2026-06-21 7 min read
A customer called last Tuesday morning. Her garage door wouldn't budge. When I arrived, I found both torsion springs snapped clean through. She'd ignored the warning signs for weeks. The repair cost her $600 instead of the $350 she would've paid for preventive maintenance. That conversation shaped everything I tell homeowners about garage door springs in Bunn.
Your springs are the hardest working parts of your entire system. They counterbalance the weight of a door that can weigh 300 to 800 pounds. Without healthy springs, you're living on borrowed time. See our guide on garage door maintenance in bunn, nc: your complete tune-up guide.
Most residential garage doors in Bunn use one of two spring types: torsion or extension springs. Understanding which you have matters for safety, cost, and replacement planning.
Torsion springs wind tightly around a metal shaft above your door. They're the industry standard now. A single torsion spring can last 7 to 9 years with normal use. Two springs working together share the load and extend that lifespan slightly. When one snaps, the other usually fails within weeks because it's suddenly bearing all the weight alone. Read about garage door openers in bunn, nc: when to replace or upgrade.
Extension springs run along the sides of your door opening. They stretch and contract rather than twist. Extension springs typically last 5 to 7 years. They're less common in newer Bunn homes but still found in older installations. They're also less safe because they can snap with more violent force.
The difference in lifespan matters. If you have extension springs right now, you're closer to replacement than you might think.
Springs don't fail randomly. They fail because of cumulative stress. Every open and close cycle puts wear on the metal. Heat, humidity, and lack of lubrication accelerate that wear.
Here in Franklin County, we see seasonal temperature swings that actually damage springs faster. Cold winters followed by warm springs create expansion and contraction stress that springs weren't designed to handle year after year. Add dust and dirt from our local roads, and you've got corrosion eating away at the metal from the inside out.
A snapped spring means your door won't open at all. More importantly, it means the heavy door is now a falling hazard. I've seen springs snap and take chunks of the garage with them. I've watched doors collapse on cars parked underneath. This isn't theoretical risk. It's why I always tell people to treat spring failure as an emergency.
If you notice your door is harder to open, moves slowly, or makes creaking sounds, those are early warnings. Check out our guide on 5 warning signs your garage door springs are failing for a complete checklist.
**Need garage door springs in Bunn today?** Call (252) 557-8293. we cover same-day service across the area.
Spring replacement cost varies based on type and how much additional damage exists. A single torsion spring replacement typically runs $200 to $350. If both springs need replacement, budget $400 to $600. Extension springs cost slightly less at $150 to $250 per spring.
These prices assume the spring alone is the problem. If the snapped spring damaged the cable, drum, or door panels, costs climb quickly. That's why getting an estimate from someone who knows your local market matters. I've seen homeowners quote themselves $150 only to discover another $300 in hidden damage once the work begins.
For a complete breakdown of what springs cost compared to other repairs, see our garage door cost and pricing guide.
Springs last longer when they're lubricated regularly and your door is balanced properly. Annual maintenance catches wear before it becomes failure. Most homeowners skip this until something breaks.
Our complete garage door maintenance tune-up guide walks you through what a professional inspection covers and why it matters.
The math is simple. Spend $150 on annual maintenance and catch spring wear early. Or ignore it and spend $500 on emergency repair plus whatever secondary damage accumulated. The choice is yours, but I've never seen a homeowner regret choosing maintenance.
If your door is showing any signs of spring problems, don't wait. Snapped springs don't improve. They don't stabilize. They fail completely, usually at the worst possible moment.
Bunn Garage Doors can inspect your springs, assess their condition, and give you an honest cost estimate. We handle same-day repairs when springs snap without warning. Schedule a free quote and let's make sure your door is safe before something breaks.
Call us at (252) 557-8293 or get a same-day estimate online. We'll tell you exactly what you need and what it costs.
For detailed information about our spring services, visit our garage door springs service page.
How do I know if my springs are about to fail? Look for a door that's harder to open, moves unevenly, or sits crooked. Listen for creaking or popping sounds. If the door feels heavier than usual, one spring is likely already failing. These signs mean you should call for an inspection within days, not weeks.
Can I replace springs myself? No. Springs are under extreme tension. A fully wound torsion spring stores enough energy to cause serious injury or death if mishandled. Professional replacement is non-negotiable for safety. Always hire a licensed technician.
How long do garage door springs typically last? Torsion springs last 7 to 9 years with normal residential use (about 10,000 cycles). Extension springs last 5 to 7 years. Lifespan depends on maintenance, climate, and how often you use your door. Regular lubrication extends life slightly.
Why are both springs failing at nearly the same time? When one spring fails, the surviving spring suddenly bears all the load. This accelerated wear causes the second spring to fail within weeks or months. Always replace both springs together, even if only one has snapped.
What's the difference between a torsion and extension spring? Torsion springs twist around a shaft above your door and are safer, longer lasting, and more expensive. Extension springs stretch along the sides of your opening, are less safe, and cost less. Most newer Bunn homes use torsion springs.