2026-09-20 5 min read
If your garage door moves slowly, won't close all the way, or feels heavier than usual, you likely have a spring problem. Garage door springs in Cameron come in two main types: torsion and extension. Understanding which one you have and how they work helps you know when to call for help before something breaks.
Your garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. You can't lift that by hand, and your opener shouldn't have to do it alone. Springs balance that weight, making the door move smoothly and taking strain off your opener motor. Without working springs, your door becomes a safety hazard and your opener works twice as hard.
Springs last 7 to 9 years on average, depending on how often you open and close the door. A typical household uses their garage door 3 to 5 times daily. Commercial doors or high-traffic garages wear springs faster. When a spring fails, the door won't operate at all, even if your opener seems fine.
Torsion springs sit above your garage door, running horizontally across the top. They twist and unwind as your door moves up and down. One or two springs handle the lifting work, depending on your door size and weight.
Torsion springs are the industry standard for most residential doors because they're durable, precise, and balanced. They last longer than extension springs and wear more evenly. If one breaks, the other keeps some tension on the door, preventing it from crashing down suddenly.
The trade-off: if a torsion spring snaps, you'll notice immediately. Your door may stick halfway or feel unbalanced. This is actually safer than an extension spring failure, where the door can drop fast.
**Need garage door springs in Cameron today?** Call (910) 601-2743. we cover same-day service across the area.
Extension springs run along both sides of your garage door, above the horizontal tracks. They stretch and contract as the door moves. You'll typically find two of them, one on each side.
Extension springs are cheaper to install than torsion springs, so some builders use them on budget doors or older installations. They're also common on lighter doors or doors with low headroom, where a torsion spring won't fit.
The downside: if one extension spring snaps, the other side still has tension. Your door can become unbalanced and bind in the tracks. Both springs should be replaced at the same time, even if only one failed. Extension springs also wear faster because each one carries the full load of half the door weight.
Springs fail because of metal fatigue. Every time your door cycles, the spring tightens and releases. After thousands of cycles, the metal weakens. A snapped spring makes a loud bang that you'll hear from inside your home.
Rust accelerates failure, especially in humid climates like coastal areas near Cameron. Lack of lubrication also speeds wear. If you hear squeaking or see rust on your springs, maintenance can extend their life a few more years.
For more on what causes spring failure and safety concerns, see our guide on snapped garage door springs in Cameron and what to do.
Spring replacement cost varies based on the type, quantity, and whether your door needs other repairs. A torsion spring replacement typically costs less than an extension spring pair because labor is simpler. An estimate from Cameron Garage Doors includes inspection of your tracks, cables, and opener to spot other wear.
Don't wait for a spring to snap completely. If your door feels heavy, moves unevenly, or your opener struggles, call for a same-day inspection. Driving on a broken spring can damage tracks and cables, raising your total repair bill.
Spring replacement is not a DIY job. Springs are under extreme tension. A mistake can cause serious injury. A licensed technician has the right tools and training to handle the tension safely.
When you call, describe your door's behavior: does it stick? Sound different? Move slower on one side? This helps the technician arrive prepared. Most spring jobs take 1 to 2 hours. The technician will replace the broken spring, inspect the rest of the system, and test the door.
For urgent situations, check our page on emergency garage door service in Cameron and what to expect.
Your springs are critical safety parts. If you suspect a problem, don't ignore it. Contact Cameron Garage Doors at (910) 601-2743 or schedule a free quote to have your door inspected. We serve Cameron and nearby areas with fast, honest assessments.
Spring repair is affordable when caught early. Waiting until your door fails costs more and leaves you stranded.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs run horizontally above the door and twist. Extension springs run vertically along the tracks and stretch. Torsion springs are more durable and safer; extension springs are cheaper but wear faster.
How long do garage door springs last? Most springs last 7 to 9 years with normal use (3 to 5 cycles daily). Heavy use, rust, and lack of maintenance reduce lifespan. Manufacturer ratings are often based on cycles, not years.
Can I replace one spring if only one broke? With extension springs, always replace both at the same time. They wear together, and a new spring paired with an old one causes imbalance. Torsion springs can sometimes be replaced individually, but check with a technician.
How much does spring replacement cost? Cost depends on spring type, door size, and local labor rates. Torsion replacement is typically less than extension. Call for a same-day estimate to get an accurate price for your door.
Is spring repair dangerous to DIY? Yes. Springs are under 200 to 400 pounds of tension. A slip can cause severe injury or death. Always hire a licensed technician for spring work.
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