2026-05-13 7 min read
In our 15 years serving Von Ormy, we've seen this problem again and again: a homeowner tries to open their garage door, hears a loud bang, and suddenly nothing moves. A snapped spring. Your door is stuck, your car is trapped, and you need answers fast. The good news? This is fixable, usually the same day.
Garage door springs carry enormous tension. A typical torsion spring holds about 200 pounds of force on each side of your door. Over time, metal fatigues. Springs don't wear out evenly across Von Ormy's hot summers and occasional cold snaps. The steel weakens, and eventually, one coil gives out. See our guide on spring replacement: a complete guide for homeowners.
Most springs last 7 to 9 years with normal use. If your door goes up and down multiple times daily, you might see failure closer to year six or seven. A snapped spring isn't a sign you've done something wrong. It's just the nature of the system.
The two main types we encounter are torsion springs (mounted above the door on a rod) and extension springs (running along the sides). Torsion springs are more durable and safer when they fail because they're contained. Extension springs can snap violently and are riskier to handle yourself. Read about garage door maintenance in von ormy: a homeowner.
I'll be direct: don't attempt spring replacement on your own. This isn't like changing your car's oil. A compressed spring stores enough energy to break bones or cause serious injury. People get hurt every year trying to save a few dollars.
When a spring snaps, it releases that stored energy instantly. The cable can whip. The door can drop. We've seen garage doors come down on cars, tools, and people. The cost of an emergency room visit far exceeds the cost estimate for professional replacement.
That said, understanding the repair process helps you make smart decisions. When you call us or another qualified technician, we'll assess whether one or both springs need replacing. Often, if one torsion spring fails, the other isn't far behind because they've been under identical stress for years. We typically replace them in pairs for this reason, which affects your total cost.
**Need garage door springs in Von Ormy today?** Call (210) 879-9792. We cover same-day service across the area.
Spring replacement isn't cheap, but it's not mystery pricing either. A single torsion spring typically runs between $150 and $300 in parts and labor, depending on quality. Extension springs cost less in parts but require more labor safety precautions, so labor evens things out.
If both springs need replacement, expect to spend $300 to $600 total. That's a real number. Some companies will quote lower, but cheap springs and rushed installation lead to premature failure and safety risks.
Other factors that change the cost estimate include door weight, spring gauge, and whether your system has other damage. A 400-pound two-car door needs heavier springs than a single-car garage. We've found that transparency matters here. Before we start work, you know the full cost.
For a detailed breakdown of what actually drives repair expenses in our area, we've written a deeper guide on garage door repair costs in Von Ormy and what really costs money). It covers springs alongside other common failures.
Your immediate action is simple. Don't try to force the door open. Don't assume it's safe to lift manually. Instead, call us at (210) 879-9792 for a same-day estimate. We'll diagnose the problem, confirm it's a spring failure, and give you pricing before we touch anything.
We serve Von Ormy and the surrounding San Antonio area. If you're unsure whether your issue is a spring or something else, our full garage door services page) lists everything we handle. Most spring jobs take one to two hours once we arrive.
Regular maintenance catches some spring problems early. If you've been neglecting your door's upkeep, now's a good time to restart. We have a maintenance guide specifically for Von Ormy homeowners) that covers spring care and other preventative steps.
The faster you call, the faster we get your door working again. Don't wait. Schedule a free quote today), or reach us at (210) 879-9792.
How do I know if my spring is broken? Your garage door won't open, or it opens very slowly and loudly. You may hear a loud pop or bang. The door feels heavy when you try to lift it manually. These are clear signs of spring failure.
Can I open my garage door if the spring is broken? Not safely. Don't use the garage door opener if a spring is snapped. The opener can't support the door's weight without springs, and you risk damaging the opener motor or having the door drop unexpectedly.
How long does spring replacement take? Most jobs take one to two hours from arrival to completion. We work quickly because we handle this repair regularly, but we never rush safety.
Do I need to replace both springs even if only one broke? Usually, yes. Both springs are the same age and under identical stress. Replacing only one leaves the other near failure, so you'll be calling us again within months.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs mount above the door on a rod and twist to lift the door. Extension springs run along the tracks and stretch. Torsion springs are safer, more durable, and more common on newer doors.