Garage Door Springs in Burbank: Torsion vs. Extension (Which Does Your Door Need?)
2026-07-27 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
Your garage door has springs. You probably don't think about them until one snaps. When that happens, your 400-pound door becomes immovable weight. Burbank homeowners face this crisis at least twice in a decade. The good news: knowing whether you have torsion or extension springs helps you understand the problem, talk to a technician confidently, and avoid panic decisions.
What Are Garage Door Springs, and Why They Matter
Springs counterbalance your garage door's weight. Without them, the opener would burn out in months. Two types exist in residential doors: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs sit above your door on a rod, twisting to store and release energy. Extension springs run along the sides of the door tracks, stretching and contracting. Both wear out. Both can fail suddenly. Both are dangerous to handle alone. See our guide on commercial garage doors in burbank: heavy-duty options without the sticker shock.
Most Burbank homes built after 1990 use torsion springs. They're more durable, quieter, and safer than their older cousins. But they cost more to replace. Extension springs are cheaper upfront but wear faster and pose higher injury risk during failure. Knowing which you have is step one.
How to Identify Your Spring Type
Look above your closed garage door from inside. Do you see a horizontal rod with a spring coiled around it? That's torsion. Do you see springs running left to right along the top of each track? Those are extension springs. Take a photo if you're unsure. When you call for a same-day estimate, send that photo. It saves time and ensures accurate pricing. Read about how much does garage door repair cost in burbank?.
Torsion Springs: The Premium Option
Torsion springs last 7 to 9 years under normal use. A single spring typically handles the entire door weight. When it snaps, the door drops hard. You'll hear a loud bang, sometimes followed by silence. The door won't open without serious effort.
Torsion springs cost more to replace than extension springs. A typical Burbank installation runs between $200 and $400 per spring, depending on door size and spring quality. But they last longer, require less maintenance, and distribute stress more evenly. They're the safer choice, especially in homes with kids or pets.
**Need garage door springs in Burbank today?** Call (424) 391-8791. we cover same-day service across the area.
If you haven't had your springs serviced in years, read our guide on garage door maintenance every homeowner should know. Regular lubrication extends spring life and catches problems early.
Extension Springs: Budget-Friendly but Riskier
Extension springs are cheaper but less forgiving. They stretch as the door closes, then snap back to lift it open. When one breaks, the other shoulder carries double load, often failing within weeks. You're then stuck replacing both.
Extension springs last 5 to 7 years on average. They require more frequent inspection because the failure mode is more violent. A snapped extension spring can whip free from its hardware, creating a dangerous projectile. This is why DIY replacement is never safe.
If your door has extension springs, prioritize professional inspection annually. If one shows signs of wear, replace both at once. The cost difference between one and two is small, but the safety gain is massive.
Why You Shouldn't Replace Springs Yourself
Springs store enormous energy. Torsion springs can spin at high speed if misaligned. Extension springs can snap under tension and cause lacerations or broken bones. Even experienced homeowners have lost fingers in spring accidents. This isn't exaggeration. It's fact.
Your garage door opener's motor is also at risk. If springs fail, the opener works harder to lift the door, shortening its lifespan. You might spend $150 saving on spring labor, then face a $600 opener replacement months later.
Garage Door Company Burbank handles spring replacement with proper tools and safety protocols. We schedule same-day appointments for snapped springs and never ask you to wait. Call us or get a free estimate here.
Cost and Timeline for Spring Replacement in Burbank
Most spring replacements take 1 to 2 hours. A single torsion spring costs $200 to $400 installed. Extension springs run $150 to $300 per pair. Full pricing depends on your door size and spring type. Weather, accessibility, and spring quality all factor into the final quote.
Emergency calls after 5 PM or on weekends may carry additional fees. That's industry standard across Burbank and surrounding areas. Same-day service costs more than scheduled appointments, but it's worth it when you're locked out.
When to Replace vs. Repair
Springs can't be repaired. They can only be replaced. If a spring is snapped, worn, or rusted beyond light surface corrosion, it needs replacement. If your door opens partially then stops, springs are failing. If you hear a loud pop or bang, call immediately. Don't attempt to force the door open.
Our garage door safety checklist covers warning signs you can spot yourself. Review it every six months, especially if your springs are over five years old.
Next Steps
Don't ignore spring problems. A failed spring can damage your opener, scratch your car, or injure someone. Call (424) 391-8791 or contact us for a same-day estimate. We'll identify your spring type, quote the work, and schedule installation fast. Burbank residents trust us because we show up when we say we will and never cut corners on safety.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion springs last 7 to 9 years with normal use. Extension springs typically last 5 to 7 years. Lifespan depends on door weight, cycle frequency, and maintenance. Regular lubrication extends life significantly.
Can I replace just one spring? With torsion springs, yes. With extension springs, no. Replace both extension springs together because the working spring will fail soon after. It's safer and more cost-effective than replacing one now and one later.
What does a snapped spring sound like? A loud pop or bang, like a gunshot or firecracker. You'll hear it inside and sometimes outside the house. The door will be immobile or partially stuck. Don't force it. Call a professional immediately.
Is spring replacement an emergency? Yes. A snapped spring prevents the door from opening safely. Your car is stuck inside or your home is exposed. We offer same-day emergency service. Call (424) 391-8791 right away.
How much does spring replacement cost in Burbank? Torsion springs cost $200 to $400 installed. Extension springs run $150 to $300 per pair. Exact pricing depends on door size, spring quality, and labor. Request a free quote for accurate pricing on your door.