2026-06-23 7 min read
A snapped garage door spring means your door won't open or close safely. This is one of the most common emergencies we see in Exeter, and it always happens at the worst time. The good news: springs can be replaced quickly, but you need to understand why they fail and why DIY isn't the answer here.
Garage door springs carry enormous load. A typical residential door weighs 300 to 500 pounds, and the spring system counterbalances that weight so your opener doesn't strain. Over time, the metal fatigues. See our guide on garage door maintenance in exeter: what actually needs doing (and what doesn.
Most residential springs last between 7 and 9 years with normal use. If your door operates 4 to 8 times daily, you're looking at roughly 10,000 to 15,000 cycles before failure. Rust, lack of lubrication, and temperature swings in New England accelerate wear. Winter is particularly tough on springs here in Exeter and surrounding towns.
There are two main types: torsion springs (wound around a rod above the door) and extension springs (mounted along the sides). Torsion springs are stronger and safer. When one snaps, the door becomes dead weight. Extension springs can snap too, though they're less common in newer installations. Read about feature checklist: what every homeowner should know.
A snapped spring didn't fail randomly. It failed because the metal had already micro-fractured from thousands of open-close cycles. Environmental stress speeds this up. Cold weather makes metal brittle. Moisture and salt in the air corrode the coil. Skipping lubrication removes the protective film that reduces friction.
We've written before about how Exeter winters are so hard on garage door springs. If you live here, this matters more than you think.
This is non-negotiable: do not attempt to replace a garage door spring on your own. The tension in these springs can cause serious injury or death. A compressed torsion spring holds energy equivalent to a loaded gun. Even experienced mechanics use specialized tools and follow strict safety protocols.
We've seen homeowners try it. The results are broken bones, lacerations, and worse. It's not worth it. A professional replacement costs less than emergency room care.
**Need garage door springs in Exeter today?** Call (978) 574-7767. we cover same-day service across the area.
Cost depends on spring type and whether you need one or both replaced. A single torsion spring runs between $200 and $400 installed, including labor. Extension springs are typically $150 to $300. If both springs are worn, replacing both at the same time is smarter than replacing one now and the other in six months.
We've broken down garage door springs in Exeter: types, cost, and when to replace in detail on our blog. That post covers the math so you understand what you're paying for.
The real cost of delay is worse. A broken spring puts stress on your opener and door. It can cause secondary damage that costs far more to fix.
First, stop trying to operate the door. Every attempt stresses the system further. Call a professional near me who can get to your home the same day. Most spring failures are genuine emergencies, not something you can wait on.
When you call, describe what happened. Did you hear a loud bang or snap? Is the door partially open or completely stuck? This helps us bring the right parts and tools.
Our team at Garage Door Exeter can usually arrive within hours. We'll inspect both springs, even if only one snapped, because if one failed, the other is likely near the end of its life too. We'll give you an estimate before starting work, and we'll explain whether replacement makes sense or if a repair might extend the life a bit longer.
Check out our complete garage door repair guide for Exeter homeowners for more context on common failures and what to expect.
You can't stop springs from aging, but you can slow the process. Regular lubrication reduces friction and corrosion. A maintenance schedule keeps your springs clean and your door operating smoothly. We recommend a maintenance check twice a year for Exeter homes, especially before winter.
When we replace your spring, ask about our full spring replacement service and warranty options.
Don't wait for the second spring to fail. Call us today and schedule a free quote. A snapped spring is fixable in hours, not days. (978) 574-7767.
How do I know if my spring is snapped vs. just stuck? A snapped spring produces a loud bang or crack sound. Your door will feel heavy and won't open at all, even partially. A stuck door sometimes moves sluggishly but still responds to the opener. If it's completely dead and heavy, the spring is likely broken.
Can I manually open my garage door if the spring is snapped? No. Manually lifting a door without a working spring is dangerous and difficult. The door could fall and cause injury. Leave it closed until a professional replaces the spring.
Is it normal for springs to snap without warning? Metal fatigue happens gradually, but the actual snap is sudden. You won't feel it coming. That's why maintenance and inspection matter. We can spot worn springs before they fail.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the door and twist to store energy. Extension springs run along the sides and stretch. Torsion springs last longer and are safer. Most modern doors use torsion.
Will my garage door opener work once the spring is replaced? Yes. Once the spring is installed, your opener works normally again. The spring does the heavy lifting; the opener just provides the trigger and guidance.