Garage Door Spring Types in Keno: Torsion vs. Extension Explained
2026-08-05 7 min read
A snapped garage door spring will trap your car inside, strand you in the driveway, or worse.drop a 400-pound door on someone's head. The type of spring your door uses determines how it fails, how you prevent failure, and what repair looks like. Keno garage doors typically use one of two spring systems: torsion springs wound around a horizontal rod above the door, or extension springs that stretch along the tracks. Understanding the difference is your first step toward safe, informed repair decisions.
What Are Torsion Springs and How Do They Work?
Torsion springs hang horizontally above your garage door opening, tightly wound under extreme tension. When you open the door, the spring unwinds, releasing stored energy that helps lift the 300 to 500-pound door panel. This is the most common spring type in modern homes, and for good reason: they're durable, precise, and fail more predictably than extension springs. See our guide on preparing your garage door for storm season: essential tips.
A typical torsion spring lasts 7 to 9 years with normal use (opening and closing the door roughly twice daily). When one snaps, the break is often sudden and loud. You'll hear a sharp crack, sometimes followed by the door slamming shut or refusing to open. Because torsion springs work together as a balanced pair, one failing spring immediately puts strain on the other.
The safety advantage is real. Torsion springs fail at the end of their life cycle, not mid-cycle. You get warning signs: the door feels heavier, moves slower, or wobbles. Extension springs, by contrast, can snap without notice, which is why they're considered riskier. Read about garage door repair in keno: how to troubleshoot a broken door.
Extension Springs: The Older, Riskier System
Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on both sides of your door opening. When the door closes, these springs compress and store energy. When you hit the opener, they extend and pull the door upward. They're cheaper to install initially, which is why many older Keno homes still use them.
Here's the problem: extension springs deteriorate invisibly. You won't know one is about to fail until it does. A snapped extension spring can whip across the garage with enough force to injure someone or damage your car. That's why every extension spring system should have a safety cable running through the center of each spring. That cable catches the spring if it breaks, preventing it from flying across the garage.
If your home has extension springs without safety cables, this is not optional. This is a call to action. You need them installed now, not next month. The cost is minimal compared to the potential injury.
**Need garage door springs in Keno today?** Call (541) 329-3070. we cover same-day service across the area.
Which Type Does Your Door Use?
Look above your garage door opening. If you see a thick, tightly wound spring running horizontally across the top center, you have a torsion system. If you see two springs running vertically along the left and right tracks, you have extension springs.
Torsion is better. Extension springs are still functional, but they demand more maintenance and carry higher risk. If you're unsure, don't guess. A technician can assess your system in minutes and recommend upgrades if needed.
For a detailed breakdown of how these systems function and what maintenance looks like, read our full guide on how garage door springs work. That post covers the physics, the wear patterns, and the early warning signs you should never ignore.
When Should You Replace Springs?
Both spring types have a finite lifespan. Seven to nine years is standard for torsion springs. Extension springs often fail sooner, especially in homes where the door opens and closes frequently. If you've had your door for more than seven years without spring replacement, schedule an inspection.
Don't wait for a failure. A proactive replacement costs far less than emergency same-day service. Plus, you avoid the risk of getting trapped with a non-functional door during bad weather or when you need to leave quickly.
To understand how spring replacement cost varies based on your door size and system type, check our pricing guide for springs in Keno. That post walks through what factors affect your estimate and why two doors sometimes cost differently.
The Maintenance Edge
Extension springs benefit from lubrication every three to six months. Torsion springs need less frequent attention but still benefit from annual inspection. Both systems should be checked after heavy storms or seasonal changes, especially in Keno where winter weather puts extra stress on moving parts.
Regular maintenance identifies small problems before they become expensive emergency repairs. A spring that's starting to wear shows subtle signs: slower operation, uneven door movement, or audible creaking. Catch these early, and you're scheduling a planned replacement during business hours. Miss them, and you're calling for emergency service at 11 p.m.
For a complete maintenance plan, review our guide to annual garage door tune-ups. That covers seasonal prep, lubrication schedules, and what a professional inspection includes.
Get Your Springs Inspected Today
Spring problems are safety problems. Whether you have torsion or extension springs, whether they're new or aging, a professional inspection costs nothing and takes 15 minutes. Schedule a free quote with Keno Garage Doors and we'll assess your current system, identify any wear, and explain your options clearly.
Don't ignore a slow-opening door or unusual sounds. Call (541) 329-3070 now. Same-day service is available, and we serve Keno and the surrounding region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cost to replace garage door springs in Keno? Torsion spring replacement typically ranges from $200 to $400 per spring. Extension springs cost $150 to $250 each. Labor, door size, and whether you need both springs replaced affects the final estimate. Get a personalized quote for accurate pricing.
Can I replace garage door springs myself? No. Springs operate under 200 to 400 pounds of tension. A slip during installation can cause serious injury or death. Professional replacement is the only safe option. Always hire a licensed technician.
How do I know if my garage door spring is about to fail? Warning signs include slower door operation, the door feeling heavier than normal, loud creaking or popping sounds, and uneven door movement. If you notice any of these, schedule an inspection immediately.
What's the difference between one broken spring and two? If one torsion spring breaks, the other is under excessive strain and will likely fail soon. Replace both springs at the same time to avoid a second failure within weeks and to keep your door balanced and safe.
Should I upgrade from extension springs to torsion? Yes, if budget allows. Torsion springs are safer, last longer, and require less maintenance. The upgrade cost is justified by improved safety and lower long-term maintenance expenses.