2026-05-30 8 min read
A customer called last Tuesday asking whether her snapped spring was a torsion or extension type. She didn't know the difference, and honestly, most homeowners don't. Here's the straight answer: torsion springs sit horizontally above your door and twist to lift it. Extension springs run vertically on each side and stretch to do the same job. Which one do you have? Keep reading to find out.
Torsion springs are the most common type in modern garages, especially in Lafayette and the surrounding Bay Area. They're mounted on a metal shaft that sits above the door opening. When your opener activates, these springs twist (torsion means twisting), storing and releasing energy to counterbalance the door's weight. See our guide on chain drive vs. belt drive vs. smart openers: what lafayette homeowners need to know.
The big advantage? They're safer. A snapped torsion spring won't come flying across your garage like a snapped extension spring can. They also last longer, typically 7 to 9 years with normal use, and they work smoothly and quietly. The trade-off is cost. Torsion springs run higher in price than extension springs, but you're paying for durability and safety.
If you look above your door and see a single horizontal coil, that's your torsion spring. Most newer homes have them. Read about garage door spring maintenance in lafayette: the tune-up you can.
Extension springs are mounted on both sides of the door, running parallel to the horizontal tracks. When the door closes, these springs stretch. When it opens, they contract to help lift the door. They're less expensive upfront than torsion springs, which is why older homes and budget installations sometimes use them.
However, they wear faster (often 5 to 7 years) and carry a safety risk. If one snaps, the tension can cause serious injury or damage. Many modern building codes actually favor torsion systems for this reason. If you have extension springs and one breaks, we'd recommend considering a garage door spring replacement that upgrades to torsion during your repair.
**Need garage door springs in Lafayette today?** Call 925-886-4660. We cover same-day service across the area.
Walk out to your garage and close the door. Look directly above the door opening. Do you see a single coil running horizontally? That's torsion. Do you see two springs running vertically along the sides? That's extension.
If you're not comfortable inspecting yourself, or if you've spotted a snapped spring and want a professional eye, schedule a free quote with us. We'll identify your spring type, assess the damage, and give you honest pricing. No surprises, no upsells.
Torsion springs in Lafayette typically run $200 to $400 per spring, plus labor. Extension springs cost less in materials (usually $100 to $150 each) but may require two replacements if both are worn. Labor is the same either way. A professional repair takes 1 to 2 hours.
Don't try this yourself. Spring replacement requires special tools and carries real injury risk. A snapped or improperly installed spring can damage your door or opener, turning a $300 repair into a $1,500 problem.
Both types fail for similar reasons: wear, rust, temperature swings, and overuse. The Bay Area's humid winters don't help. If you hear a loud bang from the garage, that's usually a snapped spring. Your door will feel heavier, or it won't open at all. Some openers have a safety feature that stops the door mid-motion to prevent damage.
For more on recognizing when repair is needed, check out our guide on 5 warning signs your garage door needs professional repair.
At Garage Door Lafayette, we stock both types and can install either. We'll tell you which makes sense for your door, budget, and long-term plans. If you're staying in your home, torsion is the better investment. If you're selling soon, extension springs are fine as a temporary fix.
Call us at 925-886-4660 or get a same-day estimate online. We're here to help, not to upsell you on parts you don't need.
---
Can I replace just one spring if I have two? Technically yes, but we don't recommend it. Both springs wear at similar rates. Replacing one leaves the other close to failure, and mismatched springs cause uneven door movement and strain your opener.
How long does spring replacement take? Most jobs finish in 1 to 2 hours, depending on spring type and door condition. We often handle same-day service for Lafayette customers.
Is it safe to use my garage door with a snapped spring? No. A broken spring throws all the weight onto your opener and door frame. This causes damage quickly and creates a safety hazard. Call a professional right away.
Which spring type is quieter? Torsion springs are quieter and smoother. Extension springs can rattle slightly, especially as they age.
Do I need to replace springs every few years? Springs last 7 to 9 years on average with normal use. Have them inspected during annual maintenance to catch wear before failure happens.