Garage door springs play a crucial role in the smooth operation of your garage door. They are responsible for balancing the weight of the door and allowing it to move up and down effortlessly. However, over time, these springs can wear out or break, requiring replacement.
The cost of replacing garage door springs varies depending on several factors such as the type of spring needed, the size and weight of your garage door, and whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional.
In this article, we will explore the average cost range for garage door spring replacement and provide some helpful tips on how to save money while still ensuring that your new springs are safe and reliable. Whether you’re looking to replace broken springs or simply want to upgrade your existing ones for better performance, this guide is here to assist you in making an informed decision about how much you should expect to pay.
Understanding Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are an essential part of your garage door system. They work to counterbalance the weight of the door and allow it to open and close easily. There are two types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs.
Torsion springs are mounted above the garage door, while extension springs are located on either side of the track. Torsion springs use torque to lift the weight of the door, while extension springs stretch to support it.
The lifespan of a garage door spring depends on how often you use your garage door. On average, a spring will last for about 10,000 cycles or around seven years if you open and close your garage once per day.
If your spring breaks or wears out prematurely, it can cause serious damage to your property or even result in personal injury. That’s why it’s important always to have a professional replace them as soon as possible.
When looking at replacing your garage doors’ broken spring, be aware that there is no one-size-fits-all replacement cost. The price varies depending on factors such as:
– Type of spring
– Size and weight capacity needed
– Brand preference
– Labor costs
In general, torsion spring replacements tend to be more expensive than extensions because they require more parts and labor time. Depending on these variables mentioned above, replacing both tension cables with new ones may need replacement too that raises overall price considerably.
It’s always best practice not attempting DIY repair for any issues related with overhead doors especially delicate components like this; rather hire expert technicians who can help ensure safe operations in future without breaking any further during examination itself!
Signs of Worn Out Springs
Garage door springs are an essential component that helps in the smooth opening and closing of your garage door. However, they wear out over time due to constant use and exposure to weather elements. Here are some signs that indicate your garage door springs may need replacement:
1. Difficulty in Opening or Closing the Door
If you experience difficulty when operating your garage door, it could be a sign that the springs are worn out. The springs provide the necessary tension needed to operate the door smoothly, and if they lose their strength, it will become harder to open or close.
2. Loud Noises During Operation
If you hear loud grinding or snapping noises when opening or closing your garage door, this may be a sign of worn-out springs. The noise is caused by metal rubbing against metal as the weak spring allows excessive movement in the system.
3. Uneven Movement of Garage Door
When one spring wears out before its pair does, it causes uneven movement of your garage door during operation. This can damage other components such as hinges and rollers leading to costly repairs.
4. Visible Damage on Springs
Over time garage door springs lose their elasticity which makes them more prone to damage from rusting and corrosion from moisture exposure in case they haven’t been lubricated regularly enough.
In conclusion, keep an eye for any signs mentioned above; replacing a faulty spring when needed is important not only for safety but also prevents further damages on other parts implying yet another expense later down the line – always better safe than sorry!
Factors Affecting the Cost of Replacing Springs
Replacing garage door springs can vary in price depending on different factors. Some of these factors include:
- The type of spring needed: There are two main types of garage door springs, torsion and extension. Torsion springs tend to be more expensive than extension springs due to their complexity and durability.
- The weight and size of the door: Larger doors require stronger and larger springs which can increase the cost. Similarly, heavier doors may require multiple or thicker springs to support them.
- The quality of the spring: Higher quality materials such as steel alloys or oil-tempered metals will last longer but also cost more upfront compared to lower quality materials.
- The level of service required: The cost may also vary based on if you hire a professional technician for installation or attempt it yourself with a DIY kit. Professional services may come at an additional premium but offer added expertise, warranty coverage, and safety guarantees.
It is important to consider these factors when estimating the cost for replacing your garage door’s springs. It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt this repair themselves unless they have prior experience working with garage doors as it poses significant risks if done incorrectly.
To ensure safe and efficient replacement always consult with a licensed professional who has experience dealing with garage door systems, including those in relation to both torsion and extension spring replacements.
DIY vs. Professional Spring Replacement
Garage door springs are an essential part of any garage door system that can fail over time, leading to a malfunctioning or broken garage door. In such cases, homeowners have two options – either undertake the repair themselves or hire a professional technician to fix the problem for them.
