. Extension springs wear faster and create more safety risk if they snap suddenly. Both types fail eventually, and when they do, your door becomes either immovable or dangerously heavy.
Our coastal humidity, freeze-thaw cycles, and salt air create perfect conditions for spring deterioration. Metal expands and contracts with temperature swings.especially in late fall and early spring. We've seen more snapped springs happen in March and April than any other months. Cold weather also thickens the lubricant inside springs, making them work harder.
If you've already read our post on preparing your garage door for cold weather, you know seasonal maintenance matters. Springs are no exception. A preventive inspection before winter can catch a weakening spring before it fails mid-season.
Here's where honesty matters. A single snapped spring cannot be safely repaired.it must be replaced. If one spring fails, the other is likely close behind. Replacing both springs at once is almost always the smarter choice, even if the second one hasn't broken yet. Mismatched springs create uneven tension, which stresses your door's tracks and opener.
The cost of a same-day replacement for both springs typically ranges from $300,$600, depending on spring type and door size. A new torsion spring assembly costs more upfront but lasts longer and performs better than extension springs. If you own an older door with extension springs, this might be the right moment to upgrade to torsion.
**Need garage door springs in Somerset today?** Call (508) 960-7396. we cover same-day service across the area.
Springs are under extreme tension.literally hundreds of pounds of force. Attempting a DIY replacement has caused serious injuries, including broken bones and lacerations. The shaft can spin violently if tension is released incorrectly. We've seen homeowners try, and we've also seen the emergency room visits that follow. Don't be that story.
A licensed technician uses specialized tools, understands torque requirements, and carries insurance. A professional estimate takes 15 minutes and costs nothing. A hospital bill costs thousands.
When Garage Door Somerset arrives for an estimate, we inspect both springs for wear, check the door's balance, and test your opener's safety sensors (more on that in our auto-reverse sensor guide). We'll show you the springs, explain what we see, and give you a clear price before any work starts.
Same-day replacement is usually possible if you call before 2 p.m. Emergency calls after hours or on weekends carry a service fee, but we understand that a non-functioning garage door feels urgent.
Springs don't fail overnight. They weaken gradually. Lubricate your springs twice a year with a silicone-based garage door lubricant.never WD-40, which attracts dirt. Keep the tracks clean. Don't let your door sit in direct sun all day; UV exposure degrades springs. These small habits can add a year or more to your springs' lifespan.
For more on routine care, check our motor repair guide, which covers how a healthy spring system keeps your opener from overworking.
A snapped spring is preventable. Annual inspections catch wear before catastrophe. If your door is more than 7 years old or you hear creaking and popping sounds, schedule an estimate now.before spring arrives in full force.
Call Garage Door Somerset at (508) 960-7396 or request a free estimate online. We'll inspect your springs, explain what we find, and give you a no-pressure quote. Don't wait for the door to fail.
Your family's safety starts with a functioning garage door. Springs are the foundation of that safety.
How do I know if my garage door spring is about to break? Listen for creaking or popping sounds. Watch for the door moving unevenly or hesitating as it opens. If you see a gap in the spring coil or visible rust, call immediately. These are warning signs, not confirmation.a technician can assess risk accurately.
Can a single spring be replaced, or do both need replacement? If one spring snaps, both should be replaced. Springs wear as a pair. Replacing only one creates tension imbalance, stressing your door's tracks and opener. Dual replacement prevents a second failure weeks later.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs wind around a shaft above the door; they're safer and last 7,9 years. Extension springs stretch along the tracks; they wear faster and pose higher injury risk if they snap. Torsion is the modern standard.
How much does spring replacement cost in Somerset? Expect $300,$600 for both springs, installed same-day. Cost varies by spring type, door weight, and whether your opener needs adjustment. Call (508) 960-7396 for a specific estimate.
Is it safe to try replacing springs myself? No. Springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. Use a licensed technician with proper tools and insurance. The cost of professional service is far less than an emergency room visit.