Extension Spring Replacement Seattle - Both Springs, Safety Cables Included
What Are Extension Springs and Where Are They Found?
Extension springs are long coiled springs that run along the horizontal tracks on either side of your garage door (one spring per side). Unlike torsion springs (which are mounted above the door on a horizontal shaft), extension springs stretch and contract as the door opens and closes, using tension rather than torque to counterbalance the door’s weight.
Extension springs are common in Seattle homes built before 1995 and in garages with low headroom where torsion spring systems cannot be installed. If you look along the upper horizontal section of your garage door tracks and see a spring on each side running parallel to the ceiling, you have an extension spring system.
The Critical Safety Issue With Extension Springs
Extension springs present a significant safety hazard that torsion springs do not: when they snap, the released energy turns the spring into a fast-moving metal projectile. Springs have been known to shoot across garages, pierce drywall, and cause severe injuries.
This is why every extension spring system must have safety cables running through the center of each spring. The safety cable catches the spring if it snaps, containing it rather than letting it fly. If your extension springs do not currently have safety cables, we install them as a standard part of every replacement at no extra charge.
⚠️ How to Check if Your Extension Springs Have Safety Cables
Look at each extension spring running along your garage track. If you see a wire or cable running through the center of the spring coil from one end to the other, you have safety cables. If the spring is bare with nothing running through it, you do not, and this is a safety risk that needs to be corrected immediately.
Extension Spring Replacement - What We Do?
- Both springs are always replaced simultaneously. Extension springs wear at the same rate. Replacing only one is a temporary fix. The second spring typically fails within weeks or months.
- We inspect the safety cable condition. If existing cables are frayed or show rust, we replace them.
- We check the pulleys at each end of the track for wear and seized bearings. This is normally a common issue in Seattle’s wet environment.
- We verify the S-hooks or clevis connections at each end of the spring are properly secured and undamaged.
- Full travel and balance test before completing the job.
Call us for your garage door spring repair and replacement.
Should You Upgrade to a Torsion Spring System?
If your garage has enough headroom (at least 10 inches above the door opening), upgrading from an extension spring system to a torsion spring replacement is worth considering when replacing your springs. Torsion systems are more durable, safer, quieter, and provide more balanced door operation. The upgrade cost is approximately $250-$400 more than a standard extension spring replacement but delivers a significantly longer service life (particularly important in Seattle’s corrosive climate).
We are happy to assess your garage headroom and give you an honest recommendation on whether an upgrade makes sense for your specific situation.
Extension Spring Replacement Cost Seattle
Service
- Extension spring replacement (both sides)
- Extension spring + new safety cables
- Extension spring + pulley replacement
Price Range
- $200 – $340
- $230 – $380
- $260 – $400
Included
- Both springs, safety cable inspection, 2-yr warranty
- New cables through both springs (installed as standard if absent)
- When pulleys are seized or cracked (common in Seattle humidity)
Extension spring replacement costs vary by door type. See our guide to garage door spring replacement cost Seattle for a detailed breakdown.
FAQ - Extension Spring Replacement Seattle
Are extension springs dangerous to replace myself?
Yes, even more so than torsion springs in some ways. The risk of a snapping spring during replacement is real. Extension springs must be fully extended (under tension) during replacement, and working on a tensioned spring without the correct technique and tools is genuinely dangerous. Professional replacement for extension springs costs $200-$340 for both sides.
How long do extension springs last in Seattle?
Standard extension springs are rated for 10,000 cycles. In Seattle’s wet climate, expect 6,000–8,000 cycles before failure due to corrosion. If your springs are more than 7 years old and your home was built before 1995, have them inspected during a garage door maintenance visit.
Can I replace just one extension spring?
We strongly advise against it. Both springs have the same wear history. Replacing one creates uneven tension on the door. It will not travel straight, which strains the opener and tracks. The cost difference between replacing one and both is small; the benefit of replacing both is significant.