Garage Door Spring Types in Newbury: Torsion vs. Extension (Which Do You Have?)
2026-05-24 7 min read
A customer called last Tuesday in a panic. Her garage door had stopped working, and she assumed a new motor was the culprit. After a quick inspection, we found a snapped spring. But here's what surprised her: the cost and repair time depended entirely on which type of spring she had. If you're facing a garage door spring failure in Newbury, knowing whether you have a torsion or extension spring can save you hundreds of dollars and days of frustration.
What Are Garage Door Springs?
Your garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. Two springs balance that weight so your opener doesn't burn out trying to lift a dead load. Without them, your garage door becomes a safety hazard and your opener works overtime. Springs last about 7 to 9 years under normal use. Most homeowners never think about them until one breaks.
Torsion Springs: The Overhead Powerhouse
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above your garage door opening. They twist and unwind to lift and lower the door. One or two springs work together depending on your door's weight and width.
Torsion springs are durable and efficient. They provide smooth, balanced operation because the tension distributes evenly across the door. If you own a heavier door or a two-car garage, torsion springs are standard. They typically cost more upfront (usually $150 to $300 per spring), but they last longer and require fewer replacements over time.
The downside? If one snaps, you need professional help immediately. Never attempt to replace a torsion spring yourself. The tension stored in these springs is dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Why Torsion Springs Fail
Wear and tear is the primary culprit. Springs cycle thousands of times per year. Metal fatigues. Eventually, the coil weakens and snaps. Weather also plays a role. Ohio winters can make metal brittle. We see more spring failures in Newbury during cold months than in summer.
Extension Springs: The Side-Mounted Alternative
Extension springs run vertically along both sides of your garage door opening. They stretch and contract to lift the door. Homes with limited headroom sometimes use extension springs because they take up less overhead space.
Extension springs are cheaper upfront (typically $75 to $150 per spring). Installation is simpler, which means lower labor costs. If you're on a tight budget, extension springs might seem attractive initially.
However, extension springs require safety cables. These cables run through the spring coil and catch it if the spring snaps. Without these cables, a broken extension spring can whip across your garage, damaging property or injuring someone. Extension springs also wear out faster than torsion springs, so you'll replace them more often.
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How to Identify Your Spring Type
Look above your garage door opening. If you see a horizontal spring (or two) running perpendicular to the door, you have torsion springs. If you see springs running vertically along the sides of the door frame, you have extension springs. This quick visual check takes five seconds and tells you everything you need to know.
Knowing your spring type before calling for an estimate prevents miscommunication. When you schedule a free quote with our team, mention which type you have. We'll give you an accurate cost and timeline instead of guessing.
Cost and Repair Timeline
A snapped torsion spring typically costs $200 to $400 for parts and labor combined. Extension spring replacement runs $150 to $300. Both usually take 1 to 2 hours if you call a professional the same day the spring breaks.
If you delay, your garage door sits unusable. Your opener struggles. You lose convenient access to your garage. Same-day service matters, especially in Newbury where many homeowners rely on their garages for daily storage and vehicle access.
Our guide to broken garage door springs in Newbury covers pricing and repair options in detail. It's worth reading if you want a deeper understanding of what to expect.
Prevention and Maintenance
You can't prevent springs from eventually wearing out. But you can extend their life. Keep your garage door balanced. An unbalanced door puts extra stress on springs. Test the balance by opening the door halfway and releasing it. It should stay put. If it falls or rises, springs are already under strain.
Lubricate your springs annually with a silicone spray. This reduces friction and extends lifespan by a year or two. Never use WD40 or oil. These attract dust and gum up the mechanism. Also, inspect springs visually every six months. Hairline cracks mean replacement is coming soon.
Learn more about preparing your garage door for seasonal stress in our winter preparation guide, which covers spring care alongside weatherproofing.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice a gap in your spring coil, hear a loud bang from your garage, or see your door hanging unevenly, contact us immediately. These are signs of spring failure. The sooner you call, the sooner we can restore your door. Visit our springs service page to see the full scope of what we handle, or get in touch today for a same-day estimate.
Don't gamble with spring repairs. A DIY mistake can be expensive and dangerous. Newbury Garage Doors has repaired hundreds of spring failures across Newbury and surrounding areas. We know both spring types inside and out and can diagnose your issue in minutes.
Your garage door is too important to ignore. Springs fail without warning, but help is just a phone call away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do garage door springs last? Most springs last 7 to 9 years with regular use. Torsion springs typically outlast extension springs. Frequency of use and climate affect lifespan. Springs that cycle 10,000 times per year wear faster than those used lightly.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself? No. Torsion springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if mishandled. Extension springs are slightly safer but still dangerous. Always hire a licensed technician for spring replacement.
What's the difference in cost between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs cost $200 to $400 installed. Extension springs cost $150 to $300 installed. Torsion springs last longer, so total cost of ownership favors torsion despite higher upfront price.
How do I know if my spring is broken? Your garage door won't open, or it opens unevenly and sits crooked. You may hear a loud bang or snap. The door may fall suddenly when opening. These are all signs of spring failure.
Do I need both springs replaced if only one breaks? For torsion springs, yes. Both springs should be replaced together to ensure balanced operation and prevent premature wear on the new spring. For extension springs, you can replace just the broken one, but replacing both extends overall door life.