2026-09-10 7 min read
If you've ever dealt with a stuck garage door, chances are a broken spring was the culprit. After 15 years on the trucks in Groton and surrounding towns, I've learned that most homeowners don't realize there are two main types of garage door springs, and they work in completely different ways. Knowing which one your door uses matters when repair time comes.
Your garage door weighs between 300 and 500 pounds. That's not something you want crashing down on your car or worse, your family. Springs handle all that weight, and they come in two designs: torsion springs and extension springs.
Torsion springs sit horizontally above your garage door opening, wound tight like a clock spring. When the door opens, they twist and unwind, releasing stored energy that lifts the weight. They're mounted on a metal shaft with cable drums on each end.
Extension springs run vertically along each side of the door tracks. They stretch and contract as your door moves up and down, kind of like rubber bands with pulleys. Most older homes in Groton use extension springs because they're cheaper to install.
Here's what I tell customers: torsion springs are the better choice, even though they cost more upfront. They last longer (7 to 9 years on average), they're safer, and they balance your door much more evenly.
Extension springs can snap suddenly, and when they do, the broken coils whip around with serious force. I've seen them punch through walls. Torsion springs fail more predictably, and their design keeps everything contained. If you've got an older door with extension springs, learn about snapped spring repair options in Groton so you know what to expect.
The trade-off is cost. Torsion spring replacement typically runs higher than extension springs, but the durability and safety margin make it worth the investment.
**Need garage door springs in Groton today?** Call (860) 362-3458. We cover same-day service across the area.
Walk into your garage and look above the door. If you see a horizontal rod with tightly wound springs on it, that's torsion. If you see springs running up and down the sides of your door tracks, those are extension springs.
This matters when you need a replacement. Don't guess. A technician from Groton Garage Doors can get you a same-day estimate for spring replacement so you're not stuck with a non-functioning door.
Extension springs typically cost less to replace, but they need replacement more often. Torsion springs are pricier upfront but save you money over time because they last longer and rarely need emergency repairs at inconvenient hours.
Both types wear out. Springs are under constant tension, and that tension eventually takes its toll. Regular lubrication helps, but it won't stop the clock. For a complete breakdown of pricing in our area, check our garage door springs cost guide.
I can't stress this enough: never try to replace springs yourself. Both types store enormous amounts of energy. A torsion spring under full tension can cause serious injury or death if it unwinds unexpectedly. Extension springs can snap and cut you badly.
Hire a professional. Browse our full spring services and schedule a free quote to get the job done safely.
A snapped spring leaves your door stuck or dropping suddenly. Your opener can't lift the weight alone. Most modern openers have sensors that detect this and shut down, which is a safety feature, but it also means you're locked out of your garage.
If this happens during a winter morning in Connecticut, you need quick help. Learn what to expect when you call for emergency service and why same-day response matters.
If you're replacing springs soon, ask your technician about upgrading from extension to torsion if your door currently uses extension springs. The cost difference isn't huge, and the benefits are real: better balance, longer lifespan, and peace of mind.
Your garage door should work smoothly every single day. The right springs make that happen. Don't wait until you're stranded with a broken door. Call Groton Garage Doors at (860) 362-3458 or schedule a free inspection today to find out which springs your door needs and when replacement makes sense.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use (one or two cycles per day). Extension springs wear out faster, usually in 5 to 7 years. Lifespan depends on frequency of use and maintenance.
Can I replace just one spring? For torsion springs, you should replace both at the same time, even if only one broke. They wear together, and replacing one leaves the other to fail soon after. Extension springs can sometimes be replaced individually, but pros usually recommend pairs.
How much does spring replacement cost in Groton? Extension spring replacement typically ranges from $200 to $400. Torsion spring replacement costs $300 to $600, depending on spring size and door weight. Labor varies by job complexity.
What are the warning signs of a failing spring? Listen for creaking or popping sounds when the door moves. Watch for the door opening or closing unevenly, or sagging on one side. If your door feels heavier to open manually, a spring is likely weakening.
Is spring maintenance worth the cost? Yes. Regular lubrication and inspection (once or twice yearly) extends spring life by a year or more and catches problems early, saving you emergency repair costs and inconvenience.