2026-08-20 7 min read
After 15 years working garage doors in Francestown and across southern New Hampshire, I can tell you this: most homeowners don't understand their springs until one snaps. Let's cut through the confusion. Your garage door has either a torsion spring or extension springs. Torsion springs sit above the door on a metal rod and twist to lift the weight. Extension springs hang on each side and stretch as the door opens. One fails, your door won't budge. The cost to replace runs $150 to $300 per spring, depending on type and quality. Same-day service is usually available if you call before noon.
Your garage door weighs between 300 and 400 pounds. Springs do nearly all the heavy lifting. Without them, your opener would burn out in weeks trying to muscle that weight up and down every day.
Torsion springs are the stronger, longer-lasting option. They're mounted horizontally above the door opening and rotate around a shaft. As the door descends, the springs wind tighter, storing energy. When you open the door, that stored energy releases, helping your opener lift the load. Most newer homes in Francestown use torsion springs.
Extension springs work differently. They're installed vertically on each side of the door frame, one per side. As the door opens, they stretch. As it closes, they contract and help pull the door down. They're cheaper upfront but wear out faster, usually in 7 to 9 years compared to torsion springs lasting 10 to 15 years.
The type you have depends on your door's age and original installation. Older Francestown homes often have extension springs. Newer construction typically comes with torsion.
A snapped spring is impossible to miss. The door won't open or will open only partially before stopping hard. Sometimes you'll hear a loud bang or twang from the garage when it happens, like a rifle shot. That's the spring breaking under thousands of pounds of tension.
Other warning signs come earlier. If your door moves slower than usual, jerks, or makes grinding noises, one spring is weakening. You might notice the door closing faster than it should, or the opener struggling to lift it. These are red flags. Don't wait for a complete failure.
Harsh New England winters accelerate spring wear. Cold metal becomes brittle. Salt air corrodes the steel. If you live near the coast or even in upland Francestown during a particularly bitter season, inspect your springs annually. Francestown winters are especially tough on springs, and we've written about that problem here.
**Need garage door springs in Francestown today?** Call (978) 312-5590. we cover same-day service across the area.
If you have extension springs and one snaps, we almost always recommend replacing both. They wear as a pair. If one failed, the other is close behind. Replacing just one creates a dangerous imbalance. Your door will pull to one side, straining the opener and risking further damage.
Torsion springs are different. These are single-unit systems. One spring does the work, so you technically can replace just one. But here's the technician truth: if your torsion spring is failing, the rod, bearings, and brackets have likely taken years of wear too. Replacing only the spring leaves aging hardware in place. We typically recommend a full torsion assembly replacement when the spring fails.
The cost difference between a spring-only repair and a full assembly replacement is $100 to $150. That small difference buys you five more years of reliability. We've seen DIYers replace just the spring and call us six months later when the brackets fail. Learn more about repair versus replacement decisions here.
Stop right here: do not attempt to replace garage door springs yourself. I say this after years of seeing homeowners in the emergency room.
Springs are under extreme tension. A torsion spring carries torque equivalent to a car's weight. If a tool slips or you remove the wrong bolt, that spring can unwind violently. People have lost fingers. Worse things happen.
Always hire a licensed technician. We carry liability insurance, have the right tools, and know exactly where the danger points are. Schedule a free quote or call us at (978) 312-5590 for a same-day estimate. A professional replacement takes 45 minutes to an hour. Your safety is worth the cost.
A torsion spring replacement runs $200 to $350, including labor and parts. Extension spring replacement costs $150 to $250. If you need an entire torsion assembly, add $50 to $100. Emergency or after-hours service adds a trip fee, usually $75 to $100.
These prices assume standard residential springs. Commercial doors with heavier springs cost more. Our team can provide an accurate estimate after seeing your setup. Call (978) 312-5590 for pricing.
If you're facing a snapped spring emergency right now, here's what to do. Don't force the door. Don't try a temporary fix. Call us.
Most springs last 7 to 9 years with extension types and 10 to 15 years with torsion. You can extend that lifespan with regular maintenance. An annual tune-up includes lubricating springs, inspecting for rust or cracks, and checking cable alignment. Find out how often a full tune-up makes sense for your door.
In Francestown's climate, we recommend twice-yearly checks: once before winter and once in spring after the thaw. Salt and cold accelerate corrosion.
Your garage door springs are critical safety and function equipment. When they wear out, don't delay. We're here to help with same-day service and transparent pricing.
---
How do I know if my garage door has torsion or extension springs? Torsion springs sit horizontally above the door opening on a metal rod. Extension springs hang vertically on each side of the frame. Torsion springs look like a large coil wound around a shaft. If you're unsure, call us for a free inspection.
Can I replace just one spring? With extension springs, no. Always replace both as a pair. With torsion springs, you can technically replace one, but we recommend a full assembly replacement for durability. The difference in cost is small compared to a second failure.
How long does a spring replacement take? A professional replacement takes 45 minutes to one hour. We schedule same-day appointments when possible. Call (978) 312-5590 to book.
What causes springs to fail faster? Salt air, harsh winters, lack of lubrication, and heavy door use all shorten spring life. New England weather is particularly hard on metal. Annual maintenance helps springs last their full lifespan.
Is it safe to open my door if a spring is broken? No. Do not force the door. A broken spring means no spring tension, and your opener will strain trying to lift the dead weight. Call us before attempting to open it.