2026-06-08
A customer called last Tuesday morning. His garage door wouldn't budge. One look told me everything: snapped torsion spring. He'd heard a loud bang the night before but assumed it was just the wind. That spring had given its last. In Somerset, this happens more often than you'd think, especially as we head into colder months. Here's what you need to know about garage door springs, when they fail, and what a fair repair actually costs.
Your garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. Those springs do nearly all the heavy lifting. A torsion spring winds up when you close the door, storing energy. An extension spring stretches and contracts. Both types work overtime, cycling 10,000 to 15,000 times over their lifespan. Springs typically last 7 to 9 years, not 10. After that, metal fatigue sets in. See our guide on garage door stuck closed in somerset? here.
Cold weather accelerates failure. Somerset's coastal winters make steel brittle. Temperature swings from 35 degrees to below zero stress the metal. Springs that might have lasted another year snap without warning. Most homeowners hear a loud crack or bang when it happens. The door drops suddenly. It won't open. You're stuck.
Torsion springs mount horizontally above your garage door opening. They're the heavy-duty option. One or two winds up tension. Extension springs hang vertically on each side of the door. They stretch as the door lowers. Read about motor repair: a complete guide for homeowners.
Torsion springs cost more to replace but last longer and work more smoothly. Extension springs are cheaper upfront but fail more frequently in our climate. If you're not sure which type you have, call us or check our FAQ section. We'll walk you through it in 30 seconds.
Honest answer: a single torsion spring replacement runs $200 to $350 in Somerset. An extension spring costs $150 to $250. Labor is $100 to $200 depending on the setup. If both springs fail (common on older doors), you're looking at $400 to $600 total with installation.
That's not a guess. That's what we actually charge. No surprises. No hidden fees. Some companies charge by the pound or add mysterious "service charges." We don't. You get an estimate before work starts. If you want to compare pricing, we're happy to discuss it.
The worst move is waiting. A snapped spring puts strain on your garage door opener motor. Keep running it, and you'll burn out the motor. Then you're replacing a $300 part instead of a $200 spring. It compounds fast.
**Need garage door springs in Somerset today?** Call (508) 960-7396. We cover same-day service across the area.
You need professional help immediately if your door won't open or close, you hear a loud snap or bang, the door feels heavy or unbalanced, or you see a gap in the spring above the door. Never try to replace a spring yourself. Wound springs store massive tension. A slip means serious injury. Hospital serious.
For emergency situations, we offer same-day response. Read about our emergency garage door service in Somerset) to understand what happens when you call and how quickly we move.
If you're curious about the full breakdown of spring repair versus replacement, we've already written a detailed guide covering repair vs. replacement and real cost factors. That post walks through when each option makes sense based on door age and condition.
Springs fail eventually. That's physics. But you can slow it down. Keep your door balanced. Test it monthly by opening halfway. It should hold without power. A balanced door puts less stress on springs. Lubricate the springs twice a year with a silicone-based lubricant. Not WD-40. Silicone. It reduces friction and extends life by months.
In Somerset, add extra lubrication before winter. Cold makes metal stiff. A little maintenance goes a long way. For a full seasonal prep checklist, check our cold weather preparation guide).
We offer free estimates on garage door springs. No charge. No pressure. Schedule a free quote online), or call us at (508) 960-7396. We'll inspect the spring, discuss repair versus replacement, and give you a price that's honest.
Visit our full services page) to see what else we handle while we're there. Sometimes a spring repair is the perfect time to address other wear items.
If a snapped spring has you stuck right now, call today. We'll get you moving again without breaking the bank.
How do I know if my garage door spring is broken? The door won't open or close, even with power. You'll hear a loud bang before it stops working. The door may hang unevenly or feel very heavy. Never force it. Call a professional immediately.
Can I replace just one spring if both are old? You can, but we don't recommend it. If one spring is worn enough to snap, the other is near the end too. Replacing both at once costs a bit more upfront but saves you a second service call in weeks.
How long does a spring replacement take? Most spring replacements take 1 to 2 hours. We'll give you a time estimate when you call. We handle same-day service for urgent requests.
Why is a professional replacement better than DIY? Springs hold 10,000 pounds of tension. A slip costs you serious injury. Our technicians have the tools and training to do it safely and right.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover a snapped spring? Usually not. Most policies exclude wear and tear. It's treated as maintenance. Check your policy, but plan on paying out of pocket.