2026-08-05 7 min read
Garage door springs come in two main types: torsion and extension. Torsion springs sit above the door and twist under tension; extension springs run along the sides and stretch. Both wear out after 7 to 9 years of regular use, and neither should be replaced by a homeowner. A snapped spring can injure you or damage your vehicle, and the repair cost is far less than an emergency room visit.
Most modern garage doors in Roxboro use torsion springs because they're safer and last longer. A torsion spring is a single coil wound tightly above your door opening. When the door closes, the spring unwinds and stores energy. When you open it, that stored energy helps lift the 300 to 400 pound door with minimal effort from the opener motor.
Extension springs do the opposite. They stretch as the door goes down and contract as it rises. You'll find them on older doors or lighter garage doors. Extension springs require safety cables running through the center of each spring. Without those cables, a snapped extension spring can whip across your garage at high speed.
The cost difference matters. A torsion spring replacement typically runs $200 to $300 per spring, while extension springs cost $100 to $150 each. However, if your door has two springs (most do), you'll replace both at the same time, even if only one broke. Springs wear in pairs.
I'll be straight with you: this is the one job where DIY costs more, not less. The springs are under enormous pressure. If the wrench slips or the spring unwinds unexpectedly, you face a crushed hand or worse. We've treated homeowners who tried this themselves and ended up in the ER.
Beyond safety, you need the right tools. A spring winding bar, a torque wrench, and a scale to measure spring tension are not standard garage items. A professional technician has these tools and knows exactly how many winds to apply based on your door weight and spring type.
If you've already dealt with a snapped spring, check out our detailed guide on snapped garage door springs in Roxboro and why DIY fixes cost more. That post covers the exact mistakes we see most often.
**Need garage door springs in Roxboro today?** Call (919) 769-6562. we cover same-day service across the area.
Springs don't last forever. Most last 7 to 9 years under normal use, which means roughly 10,000 cycles (one open and close equals one cycle). If you use your garage door twice a day, you'll hit that limit in about 13 to 15 years. Heavy use shortens the timeline.
Watch for these warning signs: your door feels heavier than usual, the opener struggles to lift it, or you hear a loud bang when the door is operating. That bang is usually a snapped spring. Once it snaps, the door becomes a dead weight. Your opener cannot lift it safely, and you risk garage door damage or injury.
Don't wait for a spring to snap. If your door is eight years old and you've had it regularly serviced, ask your technician about spring replacement during your next maintenance visit. Replacing a worn spring before it fails costs less than an emergency repair and keeps your family safe.
For a full breakdown of replacement timing and pricing, read when to replace garage door springs in Roxboro and what it costs.
At Garage Door Roxboro, we charge for parts and labor separately so you know exactly where your money goes. A torsion spring itself runs $80 to $150 depending on the size and quality. Labor is typically $150 to $200 per spring. Add a service call fee of $50 to $75 if you call for an estimate, and you're looking at $230 to $425 total for one spring, or $380 to $650 for both.
Some companies bundle these costs and quote a flat rate. We don't. You deserve transparency. If we need to adjust the garage door balance or lubricate the tracks while we're there, we'll tell you upfront and show you the extra cost before we start work.
Spring replacement qualifies for same-day service in most cases. Call us before 2 p.m. and we can often get a technician to your home the same day. Evening emergencies and weekend calls carry a small premium, but we never hide that fee.
Ready to get your springs checked or replaced? Schedule a free quote or call (919) 769-6562 to discuss your situation with a real technician.
How do I know if my garage door spring is broken? You'll hear a loud bang or crack, and the door will become extremely heavy. You may also see a gap in the spring or notice the door is lopsided. Never force the door open or closed. Call a professional immediately.
Can I replace just one spring if only one is broken? No. Springs work as a pair and wear together. Replacing one leaves the other to fail soon after, creating an imbalance. Both springs should be replaced at the same time for safety and balance.
How much does a garage door spring replacement cost near me? In Roxboro, expect $380 to $650 for both springs including labor and parts. The exact cost depends on spring size, door weight, and whether you need additional repairs. Call for a free estimate.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs twist above the door and are safer. Extension springs stretch along the sides and require safety cables. Torsion springs last longer and are standard on modern doors.
How long do garage door springs last? Springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use, or about 10,000 cycles. Heavy daily use shortens this lifespan. Regular maintenance can extend spring life by a year or two.