How quickly can you fix my track misalignment?

Track misalignment repairs are typically completed within 1-2 hours during a single service visit. For most track issues, our technicians carry the necessary tools and replacement parts in their fully-stocked service vehicles. If we receive your call in the morning, we can often complete same-day repairs. For emergency situations where your door is stuck open or poses a security risk, we offer quick-response service 24/7. The exact timeline depends on the severity of the misalignment and whether any track sections need replacement versus simple adjustment.

What causes track misalignment in garage doors?

Track misalignment can occur due to several factors. The most common causes include: physical impact from vehicles or objects hitting the door or tracks; natural settling of the garage structure over time; worn or broken rollers that put uneven stress on the tracks; loose track mounting hardware that allows the tracks to shift; accumulation of debris in the tracks; and extreme temperature fluctuations that cause metal expansion and contraction. Regular maintenance inspections can identify early signs of misalignment before they become serious problems. We recommend annual tune-ups to prevent track issues and extend your door's lifespan.

Do you offer financing for new commercial door installations?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options for new garage door installations, including commercial projects. We understand that a new commercial garage door is a significant investment, which is why we partner with reputable financing companies to provide affordable payment plans. Options include 0% APR financing for qualified buyers (typically 12-24 months), extended payment terms up to 60 months, and quick approval processes. Our team can discuss financing options during your free estimate appointment. We also accept all major credit cards and can provide detailed quotes for commercial projects that may qualify for business financing or leasing programs.

What is your warranty policy?

We stand behind our work with a comprehensive 2-year warranty on all labor and workmanship. This means if any issue arises from our installation or repair work within two years, we'll fix it at no additional cost. Additionally, new garage doors and openers come with manufacturer warranties ranging from 3-10 years depending on the product. Our warranty covers all parts and labor for defects or failures related to our installation. We recommend keeping your warranty documentation and scheduling regular maintenance to ensure your warranty remains valid.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally serviced at least once per year. Annual maintenance includes lubrication of all moving parts, safety testing, spring tension adjustment, track alignment check, hardware tightening, and a comprehensive 25-point inspection. However, if you use your garage door more than 4-5 times daily, consider bi-annual service. Regular maintenance can prevent up to 90% of common garage door problems and extend your door's lifespan by 5-10 years. Between professional visits, we recommend monthly visual inspections and listening for unusual sounds.

Are your technicians certified and insured?

Absolutely. All our technicians are factory-trained on major garage door brands and OSHA compliant for safety protocols. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured in the State of Oregon. Our insurance includes comprehensive general liability coverage and workers' compensation, protecting both our team and your property. We also maintain BBB A+ accreditation and Google 5-Star ratings based on verified customer reviews. When our technician arrives, they'll be in uniform with company ID, and you're welcome to verify their credentials.

Can you repair my old garage door opener?

In most cases, yes! Our technicians are experienced in repairing all major opener brands including LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, Craftsman, and more. Common repairs include circuit board replacement, gear and sprocket repair, motor issues, safety sensor problems, and remote programming. However, if your opener is more than 15-20 years old or lacks modern safety features, we may recommend replacement for safety and efficiency. We'll always provide an honest assessment and give you options—we never push unnecessary replacements. Repairs typically cost 40-60% less than a new opener.

Garage Door Spring Types in Selma: Torsion vs. Extension Explained

2026-07-25 7 min read

Here's what most homeowners don't realize about garage door springs in Selma: you almost certainly have one of two types, and they fail in completely different ways. One snapped spring leaves you stranded for hours. The other can cause your entire door to crash down with dangerous force. Knowing which one you have, and what it costs to replace, isn't optional information. It's the difference between a $400 repair and a $1,200 emergency call.

The Two Spring Types: Torsion and Extension

Your garage door is held up by counterbalance springs. These aren't the little springs in your screen door. They're under extreme tension, storing enough energy to lift 400 pounds effortlessly. Two designs dominate residential garages.

Torsion springs mount horizontally above your door, centered on a shaft. They twist (or torque) to lift the door. Most new homes and modern garages use torsion systems. Extension springs run vertically along each side of the door frame. They stretch like rubber bands to counterbalance the weight. Older homes and some budget installations still have these.

The critical difference: torsion springs fail silently and suddenly. Extension springs snap with visible warning signs, often creating a loud bang that sounds like a gunshot. I've responded to calls where homeowners thought a car had hit their garage. It was just an extension spring giving out.

