2026-07-18 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
Most homeowners don't think about their garage door springs until something goes wrong. Then you're stuck outside, the door won't budge, and you're Googling "garage door springs near me" at 7 a.m. Here's what you actually need to know: there are two main types of springs in your door, and knowing which one you have saves time and money when you call for help.
Your garage door uses either a torsion spring or an extension spring. Both do the same job (balance the door's weight so your opener doesn't burn out), but they work very differently and fail in different ways.
Torsion springs sit horizontally above your door opening, mounted on a metal shaft. They twist (or torque) to lift the door. Most modern homes in Addy and Stevens County have torsion springs because they're safer, last longer, and take up less space. They typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use.
Extension springs hang vertically on both sides of the door track. They stretch and contract like rubber bands to pull the door up. Older homes tend to have these, and they're cheaper upfront, but they wear out faster and have safety drawbacks. Extension springs usually last 5 to 7 years.
Here's where this gets practical. When a torsion spring snaps, you usually hear a loud bang and the door stops working immediately. When an extension spring breaks, the other one often fails soon after because it's been working overtime. A snapped spring isn't something you fix yourself. The tension is serious enough to injure you or damage your car.
If you need a repair, the cost depends partly on which type you have. Extension spring replacement runs cheaper than torsion, but torsion springs last so much longer that the math favors them. We've seen homeowners in Addy spend money replacing extension springs twice while a torsion system would have needed only one replacement in the same timeframe.
**Need garage door springs in Addy today?** Call +1 509 210 6414. We cover same-day service across Stevens County and the surrounding area.
Walk into your garage and look directly above the door. If you see a horizontal metal shaft with coiled springs wrapped around it, you have torsion springs. That's what most of our calls are about.
If you see two springs hanging on cables along the left and right sides of the door, you have extension springs. They're obvious once you know what to look for.
Don't mess with either type. Garage door springs are under extreme tension. Trying to adjust, replace, or even look too closely at a snapped spring can result in serious injury. Our technicians have the right tools and training to handle this safely.
A snapped spring leaves you with a door you can't operate. Your opener won't help because the spring is what actually supports the weight. If you try to force it, you'll burn out your opener and create a bigger repair bill.
If you're dealing with this right now, check out our detailed guide on what happens when springs snap for more context. For pricing details specific to your situation, our post on spring repair versus replacement costs walks through the math.
The good news: spring replacement is straightforward and we can usually get it done the same day you call. Our team at Addy Garage Doors carries both types in stock, so you're not waiting for parts to ship.
Regular maintenance can extend your spring's life by a year or two. That means keeping your tracks clean, lubricating moving parts, and catching small issues before they become expensive ones. But springs have a finite lifespan. Once they hit 7 to 9 years old (for torsion) or 5 to 7 years (for extension), failure becomes likely.
If your door is getting slow to open, makes grinding sounds, or feels heavier than usual, your springs might be nearing the end. Don't wait for them to snap. A preventive spring inspection and tune-up costs far less than an emergency call.
Ready to get your springs checked? Schedule a free estimate with our team. We'll identify your spring type, assess the condition, and give you honest pricing. Call +1 509 210 6414 or book online. Same-day service available for most repairs in Addy and nearby areas.
How do I know if my torsion spring is about to fail? Listen for squeaking, grinding, or creaking when the door moves. The door might feel unbalanced, opening faster on one side or sagging slightly. If you notice these signs, call for an inspection before the spring snaps completely.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself? No. The tension in both spring types is dangerous. Improper handling can cause serious injury or death. Always hire a licensed technician. It's one of those jobs where DIY saves nothing and risks everything.
What's the cost difference between torsion and extension spring replacement? Extension springs typically cost 30 to 40 percent less to replace, but torsion springs last much longer. Over a decade, torsion usually works out cheaper because you replace it once versus twice with extension springs.
How long do garage door springs really last? Torsion springs last 7 to 9 years under normal use. Extension springs last 5 to 7 years. Frequency of use and climate affect this. Springs in very cold areas like rural Stevens County sometimes wear faster due to metal brittleness in freezing temps.
Should I replace both springs even if only one is broken? If you have extension springs, yes. Replace both at the same time. When one fails, the other has been overworked and is likely to fail soon. For torsion springs, one replacement is fine since there's usually only one shaft.