2026-08-29 7 min read
If you've ever had a garage door that suddenly won't open, there's a good chance a spring has failed. After 15 years on service calls across Jewett and the surrounding area, I've seen this happen thousands of times. The springs are what actually lift your door's weight. When they snap, your opener can't do the job alone.
Your garage door weighs between 300 and 600 pounds depending on size and material. Your opener motor generates maybe 500 watts of power. That's not nearly enough to lift the door straight up. Springs do the heavy lifting by storing and releasing energy.
Two main types sit inside your garage: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs wind around a horizontal rod above the door opening. They twist to store energy. Extension springs run along the top sides of your door frame and stretch like a rubber band. Most modern homes use torsion springs because they're safer and last longer.
Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use. Extension springs might give you 5 to 7 years. This assumes your door opens and closes roughly 3 to 5 times per day. Heavy commercial use shortens that lifespan significantly.
Listen for a loud bang or crack from your garage. That's usually a snapped spring. Sometimes you'll hear a metallic twang. Your door might open slowly or unevenly, tilting to one side. You might also see visible gaps in the spring coils or notice rust accumulation.
Don't try to open the door manually if you suspect a broken spring. The door is extremely heavy without spring support. You could seriously injure yourself or damage the opener trying to force it up. Learn more about spring warning signs before disaster strikes.
**Need garage door springs in Jewett today?** Call (740) 519-8962. we cover same-day service across the area.
Torsion springs sit above your door on a metal shaft. You'll see them clearly if you look inside your garage. They're usually painted red or black. One or two springs handle the load depending on your door size. This design is safer because the spring is contained and less likely to whip around if it breaks.
Extension springs run along the side tracks, one on each side. When they break, they can snap outward with serious force. Cables on either side help contain them, but they're still riskier. Most newer installations use torsion springs for that reason.
If you're not sure which type you have, check our services page for a quick visual guide. Better yet, call us for a free assessment.
Spring replacement isn't cheap, but it's necessary. A single torsion spring costs between $150 and $300 installed. If both springs need replacing (which I recommend doing together), expect $300 to $600 total. Extension springs run slightly less per unit but the labor is similar.
Why replace both springs at once? The second spring is right behind the first in failure. If one has lived 8 years and snapped, the other is at the same age. Replacing both prevents a second service call in 6 months. Our detailed pricing guide covers what you should budget for this repair without surprises.
Springs last longer when your door is balanced and the tracks are clean. Rust and debris slow the door down, forcing springs to work harder. Annual lubrication of hinges and rollers reduces friction significantly. Tightening loose hardware prevents binding that strains springs prematurely.
We recommend scheduling a maintenance tune-up every 12 months. It's one of the best investments you can make. A $100 maintenance call now prevents a $400 emergency repair call later.
When a spring breaks, you need it fixed fast. We offer same-day estimates across Jewett and nearby areas. Our technicians bring replacement springs on the truck, so we can often finish the job during the same visit.
Schedule a free quote online or call (740) 519-8962 right now. Tell us whether your door is stuck open, stuck closed, or moving unevenly. That helps us prepare the right parts.
Don't put off spring repairs. A broken spring leaves your garage unsecured and your vehicle inaccessible. The longer you wait, the more you risk secondary damage to the door itself.
How do I know if I have one spring or two? Look above your door. You'll see either one or two metal springs on the shaft. Most single-car doors use one spring. Two-car doors typically have two. Both need replacement at the same time for balance.
Can I replace springs myself? Springs are under extreme tension. Even experienced DIYers get seriously injured doing this. The shaft can spin violently if tension is released incorrectly. Always hire a licensed technician for spring work.
Why did my spring break so suddenly? Springs have a finite number of cycles before metal fatigue causes failure. You won't see gradual wear. One day it's fine, the next it snaps. Rust and weather exposure in Ohio accelerates this process.
How long does spring replacement take? Most jobs finish in 30 to 45 minutes. We handle the entire job: removing old springs, installing new ones, and testing the door balance. Same-day service is our standard.
Will a new spring change my door's operation? A properly installed spring should make your door operate smoother than before. If the old spring was partially worn, the new one will feel like a difference. Your door should rise and fall at consistent speed.