2026-05-24 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
A customer called last Tuesday saying her garage door wouldn't budge. Turns out one of her torsion springs had snapped that morning. She'd heard a loud bang around 6 a.m., ignored it, and tried to open the door an hour later. The door wouldn't move because the other spring couldn't handle the full weight alone. Here's exactly what you need to know when garage door springs in Star snap, why it happens, and how to handle it safely.
Your garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. Two springs (or sometimes one, depending on your setup) balance that weight so the opener can lift it smoothly. When one spring snaps, the load transfers entirely to the remaining spring. That remaining spring will either struggle or fail immediately. You'll hear a loud crack or bang, usually from the garage. Don't try to force the door open after that sound. You risk injuring yourself or damaging the opener.
Torsion springs sit above the door and wind up like a clock. Extension springs run along the sides and stretch when the door closes. Both types fail for similar reasons: metal fatigue, rust, lack of maintenance, or simply reaching the end of their lifespan (typically 7 to 9 years with normal use). When one snaps, the other is usually close behind.
This matters more than cost. A snapped spring means zero support. Trying to lift the door manually could crush your fingers or hand. The opener will strain and potentially burn out trying to move the full weight. Worse, the door could fall unexpectedly while you're under it. Don't test it. Call a professional.
North Carolina humidity swings hit your springs hard. Summer moisture gets into the coils, creating rust pockets. Winter cold makes metal brittle. Our region sees both extremes, so springs wear faster here than in drier climates. Lack of lubrication accelerates the problem. Many homeowners never spray their springs, which speeds up corrosion and friction damage.
If you've been putting off maintenance, now's the time to act. A snapped spring today could mean a snapped second spring tomorrow.
**Need garage door springs in Star today?** Call 19106295544. we cover same-day service across the area.
The cost depends on whether you need one or both springs replaced. A single torsion spring replacement runs between $200 and $400 for parts and labor. If both snap (which happens often), budget $400 to $700. Extension springs cost slightly less. Get a free estimate before committing. Many companies charge for a service call, but Star Garage Doors doesn't. We'll diagnose the problem, give you a clear estimate, and explain your options.
For detailed pricing and what to expect during repair, check our complete breakdown of garage door spring repair costs in Star. That post covers labor, materials, and timing in depth.
First, stop trying to open the door. Call a professional immediately. Don't use the emergency release unless you're trapped. While you wait:
1. Keep the door closed and locked (if possible). 2. Note the time the spring snapped, if you heard it. 3. Check if the door is level or tilted (a sign the spring is completely gone). 4. Take a photo of the spring area if you can see it safely.
When our technician arrives, they'll inspect both springs, even if only one snapped. We'll discuss whether you want both replaced at once (smart) or just the broken one (saves money now, costs more later). Most customers choose both because a second failure within weeks is common.
Our team handles same-day service calls across Star and Catawba County. We arrive with springs in the truck and finish most jobs in under an hour.
Springs fail. That's physics. But you can delay failure and avoid the sudden emergency by maintaining your door. Annual lubrication reduces friction. A professional inspection catches rust and wear early. We've written a practical maintenance checklist for Star homeowners that covers springs specifically.
If your springs are over 7 years old, don't wait for them to snap. Plan a replacement during off-season (fall or early spring) when you have time and aren't in crisis mode. Replacing both springs proactively costs less than emergency service on both springs later.
Ready to get your springs inspected or replaced? Schedule a free quote with Star Garage Doors. We'll assess the damage, give you pricing, and handle the work the same day if you're local.
For more on why springs fail in our climate, read our in-depth guide to spring failure in Star. It covers warning signs you might have missed.
Spring failure isn't a matter of if, but when. When it happens, call 19106295544 right away. We'll get you moving again.
How do I know if my garage door spring is about to snap? Listen for squeaking or creaking when opening or closing. Watch for the door rising unevenly or sagging on one side. If the door feels heavier than normal or rises slowly, a spring is weakening. These signs mean replacement is near.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself? No. Springs are under extreme tension (up to 200 pounds per spring). A slip or mistake can cause serious injury or death. Always hire a licensed technician. The cost is worth your safety.
How long does a spring replacement take? Most jobs take 45 minutes to an hour. We arrive with parts and tools. Same-day service is standard for calls in Star and surrounding areas.
Should I replace both springs if only one snapped? Yes, if both are over 7 years old. The second will fail within weeks. Replacing both at once saves you a second emergency call and labor cost. Ask your technician during the estimate.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs sit above the door and twist. Extension springs run along the sides and stretch. Most modern doors use torsion springs. Both fail similarly, but torsion springs are safer and last longer.