Why Garage Door Springs Break
Garage door springs are under enormous tension every single day. Every time your door opens and closes, those springs absorb and release hundreds of pounds of force. Over time — typically after 10,000 cycles — metal fatigue sets in and the spring fails.
On Long Island, winter weather accelerates spring failure. When temperatures drop below freezing, metal contracts and becomes more brittle. The lubrication in the spring coils stiffens. January and February are the peak months for spring failures on Long Island — our busiest repair season every year.
Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs mount horizontally on a metal shaft directly above the garage door opening. When the door closes, the springs wind up and store energy. When the door opens, that energy unwinds to help lift the door. Torsion springs are the modern standard — they're safer, last longer, and provide smoother operation. Most Long Island homes built after 1995 use torsion springs.
Extension Springs
Extension springs run along the sides of the door, above the horizontal tracks. They stretch and contract as the door moves. They're common on older homes and lighter single-car doors. Extension springs are less expensive but also less durable and slightly more dangerous to replace, since the entire spring is under visible tension.
Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken
- Loud bang from the garage — a snapping spring sounds like a gunshot
- Door won't open — opener strains, door lifts only a few inches
- Door feels extremely heavy — you can barely lift it manually
- Visible gap in the torsion spring coil — look above the door for a separation
- Door opens unevenly — one side lifts higher than the other (extension spring)
- Cables hanging loose — broken spring causes cables to go slack
The Replacement Process
When our technician arrives, the repair typically takes 1–2 hours:
- Safety inspection of the door, cables, and all hardware
- Release remaining tension from the broken spring safely
- Remove the old spring and measure for the correct replacement
- Install the new spring — properly wound and tensioned
- Lubricate all moving parts (hinges, rollers, tracks)
- Balance test and manual lift check
- Cycle the door 3–5 times to verify smooth operation
Spring Replacement Cost Guide
| Spring Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Torsion Spring (single) | $150 – $250 |
| Standard Torsion Spring (double door) | $200 – $350 |
| Extension Spring Pair | $100 – $200 |
| High-Cycle Torsion Spring | $200 – $400 |
| Spring + Cable Package | $220 – $400 |
How Long Do New Springs Last?
Standard springs are rated at 10,000 cycles. If you open and close your door 4 times per day, that's roughly 7 years. We also offer high-cycle springs rated for 25,000 or even 50,000 cycles — ideal for households that use the garage as the primary entrance. The higher upfront cost pays for itself in longevity and fewer repairs.