Why Torsion Springs Cost More (But Last Longer)

Torsion springs typically last 7 to 9 years with average use (opening and closing 4 to 8 times daily). Extension springs last 5 to 7 years. Both wear out faster if your garage door opens 10+ times daily or if you live in the Illinois Valley where temperature swings and humidity fluctuations stress the metal.

Replacement cost matters. A torsion spring replacement runs $200 to $400 in parts and labor. An extension spring is $150 to $300. But here's what gets most homeowners: if one torsion spring breaks, you need both replaced as a pair. They wear together. Replace just one, and the other fails within weeks, landing you another service call.

Extension springs? You can sometimes replace just the broken one. "Sometimes" is the operative word. If the other is close to failure, you're paying twice in the same month.

The Real Danger: DIY Attempts and Delayed Repairs

I need to be direct. Garage door springs are not a DIY project. I've seen fingers crushed, garage doors dropped on vehicles, and one case where a homeowner's shoulder was dislocated when a spring suddenly released. The tension in these springs is equivalent to a loaded crossbow. One slip. One miscalibration. And you're looking at serious injury.

When a spring snaps, your garage door won't open. Many homeowners then attempt to force it open with the opener or manually pull it up. This strains the opener motor, damages tracks, and sometimes causes the door itself to derail. I've seen $300 spring failures turn into $1,200 repairs because of what happened after the snap.

If you're experiencing slow opening, unusual noise during operation, or the door feeling unbalanced, those are spring-failure warning signs. Read our full guide on why garage door springs fail and what replacement really costs for detailed warning signs.

**Need garage door springs in Selma today?** Call (541) 952-3967. We cover same-day service and provide a free estimate before any work starts.

Identifying Your Spring Type at a Glance

Stand outside your garage with the door closed. Look above the door opening. Do you see a horizontal metal shaft with a spring wound around it? That's torsion. Do you see two springs running vertically, one on each side of the door frame? Those are extension springs. Some doors have safety cables running alongside extension springs. That's a good sign, but it doesn't eliminate the danger if the spring fails.

If you're unsure, don't guess. A technician from Selma Garage Doors can identify your system and estimate replacement cost in under 15 minutes. We'll tell you exactly what you have, why it's failing, and what the real cost will be. No surprise charges. No pressure upsell.

What Replacement Actually Involves

Spring replacement is straightforward for professionals but involves precise calibration. The new spring (or springs) must be wound to the exact tension needed for your specific door weight. Too loose, and the door feels heavy. Too tight, and you burn out the opener motor. Springs are also adjusted based on your door's material (steel vs. aluminum) and insulation level.

If your door has an older extension spring system, we often recommend upgrading to torsion. Yes, it costs more upfront. But the longer lifespan, better safety profile, and lower maintenance headaches make it worthwhile over 10 years.

For more on what actually prevents expensive repairs, check our maintenance guide for Selma homeowners.

Getting an Estimate Without Guesswork

Every door is different. Your garage door's age, weight, usage pattern, and existing spring configuration all affect cost. That's why we offer free estimates on all spring work. Schedule a free quote today and we'll show you exactly what you're paying for and why.

Don't wait for a complete failure. Snapped springs leave you unable to access your garage, stranded on the road if it happens to your car, or facing a safety hazard if someone tries to force the door open. Call (541) 952-3967 now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my garage door spring is about to fail? Listen for squeaking or creaking noises during operation. Watch for the door rising unevenly or feeling heavier than usual. Extension springs may show visible wear or rust. Torsion springs give almost no warning, so age is your best indicator. If your springs are past 7 years old, plan for replacement soon.

Can I replace just one garage door spring? With extension springs, sometimes yes. With torsion springs, no. Torsion springs must be replaced in pairs because they wear together. Replacing one leaves the other to fail quickly, costing you twice. We always recommend replacing both torsion springs at once.

How long does spring replacement take? Professional replacement takes 1 to 2 hours from start to finish. We handle removal, installation, calibration, and testing. You can use your door immediately after. Emergency calls may be prioritized for same-day completion depending on our schedule.

Are garage door springs covered by homeowner's insurance? Rarely. Most homeowner policies classify spring failure as wear and tear, not a covered event. Check your policy, but plan to pay out of pocket. This is why maintenance matters. Proper lubrication and inspection extend spring life significantly.

What's the difference in safety between spring types? Both are dangerous if mishandled. Extension springs have visible wear signs and safety cables. Torsion springs fail without warning but offer better door balance and control. Neither type is "safer" than the other. Professional installation and regular inspection are what keep your family safe.

Back to Blog