Broken torsion spring?
Same-day service.
Door stuck, opener straining, loud bang from the garage. We replace both springs the same day with high-cycle units backed by a lifetime warranty.
Same-day service. Upfront pricing before work starts.
What is a torsion spring on a garage door?
A torsion spring is a tightly coiled metal spring mounted on a horizontal shaft directly above the garage door opening. When the door closes, the spring winds up and stores mechanical energy. When the door opens, the spring unwinds and releases that stored energy to counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easy for the opener motor (or your arms) to lift it. Most residential doors use one or two torsion springs depending on the door weight and width. Torsion springs are distinct from extension springs, which run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door.
How do I know if my torsion spring is broken?
The most common sign is a loud bang from the garage, often described as a gunshot sound. After the snap, the door will feel extremely heavy or will not open at all, even if the opener motor is running. You may see the opener struggling, straining, or cycling repeatedly without the door moving. If you look at the spring above the door, you will see a visible gap in the coil where it snapped. In Alabama's humidity, rust on the spring coils is a warning sign that failure is approaching. Do not attempt to force the door open after a spring breaks.
If you look at the spring above the door, you'll see a visible gap in the coil where it snapped. Do not attempt to force the door open after a spring breaks.
Why do torsion springs break?
The primary cause is metal fatigue from repeated cycling. A standard torsion spring is rated for roughly 10,000 to 15,000 cycles (one cycle equals one open and one close). A door used four times per day reaches that limit in about seven to ten years. Alabama's climate accelerates wear: high summer temperatures cause the metal to expand and contract more dramatically with each cycle, and Gulf Coast humidity promotes rust inside the coils. Springs that are not lubricated annually rust from the inside out and fail well before their rated cycle life. Cold snaps in North Alabama also increase snap risk because cold steel is more brittle under tension.
How long does torsion spring replacement take?
Most torsion spring replacements are completed in 45 to 60 minutes once the technician arrives. The job involves releasing the tension on the broken spring using winding bars, removing it from the shaft, installing new springs calibrated to the door's exact weight, winding the new springs to the correct tension, and running a full balance test. We always replace both springs in a pair because if one broke, the second is at the same wear point and will fail shortly after. Replacing both in one visit saves a second service call and restores the door to proper balance.
We always replace both springs in a pair. If one broke, the second is at the same wear point and will fail shortly after.
Is torsion spring replacement safe to do yourself?
No. Torsion springs store enough mechanical energy to cause severe injury or death if released improperly. A standard residential torsion spring is wound under extreme tension to counterbalance a door weighing 100 to 400 pounds or more. If the spring, winding bar, or shaft slips during a DIY attempt, the energy releases instantly and violently. Proper replacement requires specialized winding bars, knowledge of the correct tension for your specific door weight, and training on how to safely handle the stored energy. Emergency room visits from DIY spring attempts are common. Always hire a trained professional for torsion spring work.
Torsion spring vs extension spring: which do you have?
| Feature | Torsion Spring | Extension Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Mounted on a shaft above the door opening | Run along horizontal tracks on each side of the door |
| Cycle rating | Standard: 10,000-15,000 cycles. High-cycle: 25,000+ cycles | Typically 5,000-10,000 cycles |
| Cost tier | Higher -- call for pricing | Lower -- call for pricing |
| Safety | Contained on shaft when it breaks; lower risk of projectile | Can snap and become a projectile; safety cable required |
| Best for | Two-car and heavier doors; most new residential installations | Lighter single-car doors; older residential installations |
| Common in Alabama | Yes -- standard on doors installed since the 1990s | Found on older or smaller single-car garages |
Not sure which type you have? Call us and we will identify it over the phone. Also see our extension spring repair page.
What to expect with torsion spring repair
From the moment your spring snaps to a working door - here is exactly what happens.
Torsion spring failure
A torsion spring snaps without warning - often heard as a loud bang from the garage. The coil splits under extreme tension, and the door immediately becomes too heavy for the opener to lift. The opener motor may strain, trip, or cycle endlessly while the door sits still.
