2026-08-09 7 min read
A customer called last Tuesday with a garage door that wouldn't budge. He'd heard a loud bang that morning. When I arrived, I found a snapped torsion spring hanging limply above the door. He asked, "Why didn't the other spring break?" That's when I realized he didn't know Ontario homeowners have two different spring systems, and they fail in completely different ways. Understanding which type you have could save your back, your wallet, and your safety.
Your garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. It doesn't fall on your head because springs counterbalance that weight. There are two main designs: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs wind tightly around a metal rod above your door opening. Extension springs stretch and contract along the sides of the frame, pulling cables. Both do the same job, but they wear differently and cost different amounts to replace.
Most newer homes in Ontario have torsion springs. They're safer, quieter, and more durable than extension springs. But "more durable" doesn't mean "forever." A torsion spring lasts roughly 7 to 9 years with average use (opening and closing 4 to 8 times daily). An extension spring might last 5 to 7 years. Neither is permanent.
Torsion springs twist under immense tension. They handle the door's weight more evenly than extension springs, which makes them safer overall. However, this constant winding and unwinding causes metal fatigue. After 10,000 to 15,000 cycles (roughly 7 to 9 years), the steel loses elasticity.
When a torsion spring snaps, you'll hear it. Homeowners describe it as a loud pop or bang. The door becomes completely stuck. You cannot operate it safely, and attempting to do so risks serious injury. If you have a snapped spring, we've written a detailed guide on when to call for same-day service and what to expect.
The cost to replace a torsion spring typically ranges from $250 to $500 per spring, depending on the door size and your location within Ontario. Many doors have two springs. Replacing both at once (which we recommend) costs $500 to $1,000. If only one spring has failed, the other is usually close behind. Ignoring this is a false economy. You'll pay for another emergency visit within months.
**Need garage door springs in Ontario today?** Call (315) 873-1614 for a same-day estimate and honest diagnosis.
Extension springs run horizontally along each side of the door frame. As your door opens, the springs stretch. As it closes, they contract. They're cheaper to replace than torsion springs (usually $150 to $300 per spring), but they're riskier. Extension springs snap suddenly without much warning, and when they do, the cable can whip across the garage.
Extension springs also require safety cables running through the middle of each spring. These cables catch a failed spring and prevent it from flying across your garage. Over time, those cables can fray or snap themselves. If a cable fails, the spring has nothing to arrest its movement. Injury risk increases significantly.
We rarely see extension springs in newer Ontario homes. But if your house was built before 2000, you might have them. We offer a free inspection to identify which type you have and their current condition. View our spring replacement and repair services.
Look above your garage door from inside the garage. If you see a large metal rod running horizontally across the top with springs wound tightly around it, you have torsion springs. If you see springs running along the left and right sides of the frame, pulling cables, you have extension springs.
Knowing which type you have matters because replacement cost, safety profile, and lifespan differ. Torsion springs are preferable. If you still have extension springs and one fails, ask us about upgrading to a torsion system. The upfront cost is higher, but the long-term safety and durability justify it.
Learn what most homeowners miss about garage door springs to understand maintenance and warning signs.
A snapped spring is an emergency. Many homeowners assume they can limp along with one working spring. This damages the opener, strains cables, and puts enormous stress on the door itself. One customer in nearby Syracuse tried this and ended up replacing the entire door system. The repair cost grew from $500 to $3,200.
Regular maintenance catches spring wear before failure. We inspect springs during routine tune-ups, check for rust or visible cracks, and measure spring tension. If we spot a spring nearing end-of-life, we discuss options upfront. You choose when to replace, not when your door stops working.
If you've heard a bang or your door won't move, don't wait. A snapped spring is dangerous and leaves your garage door inaccessible. Schedule a free quote today by calling (315) 873-1614 or filling out our online form. We provide same-day service across Ontario and the surrounding region. Our technicians arrive with springs and tools. We diagnose, estimate, and fix on your schedule.
Whether you need a torsion or extension spring replacement, we handle the job with safety first. Homeowners trust Garage Door Ontario because we explain exactly what's failing, why it failed, and what replacement costs. No surprise fees. No pressure. Just honest service.
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How long do garage door springs last? Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use (4 to 8 cycles daily). Extension springs last 5 to 7 years. Lifespan depends on usage, climate, and maintenance. Regular lubrication extends life slightly.
Can I replace one spring or do I need both? Both springs wear at similar rates. Replacing only one leaves the other to fail within months, requiring another expensive service call. We recommend replacing both springs together to avoid future emergencies and ensure balanced performance.
How much does a garage door spring replacement cost in Ontario? Torsion spring replacement costs $250 to $500 per spring. Extension springs cost $150 to $300 per spring. Most doors have two springs, so budget $500 to $1,000 total. Emergency after-hours service may include trip fees.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs wind around a metal rod above the door and are safer and more durable. Extension springs run along the sides and stretch as the door opens. Torsion springs last longer and pose less injury risk if they fail.
Is a broken garage door spring a safety issue? Yes. A snapped spring puts full weight on the door opener and cables, risking cable failure. If the door falls, it can cause serious injury. Never try to operate a door with a broken spring.