2026-07-14 7 min read
A snapped garage door spring won't let your door move at all, and that's when most homeowners realize they need professional help. After 15 years on service calls across Camas and the surrounding areas, I can tell you that spring failures account for roughly 80 percent of garage door emergencies. The good news: understanding which type you have and what causes failure puts you ahead of the problem.
Your garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. That's not something you want crashing down on your car, your kid's bike, or worse. Springs counterbalance that weight so the opener can lift the door with minimal effort. Without springs, your opener would burn out in weeks, and your door becomes a safety hazard.
Two main types exist: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs sit above the door opening on a metal rod and twist as the door moves. Extension springs hang on either side and stretch like a rubber band. Most modern homes in Camas use torsion springs because they're safer and last longer, but older homes often still have extension springs.
Torsion springs do the heavy lifting. They're wound tight, under extreme tension, and built to handle thousands of open-close cycles. A typical pair lasts 7 to 9 years with normal use, which means roughly 10,000 to 15,000 cycles.
When a torsion spring snaps, the door becomes immovable. You'll hear a loud bang or pop from the garage. Don't try to force it open. The other spring may be weak too, and forcing it will damage the opener or, worse, cause the door to drop suddenly.
I've replaced springs in Longview and Washougal too, and the pattern is always the same: wear and tear, rust from moisture, and lack of lubrication accelerate failure. That's why regular garage door maintenance in Camas keeps springs healthy longer and prevents emergency calls at the worst times.
**Need garage door springs in Camas today?** Call (360) 454-9643. we cover same-day service across the area.
Extension springs stretch as the door opens and contract as it closes. They're cheaper upfront but less durable and more prone to sudden failure. If one snaps, the other side still supports the door partially, so you might get partial movement before the second fails.
The real risk with extension springs is safety. When they break, the cable can whip across the garage. That's why modern codes require safety cables running through the center of extension springs. Older installations might not have these, making them genuinely dangerous.
If you have extension springs and they're approaching 7 years old, replacement is worth planning now rather than waiting for a failure. Learn about spring lifespan and replacement costs in our detailed cost guide to budget accordingly.
Listen and watch for these warning signs. A door that closes slower than usual, gaps at the bottom when fully closed, or a tilted appearance all point to spring wear. You might also notice the opener running longer to lift the door or the door jumping as it opens.
Never ignore these signals. A failing spring will snap soon, and that's when you're stuck. Schedule a free quote with Garage Door Camas to have springs inspected before they break completely.
Replacing garage door springs isn't a DIY project. Springs are under 200 to 400 pounds of tension per side. A slip with the wrong tool can cause serious injury. I've treated friends who tried this themselves, and it's not pretty.
Our team at Garage Door Camas has the tools, knowledge, and safety equipment to replace or repair springs safely and quickly. We can often provide same-day estimates and complete repairs the same day for most Camas residents.
A broken spring won't fix itself, and the longer you wait, the more stress falls on your opener and door tracks. Call us at (360) 454-9643 or get a same-day estimate online to get your door working again.
We've handled every spring scenario in Camas, and we know how to get you back to normal fast. Spring failure is common, but it doesn't have to ruin your week.
How much does a garage door spring replacement cost in Camas? Torsion spring replacement typically runs $200 to $400 per spring, including labor. Extension springs are cheaper at $150 to $300 per spring. Exact cost depends on spring size and whether one or both need replacement. Call (360) 454-9643 for a personalized estimate.
Can I replace one spring if the other is still working? Yes, but we recommend replacing both at the same time. Springs wear at similar rates, so the second will likely fail within months of the first. Replacing both ensures balanced operation and extends your door's overall lifespan.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion springs last 7 to 9 years with average use (about 10,000 cycles). Extension springs typically last 5 to 7 years. Climate, humidity, and how often you use your door all affect lifespan. Camas humidity can speed corrosion, so inspection every few years is smart.
What should I do if my spring snaps while the door is halfway open? Don't try to force it down or up. Call us immediately for emergency service. The door is heavy and unstable without spring support. We offer emergency repair in Camas and respond quickly to prevent safety risks.
Why did my spring break so suddenly? Springs wear gradually but fail suddenly when stress exceeds their remaining strength. Lack of lubrication, moisture exposure, and repeated heavy use all weaken springs over time. A single cycle can trigger the final snap once wear reaches a critical point.