2026-07-31 7 min read
Let's cut through the confusion about garage door springs. You've got two main types in Von Ormy homes: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs wind up and store energy above your door. Extension springs stretch along the sides. Both do the same job (lift 300 to 400 pounds), but they fail differently, cost different amounts to replace, and require different safety approaches.
Walk into your garage and look up. If you see a large horizontal spring above the door opening, that's your torsion spring. It's the workhorse. If you see springs running parallel to your tracks on both sides, those are extension springs. Most homes built in the last 20 years use torsion because they're more durable and safer.
Torsion springs last 7 to 9 years with normal use. Extension springs tend to wear out a bit faster. Both are under extreme tension. This matters because a snapped spring isn't just an inconvenience. It's a safety hazard. The door becomes heavy again. If you're under it when it fails, bad things happen.
Springs fail for a few reasons. Rust eats at them in our Texas humidity. Constant cycling (opening, closing, opening, closing) weakens the metal over time. Temperature swings make metal expand and contract. A spring that's been adjusted wrong or overloaded will snap early.
If your door opens and closes smoothly today, you might still have a snapped spring tomorrow. Most homeowners don't know their spring is dying until it dies. You'll hear a loud bang. The door won't open. Maybe it opens a few inches and stops.
For peace of mind about overall condition, check our garage door maintenance schedule in Von Ormy to understand when inspections catch wear before failure.
**Need garage door springs in Von Ormy today?** Call (210) 879-9792. we cover same-day service across the area.
Torsion spring replacement costs more upfront (usually $200 to $400 per spring, sometimes higher depending on size). But torsion springs are safer. They're enclosed above the door. If one breaks, the door falls slowly because there's still one spring holding it (most doors have two). Extension springs are cheaper to replace ($100 to $250 each), but when one snaps, the door tilts and can drop fast on one side. That's dangerous.
For an honest breakdown of what parts actually cost, our garage door cost and pricing guide walks through the math.
Installation matters too. A technician needs special tools to wind a torsion spring. It's not a DIY job. Extension springs are easier to replace, but safety cables should be installed alongside them to catch a broken spring before it whips around. Garage Door Von Ormy always installs cables as part of the job.
If you hear a loud snap and your door won't open, stop trying to force it. A broken spring means the opener is fighting 300+ pounds of dead weight. You'll burn out the motor.
Call for help. Same-day service is possible in most cases. While you wait, use your side door or garage window. Don't park under the door. If you need emergency repair information, we've covered what to do when your garage door is stuck.
One spring or two. Many homes have two torsion springs. If one breaks and you replace just that one, the other will follow within months. They wear at the same rate. Smart homeowners replace both at once. It costs more upfront but saves a second service call and another emergency later.
We offer free estimates for garage door springs in Von Ormy. We'll inspect both springs, check the hardware, and tell you exactly what needs replacing and why. No pressure. You'll know the cost before we touch anything.
If your springs are aging or you've noticed your door moving slower than usual, now's the time to get ahead of failure. Springs don't get better. They only wear out.
Schedule a free quote today or call (210) 879-9792. We'll handle the replacement safely and get your door working like new.
For more on what springs cost as part of a full replacement, see our spring replacement complete guide for homeowners.
How do I know if my garage door spring is about to break? Listen for squeaking or creaking. Watch for the door moving slower than normal or jerking as it opens. If one side rises faster than the other, a spring is weakening. These signs usually appear days or weeks before a snap.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself? No. Torsion springs are under 200 pounds of tension per spring. Releasing that pressure wrong can cause serious injury. Even extension springs with safety cables should be replaced by a technician with proper tools.
How much does spring replacement really cost in Von Ormy? Torsion spring replacement ranges $200 to $400 per spring plus labor. Extension springs run $100 to $250 each. Labor typically adds another $150 to $250. Most jobs take under two hours.
Should I replace both springs if only one is broken? Yes. Both springs wear at the same rate. If one breaks, the other is near failure. Replacing both together prevents a second emergency call within weeks.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years with average use (opening and closing once or twice daily). Extension springs may last 5 to 7 years. Factors like humidity, temperature swings, and usage frequency affect lifespan.