2026-09-27 5 min read
A customer called last Tuesday asking why her garage door wouldn't open. Turns out her torsion spring snapped over the weekend. She'd never heard of torsion versus extension springs, so she had no idea how much the repair would cost or how long it would take. If you're facing a broken spring near Newton, knowing the difference between these two types saves you money, stress, and guesswork.
Torsion springs wind above your garage door and rotate to lift it. They're mounted horizontally on a rod, twisting to store and release energy. Extension springs hang on each side of the door and stretch as the door opens, then contract to help close it. Most homes built in the last 20 years use torsion springs, while older Newton area homes often have extension springs. See our guide: Garage Door Springs in Newton.
The key difference: torsion springs last 7 to 9 years with average use (three to five cycles per day), while extension springs typically last 5 to 7 years. Neither lasts forever, but torsion springs handle the workload more evenly, which is why they're standard in modern garage doors.
When a spring snaps, you need a replacement. Here's where budget matters: a torsion spring replacement costs more upfront than an extension spring, but it saves you hassle and repeat calls down the line. See our guide: Garage Door Springs in Newton.
Torsion springs are engineered for precision. The spring must match your door's exact weight, and installation requires specialized tools and knowledge. A single torsion spring replacement typically runs higher than an extension spring swap because the labor is more technical.
Extension springs appear cheaper initially. Two springs cost less per unit than one torsion spring. But extension springs wear faster. If you have extension springs, you're more likely to replace them twice before upgrading to a torsion system.
Want a same-day estimate on your specific door? Contact Newton Garage Doors for a free quote.
**Need garage door springs in Newton today?** Call 617-539-2194. We cover same-day service across the area.
A snapped spring leaves your door stuck or falling. This isn't just inconvenient. A garage door weighs 300 to 400 pounds. Without functional springs, it becomes a safety hazard, especially if you have kids or pets nearby.
Extension springs have safety cables running through them. If a spring breaks, the cable keeps the spring from whipping across the garage. Torsion springs don't have cables, so a catastrophic failure is less common, but it happens. Either way, a broken spring requires professional repair. Never try to replace springs yourself.
If your door is stuck or you suspect a spring issue, see our guide on troubleshooting a broken garage door for what to check before calling for help.
Extension springs: typically $150 to $250 per spring plus labor.
Torsion springs: typically $200 to $400 per spring plus labor.
Labor for either type usually ranges $150 to $300, depending on difficulty and whether it's same-day emergency service. A snapped spring found on a Monday morning costs less than one discovered Saturday evening.
Newton homeowners also benefit from knowing that spring cost depends on your door's weight, width, and the specific spring model. There's no one-size-fits-all price. Check our garage door cost guide for real Newton pricing breakdowns.
Look above your garage door inside the garage. If you see a single horizontal rod with coils wrapped around it, you have torsion springs. If you see two vertical springs on either side of the door that look like stretched coils, you have extension springs.
Don't open or touch either type if they're broken. Springs are under enormous tension and can injure you if they snap while you're working. This is a "call a professional" moment, not a DIY project.
First, stop trying to open the door. Most openers won't lift a 300-pound door without working springs, and forcing it can damage the opener itself.
Second, call for a professional estimate. Newton Garage Doors can schedule a free estimate same-day if you call early enough. We'll identify your spring type, measure your door, and give you an exact cost before starting work.
Third, know that most spring replacements take 1 to 2 hours. You'll be back to normal operation the same day in most cases.
Budget-conscious homeowners also ask about preventive maintenance. Regular lubrication and inspection catch worn springs before they snap. Read what DIY homeowners miss about garage door maintenance to avoid surprise failures.
Torsion springs cost more upfront but last longer and perform more reliably. Extension springs are cheaper initially but wear faster and require earlier replacement. Either way, a broken spring needs professional repair. Call 617-539-2194 for same-day service in Newton and surrounding areas.
Don't wait until your door gets stuck on a holiday. Schedule maintenance now and add years to your spring life.
How do I know if my garage door spring is about to break? Listen for creaking or squeaking sounds during operation. Look for rust or visible gaps in the coils. If the door opens unevenly or feels heavier than normal, a spring is failing. Professional inspection catches wear before failure.
Can I replace just one spring if I have two extension springs? Technically yes, but it's not ideal. Matching springs work together. If one is old and one is new, the older one will fail soon, and you'll pay for labor twice. Replacing both at once saves money long term.
Why does a snapped spring make my door stuck? Springs carry the weight of your door. Without them, the opener can't lift 300 to 400 pounds. The door either won't open or falls slowly and roughly.
How much does a spring replacement cost in Newton? Total cost ranges from $300 to $700 depending on spring type, door weight, and labor. Call 617-539-2194 for an exact estimate based on your door.
How often should I have my springs inspected? Once yearly as part of routine maintenance catches problems early. If you use your garage door five or more times daily, inspect every six months.
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