7 min read
There are two types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs sit above your door and twist to lift the weight; extension springs run along the sides and stretch. Most homes in San Jacinto use torsion springs because they're safer and more durable. Knowing which one you have matters when budgeting for repair or replacement.
Your springs do the heavy lifting, literally. A standard garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. Without properly functioning springs, that door becomes a dangerous deadweight. Springs are engineered to last 7 to 9 years under normal use, though San Jacinto's heat and dust can accelerate wear.
When a spring snapped, your door won't open smoothly or at all. You might hear a loud bang from the garage, which is the spring breaking under tension. This is not a problem you should ignore or attempt to fix yourself. Spring tension is genuinely hazardous.
Torsion springs mount horizontally above your garage door opening. They twist and unwind to counterbalance the door's weight as it moves up and down. One or two springs handle the load, depending on your door's size and weight.
The upside: torsion springs last longer and break less suddenly than extension springs. They're also more precise and gentler on your garage door opener. The downside is they're more expensive to replace. A torsion spring replacement typically runs $150 to $300 per spring, plus labor.
When a torsion spring fails, the door usually won't budge. You'll need professional help right away. If you're unsure what type you have, our team can assess your setup and provide a free estimate for replacement.
**Need garage door springs in San Jacinto today?** Call 951-524-7257 for same-day service across the area.
Extension springs hang on either side of your door's track. They stretch as the door lowers and contract as it rises. Most residential doors have two extension springs working in tandem.
Extension springs are cheaper upfront (around $100 to $200 per spring), but they wear faster and are more prone to snapping. They also pose a higher safety risk because broken coils can snap violently outward. Many newer codes favor torsion springs for this reason.
If you have an older home in San Jacinto with extension springs, you might consider upgrading to torsion when replacement time comes. The upfront cost difference is worth the longer lifespan and safety gain.
Spring replacement cost varies based on type, quantity, and whether your door needs additional repairs. A typical job includes the spring itself, professional installation, and testing. Labor usually runs $100 to $200 per hour, with most jobs taking one to two hours.
You should also factor in whether your door opener needs adjustment after spring replacement. An older opener might struggle with new springs, especially if you're upgrading from extension to torsion. For a full breakdown of what you'll pay, explore our garage door cost and pricing guide to understand the bigger picture.
A snapped spring is obvious, but several warning signs appear before complete failure. If your door feels heavier than usual when opening manually, or if your opener struggles to lift it, springs are weakening. Visible rust, fraying, or visible gaps in the spring coils also signal trouble ahead.
Don't wait for a complete break. When springs start failing, the rest of your door system works harder, including the opener and tracks. This cascading wear costs more in the long run. If you're seeing any of these signs, learn when to call a pro for spring repair before it becomes an emergency.
Garage Door San Jacinto handles spring replacement across the Inland Empire, including Hemet, Beaumont, and surrounding areas. Our team stocks both torsion and extension springs and can often complete same-day replacement. We understand how the local climate in San Jacinto accelerates spring wear, and we size and install springs built to handle it.
Ready to get your springs replaced? Schedule a free quote with us or call 951-524-7257 to discuss your options. We'll inspect your door, identify the spring type, and give you an honest estimate.
Spring failure doesn't have to leave you stranded. A quick call brings a technician to diagnose the problem and schedule replacement at your convenience. Whether you need torsion, extension, or want to explore your full repair versus replacement options, we're here to help.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion and extension springs typically last 7 to 9 years with average use. San Jacinto's heat and dust can shorten lifespan. Cycles (how many times the door opens and closes) matter more than calendar years. A spring might fail sooner if your door operates frequently.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself? No. Spring replacement requires specialized tools and knowledge of tension mechanics. A snapped spring under tension can cause serious injury. Always hire a licensed professional for spring work.
What's the difference between a snapped spring and a worn spring? A snapped spring breaks suddenly and completely, leaving your door inoperable. A worn spring gradually weakens, causing the door to feel heavier or the opener to strain. Both need prompt replacement.
How much does a garage door spring replacement cost? Torsion springs cost $150 to $300 each plus labor. Extension springs cost $100 to $200 each plus labor. Labor typically runs $100 to $200 per hour. Most jobs finish in one to two hours.
Should I replace both springs at the same time? Yes. If one spring fails, the other is likely near the end of its life. Replacing both ensures balanced operation and prevents a second failure soon after.