DIY Garage Door Spring Replacement
The biggest advantage of DIY garage door spring replacement is its cost-effectiveness. Homeowners can save money on labor costs by doing the repairs themselves and only need to purchase the necessary tools and materials required for the job.
However, DIY repairs come with their own risks and limitations. Installing new springs requires specialized knowledge and skills as well as experience working with heavy-duty equipment such as metal clamps, pliers, winding bars, and more. Without proper training or experience in handling these components safely could lead to serious injuries or even death if not handled properly.
Hiring a Professional Technician
If you’re unsure of your ability to handle this kind of task safely or don’t have enough time on your hands to do so, hiring a professional technician may be worth considering instead.
The main benefit of hiring professionals is that they guarantee safe installation using proper techniques while also offering warranty coverage for their workmanship – providing additional peace of mind should anything go wrong after installation is complete.
Hiring a professional means you’ll get expert service from those who are trained specifically in this field; they’ll be able to fix your issue quicker than someone without prior knowledge will manage it which translates into convenience on top of safety concerns being addressed adequately.
The downside is higher costs associated with professional services compared with DIY replacements along with potential delays due scheduling conflicts between appointments during peak seasons when demand exceeds supply (such as winter).
Ultimately, the decision on whether to opt for professional garage door spring replacement or DIY repairs will depend on your personal expertise, time availability, safety concerns, and budget. It’s crucial to take into account all factors before making a final call.
Cost Breakdown of Garage Door Spring Replacement
When it comes to replacing garage door springs, the cost can vary depending on several factors. Some of these factors include the type of spring being replaced, the size and weight of your garage door, and the complexity of the installation process. Here is a breakdown of some common costs associated with garage door spring replacement.
Labor Costs: The cost for labor will depend on whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. Hiring a professional can cost between $100-$300 per hour depending on their experience and location. If you choose to do it yourself, there may be additional costs such as renting tools or purchasing new hardware.
Spring Type: The most common types of springs used in garage doors are torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are typically more expensive than extension springs due to their design and construction.
Gauge: The gauge refers to how thick the wire is that makes up the spring coils. A higher gauge means thinner wire which translates into weaker strength for heavier doors; therefore thicker gauges come at an additional cost.
Cycle Life: This refers to how many times a spring can open and close before needing replacement again. Higher cycle life means longer-lasting springs but also comes at an extra expense.
Damaged Parts: Damaged parts such as cables or pulleys may need replacing during this procedure which will add onto your overall expense.
In general, for standard residential overhead doors, homeowners should expect around $150-$250 total expenses for one spring replacement job but if both sides require work then they must double that number! Always get quotes from different companies beforehand so you know exactly what charges each contractor is including in their price estimate- this helps avoid surprises down-the-line too!
Conclusion
In conclusion, garage door spring replacement is an essential maintenance task that can significantly prolong the lifespan of your garage door. The cost of replacing garage door springs varies depending on several factors such as the type and size of the springs, location, and labor costs.
Torsion springs are more expensive to replace than extension springs due to their complexity and higher durability. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $150-$350 for a single torsion spring replacement and $200-$400 for two torsion springs replacements.
For extension springs, you should budget between $50-$100 per spring depending on the brand and quality. Keep in mind that most garages have two or more extension springs; therefore, you may need to replace multiple units at once.
While it’s tempting to try DIY repairs or hire cheap inexperienced technicians who offer lower prices than reputable companies in your area – this strategy could lead to further damage or safety hazards since garage doors are heavy objects with many moving parts that must be repaired correctly by knowledgeable professionals with years of experience.
To avoid unexpected expenses from frequent repairs caused by low-quality components or shoddy workmanship – always choose licensed & insured companies with a proven track record in providing top-notch garage door services within your budget range.
Ultimately, investing in high-quality garage door parts&services will save you money long-term while keeping your family safe from potential accidents or burglaries. Consider doing regular inspections&maintenance checks on your entire garage system once every six months—this way; you’ll catch any issues before they turn into costly headaches down the road!

Ben is one of the founders and editor of Structured Living HUB. His interests are automotive and architecture. For over 10 years he worked as a modular house contractor in the United States.