7 min read
Let me cut through the confusion about garage door springs right now. Your door has either a torsion spring or extension springs. Torsion sits above the door and twists to lift weight. Extension springs run along the sides and stretch. Most homes in Burlingame use torsion because they're safer and last longer. When one snaps, your door won't open. It's not optional repair work.
Springs break because they're doing their job. Every time your door opens and closes, those springs handle roughly 10,000 to 20,000 cycles over their lifetime. That's the equivalent of opening and closing your door 10 to 20 times daily for a decade.
A typical torsion spring lasts 7 to 9 years. Extension springs often wear out faster, around 5 to 7 years. Heat, humidity, and salt air in the Bay Area accelerate wear. I've seen springs fail early here in Burlingame just from the coastal moisture getting into the coils.
When a snapped spring happens, the door becomes heavy and dangerous. The opener can't lift it safely. Forcing it risks damage to the opener and your vehicle. It's a "call a professional now" moment, not a weekend project.
Torsion springs are the industry standard for good reason. They balance your door's weight evenly, so the opener does minimal work. Less strain on the opener means fewer repairs down the line. They also fail more predictably. You'll hear a loud bang when they snap, and the door stays put instead of crashing down.
The counterweight is built into the spring itself. When it breaks, you need a replacement of the exact same specs: diameter, length, and wire gauge. Getting this wrong means your door won't balance. That's why we always measure carefully and replace both springs as a pair, even if only one snapped.
**Need garage door springs in Burlingame today?** Call (650) 549-9987. we cover same-day service across the area.
Extension springs cost less upfront than torsion. They're simpler mechanically, which is why some older doors still use them. But they require safety cables to prevent injury if they snap. Those cables can fray over time and need replacement.
Extension springs also create uneven lift because each side works independently. This puts more load on your opener and rollers. You'll hear creaking or see the door track slightly crooked during operation. If you're noticing these signs, a spring replacement might prevent bigger problems down the road. Learn more about spotting these issues early by reading our garage door maintenance guide to stop expensive repairs before they start.
Here's what homeowners overlook: spring replacement isn't just about the spring itself. Labor makes up 60 to 70 percent of the bill.
A single torsion spring runs $150 to $300, but replacing it takes specialized equipment and knowledge. You're paying for safety and precision. Most jobs in Burlingame run $300 to $500 total when we replace one spring, or $400 to $600 when we do both (which we recommend).
Extension spring replacement is slightly cheaper, around $200 to $400 per side, because it's faster work. But if the cables need replacing too, add another $100 to $150.
We always give a free estimate before starting work. Call us for a same-day quote if your door is stuck. Many spring emergencies happen on weekends, and we handle those too. Get a same-day estimate by contacting us.
You can't stop springs from aging, but you can slow it down. Regular lubrication with silicone spray keeps coils from binding. Checking the door balance twice a year catches wear patterns early. A door that drifts up or drops fast signals spring fatigue.
Our maintenance service includes spring inspection, balance testing, and lubrication. If you're not sure how often to service your door, read our guide on garage door maintenance scheduling. It covers seasonal checks and red flags specific to our area.
I've been doing this 15 years, and I'm telling you straight: spring replacement is not a DIY job. Springs are under extreme tension. A slip can cause serious injury. The door can fall on you or your vehicle. Tools matter too. You need a spring compressor, proper socket sizes, and safety blocks. One wrong move costs more in medical bills than professional repair ever would.
Your garage door opener and other components depend on correct spring tension. Installing the wrong size or spec creates problems that compound. Unbalanced doors wear out rollers, tracks, and opener mechanisms faster.
Garage Door Burlingame handles snapped springs the same day you call. We stock common sizes and can be at your home within hours. Our team brings the right tools, knows your door's specs, and guarantees the work.
Don't wait on a broken spring. A stuck door is a safety hazard and a security risk. Call (650) 549-9987 or schedule your free estimate online right now.
How do I know if my garage door spring is broken? Your door won't open, or it opens very slowly. You may hear a loud bang or snap. The door feels heavier than normal or hangs crooked on one side. The opener runs but doesn't lift the door.
Can I replace just one spring? You can, but we recommend replacing both torsion springs at the same time. The unbroken spring is also aging. Replacing both ensures balanced operation and prevents a second failure weeks later.
How long does spring replacement take? Most jobs finish in 1 to 2 hours, depending on the spring type and door condition. We'll give you a time estimate when we arrive.
Are extension springs cheaper than torsion springs? Yes, extension springs cost less upfront. But torsion springs last longer and require less maintenance, making them better long term for most homeowners in Burlingame.
Why is spring replacement so expensive? It's labor intensive and requires specialized tools and expertise. Springs are under 200 to 400 pounds of tension. Professional installation ensures safety and correct balance for your specific door.