2026-08-17 7 min read
Your garage door likely has either a torsion spring or an extension spring. The type matters enormously for safety and repair cost. Torsion springs sit horizontally above your door and twist to lift it. Extension springs run along the sides and stretch. If you don't know which you have, you're not alone. Most homeowners discover this distinction only when something breaks.
The difference isn't academic. A snapped torsion spring weighs 50+ pounds and can whip violently. An extension spring failure is equally dangerous but behaves differently. Either way, a broken spring means your door won't open, and forcing it risks serious injury or property damage. See our guide on garage door insulation in sprague: cut heating costs without breaking the bank.
Torsion springs are the safer, more durable choice. They last 7 to 9 years with normal use. Extension springs typically last 5 to 7 years because they experience more friction and stress. When you schedule a free quote with Sprague Garage Doors, we identify your system and recommend the right replacement before failure happens.
Stand inside your garage with the door closed. Look up at the space directly above the door panels. Read about garage door cost & pricing in sprague, wa: what you.
Torsion springs: You'll see one or two thick metal coils running horizontally from left to right. They're usually 2 to 3 inches in diameter and sit on a steel rod. A cone or pulley sits at each end.
Extension springs: These run vertically along both sides of the door, near the top. They look like springs you'd find in a screen door, just much larger and heavier. They attach to cables that run down to the bottom corners of the door.
If you see the horizontal coils above the door, you have torsion. If springs run along the jambs (the vertical sides), you have extension.
**Need garage door springs in Sprague today?** Call 15094018184. we cover same-day service across the area.
This is where I get serious. Extension springs have pulleys and cables attached. If a cable snaps, the spring can whip across your garage with enough force to punch through drywall. I've seen springs break through car windshields.
Torsion springs are contained tighter, but they store tremendous rotational energy. When one snaps, the door loses all support on that side and can drop unevenly. Children and pets in the garage at that moment face genuine danger.
Never attempt to adjust, replace, or even touch a broken garage door spring. The tension is too extreme. Even partially loosened springs can cause serious cuts, fractures, or crushing injuries. Our team at Sprague Garage Doors has the specialized tools and experience to handle this safely.
For more detail on how springs fail and what it costs, read our complete safety guide on garage door springs in Sprague.
A torsion spring replacement typically runs $150 to $300 per spring in the Sprague area. Extension springs cost slightly less, usually $100 to $200, but labor is similar. Most people don't realize that both springs usually need replacement at the same time. If one has failed or is nearing its lifespan, the other is too. Replacing only one creates imbalance and accelerates wear on the remaining spring.
Same-day service is possible for most spring issues in Sprague and nearby Spokane areas. We stock common sizes and can often complete the job within hours of your call. For a detailed breakdown of what drives these costs, explore our garage door repair estimate guide.
You can also review our complete spring replacement and cost guide to understand when replacement becomes necessary versus optional upgrades.
Springs don't fail without warning. If your door moves slower than usual, makes grinding noises, or feels heavier, the springs are weakening. Lubrication extends spring life slightly, but it won't prevent the inevitable. A professional inspection catches deterioration early.
Learn our maintenance approach to avoid costly surprises.
Identify your spring type using the steps above. Note the number of springs (most doors have two, some have one). Take a photo if you can do so safely. When you call us, this information helps us provide an accurate estimate over the phone.
If you hear a loud bang or notice your door hanging crooked, stop using it immediately. A snapped spring may not be visible yet. Contact us for same-day service at 15094018184 or request an estimate online. We'll send a certified technician to assess the damage and discuss your options.
Your safety matters more than the repair cost. Broken springs are not a DIY situation, and delaying the fix only invites accidents.
Q: Can I open my garage door manually if the spring is broken? A: No. Never attempt manual opening with a broken spring. The door becomes extremely heavy (300+ pounds on one side) and can cause serious injury. Call a professional immediately.
Q: How long does a spring replacement take? A: Most replacements take 1 to 2 hours, including safety testing. We typically complete same-day service for calls received before 3 p.m. in the Sprague area.
Q: Is it normal for springs to make noise? A: Minor creaking is normal. Loud pops, squealing, or grinding sounds indicate wear or lubrication problems. Contact us for inspection to determine if replacement is imminent.
Q: Do I need to replace both springs if only one breaks? A: Yes. Both springs experience the same amount of use and stress. If one has failed, the other is near failure. Replacing both ensures balanced operation and prevents a second failure shortly after the first repair.
Q: What's the difference in cost between torsion and extension spring replacement? A: Torsion springs cost slightly more (parts plus labor), typically $200 to $300 per spring. Extension springs run $150 to $250. Total cost depends on door size, spring quantity, and your location near Sprague.