Do not try to force the door open manually. A door without spring support weighs 150-300 lbs and can fall without warning.
Professional replacement
Our technicians use specialized winding bars to safely release stored tension, remove the failed spring, and install a new high-cycle spring calibrated to your door's exact weight. We replace both springs in every job - the second spring wears at the same rate and will fail shortly after the first.
High-cycle springs rated for 25,000+ cycles - double the life of standard hardware-store springs.
Testing and warranty
After installation, we wind the springs to precise tension for your door weight and run a full balance test. The door should hold at the halfway point without drifting. Auto-reverse and safety sensors are verified before we leave. You receive lifetime warranty documentation on the new springs.
Lifetime spring warranty - if a spring we install ever breaks, we replace it at no parts cost.
Also available: extension spring repair, 24/7 emergency service, and annual tune-up to extend spring life.
Spring just snapped? Call before you try anything else.
We carry springs for every door size. Most replacements done same day.
How torsion spring replacement works
From your call to a working door - here is what to expect on the day of service.
Call us
Describe what happened. We'll confirm it sounds like a spring failure, give you a same-day arrival window, and advise you not to operate the door in the meantime.
We arrive
A technician arrives with both spring sizes on the truck. We assess the door, confirm spring specs, and walk you through pricing before a single bolt is turned.
Springs replaced
Both springs replaced, tension set, balance tested, opener verified. Most jobs take 45-60 minutes. You get your door back the same day with a lifetime warranty in hand.
Torsion spring repair questions
How long do torsion springs last?
Standard torsion springs last 10,000-15,000 cycles (about 7-10 years). Our high-cycle springs are rated for 25,000+ cycles, effectively doubling the lifespan. One cycle = one open and close of your garage door.
How do I get a quote for this service?
Torsion spring replacement varies by spring size, door weight, and whether you need one or two springs replaced. Contact us for a free quote. Our high-cycle springs include a lifetime warranty.
Can I replace a torsion spring myself?
Never attempt DIY torsion spring repair. Springs are under 200+ pounds of tension and can cause severe injury or death if released improperly. Torsion spring replacement requires specialized tools, training, and safety equipment. Always hire a professional.
Do I need to replace both torsion springs?
Yes, we recommend replacing both springs even if only one broke. Springs installed at the same time have similar wear and the second spring will likely fail soon. Replacing both prevents a second service call and ensures balanced door operation.
How quickly can you replace a broken torsion spring?
Most torsion spring replacements take 45-60 minutes once our technician arrives. We offer same-day service throughout Alabama and dispatch fast during business hours.
What causes torsion springs to break?
Normal wear and tear from daily use is the primary cause. Each time you open and close your door, the springs complete one cycle. After 10,000-15,000 cycles, metal fatigue causes the spring to snap. Extreme temperature changes, rust, and lack of lubrication can accelerate wear.
Same-day spring repair across all of Alabama
Technicians staged across 7 hub cities with trucks stocked for every spring size. Whether you are in Huntsville or the Birmingham metro, we can get there the same day. Also serving Mobile and Montgomery.
Questions about our warranty? Read our warranty terms. New customer? Learn about us. Ready to schedule? Contact us or call (205) 775-8365.
Current Coupon
Save on garage door spring replacement with our current coupon. Claim it online and we apply it to your visit.
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Garage Door Spring Replacement
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Broken or worn-out springs replaced by a trained technician.
One coupon per household. Mention code when booking. Cannot combine with other offers.
Claim This CouponDo not wait on a broken spring.
Every attempt to force a door open without springs risks cable failure, panel damage, and injury.
Same-day service statewide. Lifetime warranty on every spring we install.
Bonded and insured. High-cycle springs. Lifetime warranty.
Torsion Spring Repair Throughout Alabama
Professional service in 33 cities across Alabama. 7 regional hubs with statewide coverage.
Same-day service • Same-day response at hub locations
Serving 150+ ZIP codes across Alabama, from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf Coast
