If your garage door will not open or feels very heavy, you may have a broken spring. We replace garage door springs every week, and this is the most common repair we see. Many homeowners want to know what it costs before they call for service.
In most cases, replacing a garage door spring costs between $150 and $350. The final price depends on the type of spring, how many springs your door uses, and labor rates in your area.
Let us break it down in simple terms.
Types of Garage Door Springs
There are two main types of springs:
Torsion Springs
These sit above the garage door on a metal bar. Most modern doors use torsion springs. They are strong and last longer than other types.
Extension Springs
These run along the sides of the door tracks. Older garage doors often use extension springs.
Torsion spring replacement usually costs a little more than extension spring replacement because the parts are heavier and require special tools.
Cost for One Spring vs Two Springs
Many garage doors use two springs. Even if only one breaks, I usually recommend replacing both. Springs wear out at the same rate. If one snaps, the other is likely close to failing.
Here is a typical cost range:
- One torsion spring: $150 to $250
- Two torsion springs: $200 to $350
- Extension springs: $150 to $300 for a pair
Replacing both springs at once often saves money on future service calls.
What Affects the Price?
Several factors can raise or lower the total cost.
Door Size and Weight
Heavy wooden doors use stronger springs. Stronger springs cost more.
Spring Quality
Standard springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles. High cycle springs can last 20,000 cycles or more. High cycle springs cost more upfront but last longer.
Labor Rates
Labor costs vary by city and state. Areas with higher living costs often have higher service prices.
Emergency Service
If you call at night, on a weekend, or on a holiday, you may pay extra for emergency service.
Why You Should Not Replace Springs Yourself?
Garage door springs hold a lot of tension. That tension helps lift the door, but it can cause serious injury if handled wrong. We have seen people get hurt trying to save money. Spring replacement requires special winding bars and training. It is not the same as changing a simple part. For safety, always hire a trained garage door replacement technician.
Signs You Need Spring Replacement
Watch for these signs:
- The door will not open
- The opener runs but the door does not move
- The door feels very heavy
- You hear a loud bang from the garage
- The door opens crooked
If you notice these problems, stop using the door until it is repaired.
How Long Does It Take?
Most spring replacements take about one hour. A trained technician can remove the broken spring, install the new one, set the proper tension, and test the door balance in a single visit.