Garage Door Springs in Mohler: Torsion vs. Extension (What's Actually in Your Door)
2026-08-10 7 min read
There are two types of garage door springs in Mohler homes: torsion and extension. Torsion springs sit above your door and wind to lift it. Extension springs run along the cables on each side and stretch to raise the door. If you've got a snapped spring, knowing which one you have matters for cost, safety, and repair time.
I've pulled dead springs from hundreds of garages around Mohler and the surrounding area over 15 years. Most homeowners don't know what they're looking at until something breaks. Let's cut through the confusion so you understand what's holding that 400-pound door up and why it suddenly won't budge.
How Torsion Springs Work (and Why They're Harder to Miss)
A torsion spring is a metal rod that twists. One or two of them sit horizontally above your garage door opening, anchored to the frame on each end. When you open the door, the spring unwinds and transfers energy to the cable system, making the lift almost effortless.
Torsion springs are under extreme tension. The spring itself is thicker, stronger, and stores more energy than an extension spring. That's why they last longer.typically 7 to 9 years with average use, sometimes more. But when they snap, you hear it. It sounds like a gunshot in your garage. The door won't move. The cables go slack. Your door is stuck.
The good news: torsion failures are usually visible. The spring looks broken, coiled, or kinked. If you suspect a snapped spring, don't try to lift the door manually. Call for a same-day service estimate.
Extension Springs: The Sneakier Culprit
Extension springs stretch and contract. They're thinner than torsion springs, positioned above the horizontal track on each side of the door. When the door closes, these springs compress. When you open it, they extend and pull the cables to lift the weight.
Extension springs wear out faster than torsion. Most fail around 4 to 6 years of regular use. They're also easier to ignore because a broken extension spring sometimes looks fine from the ground. You might notice the door feels heavier, or one side rises slower than the other.
Here's the risk: if both extension springs snap at once, your garage door can free-fall. That's not just inconvenient. It's dangerous. And it's why you should never delay if you suspect a spring issue.
For a full breakdown of replacement costs and when exactly to call, check out our guide on garage door spring replacement cost in Mohler to avoid overspending.
**Need garage door springs in Mohler today?** Call (360) 492-4867. We offer same-day service and free estimates across the region.
Why Springs Fail (And What You Can Control)
Springs break because they're metal under constant stress. They cycle thousands of times. Heat, cold, humidity, and salt air in our region accelerate wear. A spring that should last 8 years might fail in 5 if your garage is unheated or unventilated.
Poor maintenance speeds up failure too. Springs need lubrication every few months. A dry, rusty spring is a spring waiting to snap. If you're not sure whether your springs are getting proper care, our garage door maintenance guide covers everything homeowners overlook in routine upkeep.
You can't prevent springs from aging. But you can slow it down. Keep your garage at a reasonable temperature in winter. Apply silicone-based lubricant to the springs twice a year. Have your door inspected annually. These simple habits buy you 1 to 2 extra years of life.
What Happens When a Spring Snaps
When a spring breaks, your garage door opener works harder. The motor strains. If you keep trying to force the door up, you'll burn out the opener or snap a cable. Stop using the door the moment you hear that snap or notice unusual resistance.
Never attempt a DIY spring replacement. These are under hundreds of pounds of pressure. A mistake means serious injury. We've seen people hurt by springs they tried to fix themselves. It's not worth it.
The cost for a replacement varies. A single extension spring costs less than a torsion spring. But if you're replacing springs, we usually recommend replacing both at the same time. Two springs that age together should fail together. Replace one now, and the other will snap six months later.
Schedule a free quote with Garage Door Mohler and we'll inspect both springs, tell you exactly what you need, and give you an honest estimate before any work starts.
How to Know It's Time to Call
You don't need to be a technician to spot spring trouble. Watch for these signs: the door feels heavier than usual, opens slowly, or moves unevenly side to side. You might see the spring itself is visibly kinked or separated. Or you heard the snap and the door won't move.
Any of those things means call us. We service the Mohler area and nearby communities with same-day availability most days. No guessing. No long waits.
Our team will identify whether you have torsion or extension springs, assess the damage, and discuss your options. Spring repair or replacement is straightforward for us. For you, it's peace of mind.
Don't ignore a snapped spring. The longer you wait, the more risk you add. The door doesn't get lighter. The cables don't strengthen. Call (360) 492-4867 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years. Extension springs fail sooner, usually between 4 and 6 years, depending on use, temperature, and maintenance. Proper lubrication and a climate-controlled garage can add 1 to 2 years of life.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself? No. Springs are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury if mishandled. Professional installation is safer and often covered by warranty. We strongly recommend calling a licensed technician for any spring work.
How much does a snapped spring cost to repair? A single extension spring costs less than a torsion spring. However, we recommend replacing both springs at the same time to avoid a second failure soon after. Call us for a free estimate tailored to your door type.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs twist horizontally above your door and are thicker and longer-lasting. Extension springs stretch along the sides of the door and fail sooner. Torsion springs are generally more durable and reliable.
Will my garage door opener work if a spring is broken? No. A broken spring removes support from the door, forcing the opener to work much harder. Continuing to use the door will strain and likely damage the opener. Stop using it and call for service immediately.