2026-09-09 7 min read
If you've ever had your garage door suddenly stop working, a failed spring is usually the culprit. The two main types of garage door springs behave very differently, fail at different rates, and carry different safety risks. Knowing which one you have, and which one fails first, could save you money and keep your family safe.
Torsion springs sit above your garage door on a metal rod. They twist and untwist as your door opens and closes, transferring rotational energy to lift the heavy panel. Most homes built in the last 20 years use torsion springs because they're more durable and longer lasting than their alternatives.
A typical torsion spring lasts 7 to 9 years with normal use. That's roughly 10,000 to 15,000 open/close cycles. If you use your garage door three times daily, you're looking at a lifespan closer to the lower end of that range. The heavier your door, the faster the spring wears out.
When a torsion spring snaps, it happens suddenly. You'll hear a loud bang from the garage, like a gunshot. The door won't open at all. Your opener will hum but won't budge the panel because the spring can no longer support its weight. This is both frustrating and dangerous because a garage door without a working spring can crush fingers, hands, or even cause serious injury if it falls unexpectedly.
Extension springs run along both sides of your garage door opening, parallel to the tracks. They stretch and contract as the door moves. If your home was built before 2000, you likely have extension springs.
Extension springs fail faster than torsion springs. Most last only 5 to 7 years. They're also more prone to sudden, violent failure because they store energy under tension. When an extension spring snaps, the loose cable can whip around inside the garage, creating a serious hazard.
Older extension spring setups often lack safety cables. Modern codes require them, but many older installations don't have them. A safety cable runs through the center of the spring and catches it if it breaks, preventing it from flying across the garage. If your home has extension springs without safety cables, that's a red flag.
Canby winters are wet and cool, with occasional frost. This matters for springs. Metal contracts in cold weather, and moisture accelerates rust. Both torsion and extension springs are susceptible, but extension springs corrode faster because they're exposed along the sides of your opening.
If you live in Canby and haven't had your springs serviced in a few years, rust may already be eating away at them. A spring that looks fine on the surface might be weakened inside, ready to snap without warning. This is why regular maintenance is non-negotiable in our climate.
**Need garage door springs in Canby today?** Call (971) 366-2634. we cover same-day service across the area.
Look inside your garage with the door closed. If you see a horizontal rod with coils wrapped around it above the door, you have a torsion spring. If you see springs running vertically along both sides of the opening, you have extension springs.
Don't try to inspect them closely or touch them. Springs under tension can cause serious injury. If you're unsure, call a professional for a same-day estimate. Garage Door Canby technicians can identify your spring type and condition in minutes.
Springs don't "repair" in the traditional sense. Once a spring snaps or shows signs of stress, replacement is the only safe option. Attempting to patch or weld a broken spring is dangerous and unreliable.
If one spring has failed, the other is likely near the end of its life too. Many homeowners make the mistake of replacing only the broken one, then calling us back months later when the second spring fails. We recommend replacing both springs at the same time. It costs less than two separate service calls and protects you from another sudden failure.
For pricing details on what a spring replacement actually costs in Canby, see our complete guide to garage door spring replacement costs.
If your spring snaps, your door won't open. Don't force it. Don't try to manually lift it. Instead, schedule a free quote or call us right away. We offer same-day repairs for broken springs across Canby and surrounding areas.
In the meantime, use an alternate entrance to your home. Leave your car parked outside. Wait for professional help.
The good news: spring replacement is straightforward and affordable when you plan ahead. The bad news: emergency repairs cost more and leave you stranded. If your door is over 7 years old, have your springs inspected before they fail.
Don't wait for a snapped spring to disrupt your life. Contact us today for a no-pressure inspection and estimate. Call (971) 366-2634.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years (10,000 to 15,000 cycles). Extension springs fail faster, usually within 5 to 7 years. Climate, usage frequency, and maintenance affect actual lifespan significantly.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself? No. Springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if mishandled. Always hire a licensed professional. DIY attempts often result in emergency room visits or worse.
Why is one spring not enough? Garage doors are heavy (300 to 500 pounds). Two springs distribute the load evenly and prevent binding or track damage. A single spring can't safely support the weight and will fail quickly under stress.
What's the difference between a snapped and a worn spring? A snapped spring breaks suddenly and completely. A worn spring loses tension gradually, making the door harder to open or causing the opener to work overtime. Both need replacement, but worn springs give you time to plan ahead.
How much does a spring replacement cost? Cost varies by spring type, door weight, and labor. See our breakdown of garage door spring repair costs and estimates for Canby pricing details.