2026-08-10 7 min read
A customer called last Tuesday asking if we could replace his garage door springs. When I asked which type he had, he went silent. Turns out he'd never opened the garage door panel to look. That's more common than you'd think. Most homeowners in Gladstone don't know whether they have torsion or extension springs, and honestly, that gap in knowledge costs money. Here's what you actually need to know.
Torsion springs sit horizontally above your garage door opening. They twist to store and release energy as the door moves up and down. Extension springs run vertically along each side of the door frame. They stretch and contract. Both do the same job. They both lift a heavy door with minimal effort from your opener. But they fail differently, cost different amounts to replace, and require different repair approaches.
Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use. Extension springs often wear out faster, around 5 to 7 years. If you've got a snapped spring, you'll notice it immediately. The door won't open, or it'll feel unbalanced and heavy. We see this situation regularly across Gladstone and surrounding areas like Oregon City.
Torsion springs are more expensive upfront but safer and more durable long-term. A torsion spring replacement runs $200 to $400 per spring, depending on the quality and your door weight. Extension springs cost less upfront, typically $100 to $200 per spring. But since extension springs fail more often, you end up replacing them twice while your neighbor replaces torsion once.
Safety also differs. When a torsion spring snaps, it fails at the center. When an extension spring breaks, the door can drop suddenly if the safety cable fails too. That's why the National Door Association recommends replacing both springs at the same time, even if only one is broken. They wear together. One that's still working is probably near the end of its life anyway.
**Need garage door springs in Gladstone today?** Call (971) 370-2892. we cover same-day service across the area.
Look at your garage door opening from inside. Do you see a long metal shaft with a tightly wound spring wrapped around it, running side-to-side above the door? That's torsion. Do you see springs running up and down the sides of the frame near the cables? Those are extension. It takes 30 seconds to look.
If you're uncomfortable checking yourself, we offer free visual inspections and estimates. Most homeowners are surprised how simple the difference is once they see it.
A snapped spring always means replacement, not repair. Springs can't be welded safely. You can't patch them or jury-rig them. A broken spring is a broken spring. However, we sometimes see springs that are aging but not yet failed. If you notice your door moving slowly, hesitating, or seeming heavier than usual, that's often a sign both springs are wearing. That's the time to get an estimate for repair versus replacement costs before one snaps unexpectedly.
Many Gladstone homeowners ask if they can replace springs themselves. We don't recommend it. Springs carry hundreds of pounds of tension. Improper installation or release can cause serious injury. Let a trained technician handle it. We've got the right tools, the training, and we stand behind the work.
When you call Garage Door Gladstone about a snapped spring, we'll ask your door model, when it was installed, and which type you need. That helps us come prepared with the right parts. Most spring replacements take under an hour. We'll test the door balance, inspect the cables and hardware while we're at it, and give you an honest assessment of what else might need attention soon.
Our pricing is straightforward. No surprises. No upselling parts you don't need. We believe you deserve clarity on what you're paying for, and why.
If you want to understand more about your spring system's history and longevity, check out our guide on how long garage door springs last in Gladstone. It covers maintenance habits that extend spring life, which can save you money over time.
A broken spring doesn't fix itself. The longer you wait, the more stress falls on your opener and door cables. That compounds the cost. Schedule a free quote now or call (971) 370-2892 to arrange same-day service if you're in Gladstone or nearby.
We'll identify your spring type, give you an honest estimate, and fix it right. That's how we've built this business.
What does a snapped garage door spring sound like? You'll usually hear a loud bang or pop, followed by the door becoming very heavy or refusing to open. The sound comes from the sudden release of tension in the spring. If this happens, stop using the door and call for service immediately to avoid further damage.
Can I use my garage door if one spring is broken? No. Using a door with a broken spring overloads the opener and can snap cables or damage the door panel. It also creates a safety hazard if the door falls unexpectedly. Don't operate it until both springs are replaced.
How much does it cost to replace both garage door springs? Torsion spring sets typically run $400 to $800 installed. Extension springs cost $200 to $400 installed. Final price depends on your door weight, spring quality, and whether additional repairs are needed. We offer free estimates.
Do extension and torsion springs cost the same? No. Torsion springs cost more upfront but last longer. Extension springs are cheaper initially but fail sooner. Over 10 years, torsion often saves money despite higher replacement cost.
How often should garage door springs be serviced? Springs don't require routine servicing, but we recommend annual maintenance inspections to catch wear early. This catches problems before they become emergency repairs and helps extend spring life by 1 to 2 years.