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 one of the most common repairs 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 usually 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, we usually recommend replacing both. Springs wear out at about the same rate, so if one snaps, the other may not be far behind.
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 can often save 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 often rated for about 10,000 cycles. High-cycle springs can last 20,000 cycles or more. They cost more upfront but may last longer.
Labor Rates
Labor costs vary by city and state. Areas with a higher cost of living 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 also cause serious injury if handled the wrong way. According to this garage door safety checklist for home inspectors and consumers, springs and spring hardware are under high tension and should not be removed, repaired, or adjusted without proper training.
We have seen people get hurt trying to save money. Spring replacement requires special winding bars, correct sizing, and experience. It is not the same as changing a simple part. For safety, always hire a trained garage door repair 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.
Before your appointment, read our safety guide on whether you can still use a door with a broken spring, the answer might surprise you.
Final Thoughts
Garage door spring replacement is usually affordable compared to other major home repairs, but the exact price depends on the spring type, door size, and whether one or both springs need to be replaced. In most cases, homeowners can expect to pay between $150 and $350.
If your garage door feels heavy, stops opening, or makes a loud snapping sound, do not force it. A broken spring can make the door unsafe to use. The best move is to call a professional, get a clear quote, and fix the problem before it causes more damage.
For an exact quote on your specific door and spring type, contact us for garage door spring repair service, we provide Free estimates!