2026-04-13 7 min read
If your garage door suddenly refused to open this morning, there's a good chance a spring is to blame. It's one of the most common calls we get from homeowners across McKenna and out toward Graham and Spanaway. and it almost always happens at the worst possible moment. Here's a straightforward breakdown of everything you need to know.
McKenna sits in Pierce County and sees around 46 inches of rain per year. well above the national average of 38 inches. That persistent moisture is hard on metal hardware. Torsion and extension springs are made of steel, and steel exposed to regular humidity and temperature swings corrodes faster than it would in a drier climate. If you've noticed surface rust on your springs, that's not just cosmetic. rust eats into the metal and accelerates wear.
We've covered this topic in depth in our post on why garage door springs rust faster in McKenna, but the short version is this: the wet winters and damp springs we get in Western Washington shorten the effective life of an unlubricated spring significantly.
Most residential garage doors use one of two spring types:
- Torsion springs. mounted horizontally above the door opening on a metal shaft. These are the most common on modern doors and tend to be more durable. Replacement typically runs $150,$350 per spring, including labor. - Extension springs. run along the upper horizontal tracks on each side of the door. Older homes and lighter doors often use these. They're generally less expensive to replace but carry a higher injury risk if they snap without a safety cable.
A double-car garage door typically uses two torsion springs. If one breaks, most technicians will recommend replacing both at the same time. because if one failed, the other is likely close behind.
Don't wait for a full failure. Watch for these early indicators:
- The door feels unusually heavy when you try to lift it manually - Visible gaps or separations in the coil of a torsion spring - Squeaking or grinding when the door moves. especially in cold mornings - The door opens only 6 inches then stops (most openers have a safety cutoff when spring tension is wrong) - Rust or corrosion visible on the spring coils
If you're seeing any of these, it's worth getting an inspection scheduled sooner rather than later. A broken spring under tension can cause real damage to your door, opener, and anything in the garage when it lets go.
In the Puget Sound region, spring replacement costs generally fall in the range of $150 to $450 depending on the spring type, door size, and whether you're replacing one or both springs. Torsion springs on the higher end of that range tend to last longer and handle the wet Pacific Northwest climate better than budget alternatives.
When you're getting a quote, make sure it includes: - The springs themselves (and cycle rating. aim for 25,000+ cycles for longevity) - Labor to install and balance the door, A safety inspection of cables, rollers, and hardware
Short answer: no. Springs store an enormous amount of mechanical energy. When that energy releases suddenly. as it does when a spring breaks or is improperly handled. it can cause serious injury. This isn't a scare tactic; it's why even experienced handymen typically call a professional for this specific job. The services we offer include proper spring replacement with the right tools and safety protocols.
Once you've had springs replaced, a little maintenance goes a long way:
1. Lubricate springs 2,3 times per year with a garage door-specific spray lubricant (not WD-40, which attracts dust) 2. Do a visual inspection every 6 months. look for gaps in the coil, rust patches, or uneven tension 3. Keep your garage interior dry. a dehumidifier or good weatherstripping helps reduce moisture exposure 4. Balance test annually. disconnect your opener, lift the door manually to waist height, and let go. It should stay in place. If it drops or shoots up, the springs may be out of balance.
For a full checklist, take a look at our storm season preparation guide, which also covers hardware inspection and weatherstripping. both relevant to how well your springs hold up through McKenna's wet winters.
If you're not sure what condition your springs are in, reach out and schedule an inspection. Garage Door McKenna serves the area with honest assessments. we'll tell you whether you actually need replacement or whether a lubrication and adjustment will buy you more time.
Most springs are rated for 10,000 cycles, which translates to roughly 7,10 years of daily use under normal conditions. However, McKenna's high rainfall and humidity can accelerate corrosion, particularly if springs aren't lubricated regularly. High-cycle springs rated at 25,000 cycles are worth the upgrade in this climate.
Technically yes, but you shouldn't. Operating your door opener without a functioning spring puts enormous strain on the motor and can damage the opener, the cable drums, and the door panels themselves. Manually lifting the door is also dangerous. without spring tension, a full garage door can weigh 150,400 pounds.
If you have a two-spring system and one breaks, most professionals. including our team. recommend replacing both. Springs wear at the same rate, so if one has failed, the second is likely near the end of its life. Replacing both at once saves on a second service call and keeps your door balanced.