2026-05-18 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
A customer called last Tuesday morning. His garage door wouldn't budge. One look at the springs told the story: both had snapped, likely overnight. In Burlington, this happens more than you'd think. Garage door springs in Burlington fail predictably, especially after harsh winters, and knowing the warning signs can save you from being locked out when you need access most.
Your garage door relies on one of two spring systems. Most homes use a single torsion spring mounted horizontally above the door. This spring twists to lift the heavy weight. Extension springs, by contrast, run along the sides of the door and stretch to provide lift. Both do critical work. Both wear out.
Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use. Extension springs often fail sooner. The difference matters because a snapped spring isn't a repair you can postpone. Your door becomes a 400-pound dead weight. The opener strains. Worse, a broken spring can snap violently enough to cause injury.
Cold temperatures make metal brittle. Salt air from nearby coastal regions corrodes the coils. Temperature swings stress the metal repeatedly. If you've read our guide on preparing your garage door for winter, you know how much the seasonal cycle impacts your system. Springs pay the price.
We see more spring failures between January and March in the Burlington area than any other season. The freeze-thaw cycle in Connecticut is relentless. It's not coincidence. It's physics working against your door.
**Need garage door springs in Burlington today?** Call (860) 351-6170. we cover same-day service across the area.
The first warning is usually noise. A creaking, groaning sound as the door opens. The spring is losing tension. The door may move slower than usual or feel heavier. Some homeowners notice the door lowers faster than it should. That's the spring giving up.
A snapped spring creates an obvious symptom: the door won't open at all, or it opens only partway before stopping hard. Don't force it. Don't try to open it manually. Call for help immediately.
Visible wear on the spring itself is another clue. Rust spots, white chalky buildup, or obvious gaps between coils all suggest the spring is near the end. If you can see these signs, a replacement is coming soon.
Spring replacement cost depends on whether you need one or both springs replaced. A single torsion spring runs between $150 and $300 for the part, plus labor. If both springs have failed, expect $400 to $600 total. Extension springs are typically cheaper per unit but may need to be replaced as a pair for proper balance.
These numbers shift based on spring type, door weight, and local labor rates. For an accurate estimate specific to your door and situation, schedule a free quote with Garage Door Burlington. We'll inspect the springs in person and give you a firm number before we touch anything.
The cost to replace a spring is far less than the cost of a new door or a serious injury from a failed spring. It's one of those repairs where doing it right matters more than saving money.
Online videos make spring replacement look straightforward. It isn't. Springs are under tremendous tension. A slip means serious injury. The tools required are specialized. Improper installation throws off door balance, which strains the opener and shortens its life.
This is one job we strongly recommend leaving to trained technicians. Our team has replaced hundreds of springs in the Burlington area. We have the right tools, the insurance, and the experience to do it safely and get your balance right the first time.
If you're also noticing your door making noise or having balance issues, we've covered those in our complete guide to balance adjustment and our diagnosis guide for noisy doors. Springs are often part of the larger picture.
Once we replace the springs, your door should operate smoothly and quietly. The opener works less hard. Your system is balanced again. A new spring gives you another 7 to 9 years of reliable service, assuming normal use and seasonal maintenance.
If both springs failed at once, the second is usually close behind. Most professionals replace both springs together to avoid a second service call in six months. It costs a bit more upfront but saves headache later.
Don't wait on spring replacement. A broken spring is an emergency, and we offer same-day service for customers across Burlington and surrounding towns. Call (860) 351-6170 or get a same-day estimate online. We'll get you back in business.
How do I know if my spring is broken? Your garage door won't open, or it opens only partway and stops. You may hear a loud bang or snap. The door feels heavier than usual. These are signs of spring failure. Call a professional immediately.
Can I open my garage door if the spring is broken? Not safely. A broken spring removes the counterbalance. The door's full weight falls to the opener, which can't handle it. Forcing the door risks injury and opener damage. Wait for professional help.
How long does spring replacement take? Most spring replacements take 1 to 2 hours. Time depends on whether one or both springs need replacement and the door's size. We'll give you a timeframe when you call.
Do I need both springs replaced at the same time? If only one has failed, technically no. But the second is under extra stress now and will likely fail soon. Replacing both at once prevents a second service call and ensures proper balance.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs twist horizontally above the door. Extension springs stretch along the sides. Most homes use torsion. Extension springs are common on older doors. Both do the same job. Both fail eventually.