Garage Door Springs in Westwood: Torsion vs. Extension (And Why It Matters)
2026-08-25 7 min read
Here's what most homeowners don't realize about garage door springs: not all springs are created equal. Your garage door likely uses either a torsion spring or an extension spring, and the two work completely differently. Understanding which type you have can save you hundreds of dollars when something breaks, and it helps you know whether you need emergency service or can wait for a regular appointment.
What Are Garage Door Springs?
Springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. They counterbalance the weight of the door itself, which typically ranges from 300 to 500 pounds. Without springs, your garage door opener would burn out in weeks trying to lift all that weight. Springs do the heavy lifting instead. They store energy when the door closes and release it when you open the door. When a spring snaps or weakens, your opener can't function properly. You'll hear grinding noises, or the door won't open at all.
Most homeowners never think about their springs until one fails. That's when panic sets in.
Torsion Springs: The Heavy Lifters
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above your garage door opening. They twist and unwind to raise and lower the door. Most residential homes in Westwood and surrounding areas like Newton and Brookline use torsion springs because they're durable and precise.
Here's the key difference: torsion springs last 7 to 9 years under normal use. They can handle more cycles (up and down movements) before wearing out. They're also safer because they're enclosed in a shaft, so if one snaps, the coil doesn't whip around your garage like an extension spring can.
If you have a snapped spring, you've likely noticed the door feels heavier or won't open smoothly. That's your cue to call for help. A snapped torsion spring is not a DIY fix. The tension is extreme, and improper handling can cause serious injury.
Extension Springs: The Alternative
Extension springs run along the sides of your door track. They stretch and contract to raise and lower the door. These are more common on older homes or lightweight doors. Extension springs don't last as long as torsion springs, typically 5 to 7 years. They also require safety cables running through the center of each spring. Those cables prevent the spring from snapping across the room if it fails.
Extension springs are cheaper upfront, but they wear faster and often need replacement sooner. If you're considering an upgrade from extension to torsion springs, the investment pays off in reliability. Check our guide on snapped garage door springs in Westwood to learn warning signs before a complete failure happens.
**Need garage door springs in Westwood today?** Call 857-847-6136. We cover same-day service across the area.
How to Tell Which Type You Have
Stand inside your garage with the door closed. Look above the door opening. If you see one thick metal rod running horizontally with coils wrapped around it, you have a torsion spring. If you see two springs running along the left and right tracks that look like they could stretch, those are extension springs. It's that simple.
Knowing your spring type helps you communicate with us when you call for an estimate. We'll give you accurate pricing and let you know if replacement or repair makes sense. Our garage door springs cost guide for Westwood breaks down pricing for both types so you're not blindsided.
When Springs Fail: What Happens Next
A snapped spring doesn't mean your door is ruined. It means the spring has reached the end of its lifespan and needs replacement. Garage Door Company Westwood replaces springs as a standalone service or as part of a full tune-up. Many homeowners pair spring replacement with routine maintenance to catch other wear before it becomes expensive.
If your opener is straining, making noise, or the door moves unevenly, springs might be the culprit. But sometimes it's something else entirely. Our technicians diagnose the issue at no charge and provide a written estimate before we touch anything. That's honest pricing.
When to Replace vs. Repair
You can't repair a snapped spring. Springs either work or they don't. However, if your spring is losing tension (door feels heavier than usual), replacement is still the right call. Attempting to keep a weakened spring in service risks damaging your opener and door tracks.
Most springs are best replaced in pairs, even if only one has failed. The second spring will likely fail within months, and replacing both at once saves labor costs and prevents repeat service calls.
Getting an Estimate Near You
We serve Westwood and surrounding communities with same-day estimates. Schedule a free quote today or call 857-847-6136. We'll identify your spring type, explain your options, and quote you a fair price with no surprises.
Springs are one of the most reliable parts of your garage door system when they're in good shape. Taking care of them means years of smooth, quiet operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use (about 3 to 5 cycles per day). Extension springs last 5 to 7 years. Lifespan depends on door use frequency and proper maintenance.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself? No. Spring replacement requires special tools and training. Springs are under extreme tension and improper handling can cause serious injury or death. Always hire a professional technician.
What does a snapped spring sound like? A loud bang or crack when opening or closing, followed by the door feeling very heavy or refusing to open. The door may also move unevenly or hang to one side.
How much does spring replacement cost in Westwood? Torsion spring replacement typically costs more than extension springs due to durability. Costs vary based on door size and spring type. Call 857-847-6136 for an exact estimate.
Should I replace both springs if only one is broken? Yes, usually. Both springs experience the same wear and age. Replacing both prevents a second failure within weeks and saves labor costs on a second service call.