2026-04-23 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
Garage door springs in Louviers fail without warning.and when they do, your door becomes a 300-pound paperweight. The two main types (torsion and extension) work completely differently, fail for different reasons, and cost different amounts to replace. This guide cuts through the confusion so you know exactly what you're dealing with and why a snapped spring isn't a DIY fix.
Most homes in the Louviers area use torsion springs. These metal coils sit horizontally above your garage door opening, twisting to store and release energy as the door moves. A single torsion spring can weigh 10,15 pounds and hold tension equivalent to several hundred pounds of force. One failure leaves your door immobilized.
Extension springs run vertically along both sides of the door track. They stretch and contract like a slinky. Older homes and some lighter-duty doors use these. They're slightly less common in Colorado, but if you have them, both sides usually wear out together.
The key difference: torsion springs are under constant, enormous tension even when the door is closed. Extension springs only bear load during operation. That's why torsion springs typically last 7,9 years with normal use, while extension springs sometimes reach 10,12 years.
Don't try to identify which type yourself by looking at the springs. Call us first.
Spring failure isn't random. Here's what causes it:
Wear and cycle count. A garage door operates 1,000,1,500 times per year. Each cycle flexes the spring material. After 10,000+ cycles, metal fatigue sets in. Springs don't "warn" you before they snap.they just break.
Colorado's climate. Temperature swings in Louviers (from 20°F winter lows to 80°F summer highs) cause metal to expand and contract. Rust develops faster here than in stable climates. Rust weakens the steel from the inside.
Lack of lubrication. Springs need annual maintenance. Without it, friction increases, and the material degrades faster. Many homeowners never lubricate their springs and wonder why they fail at year 5.
Overuse or poor balance. If your door is too heavy or the springs are undersized, they work harder than designed. An unbalanced door strains one spring more than the other.
If you've noticed a loud *bang* from your garage or your door won't open, you likely have a snapped spring. See our post on 5 warning signs your garage door springs need replacement for a full checklist.
Spring replacement isn't cheap, and it shouldn't be. Here's what drives the cost:
Spring type and quality. Torsion springs cost $150,$300 each. Extension springs run $75,$150 each. High-cycle springs (rated for 20,000+ cycles) cost more than standard duty but last longer.
Labor. A professional spring replacement takes 1,2 hours. At Garage Door Company Louviers, we charge for expertise and safety equipment. A complete torsion spring replacement typically runs $300,$600 total.
Additional repairs. If the door is severely out of balance or the tracks are damaged, expect add-on costs.
Always get an estimate before committing. We offer same-day estimates across Louviers and nearby areas.
**Need garage door springs in Louviers today?** Call 720-679-7226. we cover same-day service across the area.
I've seen the worst-case scenarios. A homeowner tried to replace a torsion spring without proper equipment, and it snapped back with enough force to break his collarbone. Another jury-rigged a broken spring with a C-clamp, and the door crashed down on his truck.
Torsion springs require: - A winding bar tool (specialized, not a wrench) - Knowledge of proper tension (measured in quarter-turns) - A second person for safety, Insurance coverage if something goes wrong
Extension springs are slightly safer, but still dangerous if the door isn't properly supported during removal.
Professional technicians carry the right tools, know the weight rating of your door, and can spot secondary issues (bent tracks, worn rollers, damaged cables) that compound spring failure. One visit catches everything.
When you call, have this ready: - Door model or age (if you know it) - Whether the door opens at all, Any sounds you heard before failure
Same-day appointments are often available. We service all of Louviers and surrounding El Paso County communities. Visit /services#springs to learn more about what we do, or contact us to book.
Spring failure is stressful, but it's fixable. The sooner you reach out, the sooner your garage door works again.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion springs last 7,9 years under normal use (1,000,1,500 cycles per year). Extension springs may reach 10,12 years. Colorado's temperature swings can shorten lifespan by 1,2 years if springs aren't maintained.
Can I drive my car out if one spring is broken? No. A snapped spring leaves the door extremely heavy and unbalanced. Forcing it open stresses the remaining spring, cables, and opener. You risk further damage or injury.
Why does spring replacement cost so much? You're paying for specialized tools, safety expertise, and labor. Springs operate under 200+ pounds of tension. Improper installation or removal causes serious injury or property damage.
What's the difference between a snapped spring and a slow-opening door? A snapped spring causes complete failure or jerky, uneven movement. A slow-opening door might indicate a worn-out spring that's losing tension but hasn't failed yet. Both need professional inspection.
Do you offer same-day spring replacement in Louviers? Yes. Call 720-679-7226 during business hours to check availability. Emergency service may have additional fees.