2026-07-03
If you've ever dealt with a stuck garage door that won't budge, a snapped spring is likely the culprit. These metal coils bear tremendous tension and eventually wear out, leaving your door inoperable and potentially dangerous. Understanding what causes spring failure and knowing when to call for help can save you money and keep your family safe.
Your garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. Springs counterbalance that weight, making the door feel light when you open it manually or power it with an opener. Without working springs, your door is a safety hazard and won't function at all. See our guide on getting a new garage door in burbank, wa: what to expect, what it costs, and how to choose right.
Most residential doors use one of two spring types. Torsion springs sit above the door and twist to lift the load. Extension springs run along the sides and stretch to assist opening. Both types last roughly 7 to 9 years with normal use, depending on cycles (each open and close counts as one cycle). A typical household door cycles 3 to 5 times daily. Rust, lack of lubrication, and manufacturing defects can shorten that lifespan.
When a spring snaps, you'll hear a loud bang or crack. Your door may fall suddenly or stop moving altogether. Never try to force it open or closed. A broken spring means the door's full weight sits on your opener or on the door itself, risking damage to both. Read about garage door installation in burbank: cost, types & what to expect.
Torsion springs are the industry standard for most homes. They're mounted horizontally above the door and wind up like a clock spring to create lift. If one snaps on a two-spring system, you'll need both replaced to ensure balanced operation.
Extension springs attach to the sides of the door frame and stretch as the door opens. They're less common in newer installations but still used in some applications. Extension springs typically need replacement less often than torsion, but when they fail, the failure is usually sudden and complete.
If you're unsure which type you have, check our garage door safety guide for Burbank homeowners) to learn the differences and why professional inspection matters.
Spring replacement cost depends on the type, quality, and whether you need one or both springs replaced. A single torsion spring runs $150 to $300 in parts, while extension springs cost $100 to $200. Labor typically adds $150 to $300 per spring.
If both springs fail simultaneously (common with age), expect a total bill of $400 to $900. High cycle springs rated for 15,000 to 20,000 cycles cost more upfront but last longer. Budget-grade springs are cheaper but wear faster.
**Need garage door springs in Burbank today?** Call (509) 283-8247. we cover same-day service across the area.
Many homeowners are tempted to replace springs themselves after watching online videos. This is a serious mistake. Springs under extreme tension can snap unexpectedly, causing severe injury or death. Even experienced DIYers should not attempt spring replacement without specialized tools and training. The cost of a professional repair is far less than a hospital visit.
When you call for a free estimate, a technician will inspect both springs, check the door balance, and assess your opener's condition. Springs don't always fail at the same time, but if one is nearing the end of its life, replacing both now prevents a second service call later.
To schedule a free quote and get same-day service availability), provide details about when the problem started and whether you've heard any unusual sounds recently. This helps us prepare the right parts and tools.
Regular lubrication extends spring life by 1 to 2 years. Use a silicone-based garage door lubricant monthly, applying it lightly to the spring coils. Never use WD-40 or thick grease; they attract dust and gum up the mechanism.
If you're interested in a comprehensive maintenance plan that includes spring inspection, learn more about our garage door maintenance services for Burbank homeowners).
Don't wait for a spring to snap. If you notice your door is slower to open, makes creaking sounds, or feels unbalanced, call for an inspection right away. A technician can measure spring tension and predict failure before it happens, letting you schedule replacement on your timeline instead of in an emergency.
Burbank winters can be hard on springs too. Cold temperatures make metal brittle and reduce lubricant effectiveness. If your door acts up seasonally, springs may be the underlying issue.
If your garage door spring has snapped or you suspect failure, don't attempt to operate the door. Contact Burbank Garage Doors at (509) 283-8247 for immediate assistance. We offer same-day repair and stock quality springs in stock for fast turnaround. Visit our services page to learn more about spring repair and replacement options).
Spring failure is never convenient, but it's always fixable. A licensed technician can have your door working safely again in a few hours. Call today to schedule your inspection and estimate.
How long do garage door springs last? Most torsion and extension springs last 7 to 9 years under normal residential use (3 to 5 cycles daily). High-cycle springs rated for 15,000 to 20,000 cycles can last 12 to 15 years. Lack of maintenance, rust, and extreme temperature swings shorten lifespan.
Can I replace one spring if the other is fine? It's best practice to replace both springs at the same time, even if only one has snapped. Springs age together, and replacing just one creates imbalance and uneven wear on your opener and door. The labor cost is nearly the same for both.
What's the difference between a snapped spring and a broken opener? A snapped spring usually prevents the door from moving at all or causes it to drop suddenly. A broken opener may hum or click but won't lift the door. If the door is stuck and completely immovable, suspect a spring. A professional inspection confirms which component has failed.
Is it safe to manually open my door if the spring is broken? No. A broken spring means your door's full weight rests on the opener or frame. Attempting to lift it manually risks dropping the door on your fingers, car, or feet. Wait for professional help.
How much does a same-day spring replacement cost in Burbank? Same-day service typically costs the standard repair fee with no additional emergency charge. A single spring replacement runs $300 to $600 total (parts and labor). Both springs cost $400 to $900. Call (509) 283-8247 for a firm estimate based on your door type and current spring condition.