2026-06-22 7 min read
Let's cut through the confusion about garage door springs. If your door won't open, moves unevenly, or you hear a loud bang from the garage, a snapped spring is likely the culprit. Springs are the hardest-working part of your system, and they wear out. Knowing which type you have and what replacement costs can save you time, money, and frustration.
Springs do almost all the heavy lifting. A typical residential door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. Those springs counterbalance that weight so your opener doesn't burn out after a few months. Without springs working correctly, you're relying entirely on motor power. That's why a snapped spring makes your door feel impossibly heavy.
Springs last roughly 7 to 9 years with normal use. Some last longer if you maintain your door well. Once one fails, the other isn't far behind. They wear in tandem, so replacing both at the same time is smart economics.
Most homes in Ellington use one of two designs.
Torsion springs sit horizontally above your garage door opening. They twist (torque) to lift the door. If you see a thick metal coil mounted on a shaft above the center of your door, that's torsion. These are stronger, safer, and last longer than extension springs. They're also more expensive to replace, usually running $200 to $400 per spring installed.
Extension springs run along each side of the door, parallel to the horizontal tracks. They stretch and contract. Older homes and budget installations often use these. You'll pay less upfront, around $150 to $300 per spring, but they wear faster and can snap with less warning. Learn more about garage door safety features that protect your family when springs do fail unexpectedly.
Springs break because metal fatigues. Every open and close cycle stresses the coil. Heat, cold, humidity, and lack of lubrication accelerate wear. In Connecticut, our freeze-thaw cycles are rough on metal.
Common warning signs:
- Door feels heavier than normal when opening manually, Loud bang or crack sound from the garage (the snapped spring) - Door opens crooked or tilts to one side, Door won't open at all, even with the opener running
If you hear a bang, don't keep using your door. A snapped spring can whip around and cause injury. More practically, you'll damage your opener trying to force the door up.
**Need garage door springs in Ellington today?** Call (860) 864-5120. we cover same-day service across the area.
Price varies based on spring type, your door size, and whether one or both springs need replacing.
Torsion spring replacement: $400 to $800 for both springs installed. Labor is the bulk of this cost because the job requires specialized tools and expertise.
Extension spring replacement: $300 to $600 for both springs installed.
Don't shop by price alone. A $150 estimate from someone unlicensed might seem attractive until they leave a spring half-installed or damage your tracks. At Ellington Garage Doors, we provide a free estimate and explain exactly what you need before we touch anything.
Get a same-day estimate for your springs or call us for a quick phone quote.
No. Seriously. Springs store enormous amounts of energy. A torsion spring under tension can slice off a finger or worse. Even extension springs can snap back and cause serious injury. This is one repair that absolutely requires a professional. We've seen do-it-yourself attempts end in emergency room visits.
If you're handy and want to save money, focus on maintenance instead. Keep your door and tracks clean. Lubricate rollers and hinges twice a year. Check your door's routine maintenance schedule to catch wear early.
We service Ellington, Vernon, Somers, and the surrounding towns. If your spring breaks during business hours, we can often get to you same-day. Call (860) 864-5120 and describe what happened. We'll let you know our availability and provide a ballpark cost over the phone.
Most spring jobs take under an hour once we arrive. You'll have a functioning door and a warranty on the new springs.
If a spring has failed, don't wait. A broken spring means your door is a safety risk and your opener is working twice as hard. The cost only goes up if you damage the opener or tracks trying to force things.
Learn about our spring replacement services or schedule your free quote today. Call (860) 864-5120 to talk with someone who's actually spent 15 years fixing these systems.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion and extension springs typically last 7 to 9 years with regular use. Lifespan depends on cycle count, humidity, temperature swings, and maintenance. Springs in humid climates or doors used heavily wear faster.
What's the difference between a snapped spring and a broken spring? They're the same thing. A snapped spring means the coil has fractured or separated, making the spring non-functional. You'll hear a loud bang when it happens, and your door becomes inoperable.
Can I open my garage door manually if the spring is broken? Technically yes, but the door will feel extremely heavy and dangerous. Without spring tension, you're lifting 300 to 500 pounds by hand. Don't attempt it. Call a professional instead.
Why do both springs need replacing at the same time? They wear together. If one has failed, the other is near the end of its life. Replacing only one means you'll likely need service again within months, doubling your labor costs. Both springs together is the economical choice.
Is spring replacement covered by homeowner's insurance? Usually no. Springs wear out as part of normal maintenance, which insurance doesn't cover. However, some policies cover damage caused by a spring breaking and damaging other parts. Check with your agent.