Why springs fail and what it costs
Garage door springs counterbalance the weight of the door so the opener and your arm barely have to lift. They are under enormous, constant tension and are rated for a set number of open-close cycles, so they eventually wear out and snap. A door with a broken spring is too heavy to lift safely and should not be forced.
Replacement averages about $300 for a torsion spring job including labor. Extension springs, common on lighter and older doors, run a bit less. The single biggest variable is whether you replace one spring or, as pros recommend, both at once.
Torsion versus extension springs
The two spring systems work differently and cost differently. Torsion springs mount horizontally on a shaft above the door and store energy by twisting; they are more durable, operate more smoothly, and are standard on most modern doors.
Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on each side and stretch as the door closes. They are cheaper but wear faster and require safety cables to contain them if they break. Converting an old extension setup to torsion adds cost but improves safety and longevity.
Why replace both springs
When a door uses two springs and one breaks, technicians strongly recommend replacing both:
- The unbroken spring is the same age and near the end of its life
- Matched springs keep the door balanced and reduce opener strain
- A second service call to replace the other spring soon after costs more than doing both now
Replacing the pair typically adds only $40 to $100 over a single spring, making it the clear value choice.
Cycle ratings and quality
Not all springs are equal. Springs are rated by cycle life, roughly the number of times the door can open and close before the spring wears out. Builder-grade springs are often rated around 10,000 cycles, while high-cycle springs run 20,000 to 30,000 cycles or more.
Upgrading to a high-cycle spring adds $50 to $120 but can double the spring's lifespan, which is worthwhile for a frequently used door. When comparing quotes, ask for the cycle rating so you are not sold a cheap spring at a premium price.
Safety and why to hire a pro
Spring replacement is the single most dangerous garage door repair for a do-it-yourselfer. A torsion spring stores enough energy to break fingers or worse if a winding bar slips, and every year homeowners are seriously injured attempting it.
The labor portion of a professional job is modest, and a technician also inspects the cables, drums, and bearings while the door is apart. The small savings from a self-repair are not worth the genuine risk of injury.
Spring replacement cost by type
| Job | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single torsion spring | $150 | $250 | $400 |
| Both torsion springs | $220 | $320 | $500 |
| Extension spring pair | $120 | $200 | $350 |
| High-cycle spring upgrade | $50 | $90 | $120 |
| Extension-to-torsion conversion | $250 | $400 | $650 |