How Much Does It Cost To Repair Or Replace A Garage Door Spring?

Garage Door Spring Cost

Repairing a broken garage door spring costs $40 to $80 for winding, balancing, and lubricating the springs. Garage door spring replacement costs $120 to $350 on average. Garage door springs alone cost $30 to $100 for a torsion spring and $20 to $50 for an extension spring.

*Prices depend on the spring type, door size, door weight, and local labor costs.

With a two-spring system, always replace both springs even if only one broke. Equal tension in both springs improves the garage door balance and functionality. Plus, it's cheaper to replace both springs at once.

• Replacing garage door springs takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• New garage door springs last 7 to 14 years, or between 10,000 and 20,000 up-and-down cycles.
• Always hire a professional garage door repair company to help, because changing a garage door spring can be dangerous.

Table of Contents

1. Garage Door Spring Cost
2. Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost
   • Torsion Spring & Bar
   • Extension Spring
   • Spring & Cable
   • Double Garage Doors
   • Roll-Up Door
3. Broken Garage Door Spring Repair Cost
   • Problems
   • Tune-Up
4. Garage Door Torsion Spring Conversion Cost
5. New Garage Door Spring Prices
   • Wayne Dalton
   • Commercial
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. DIY Garage Door Spring Replacement
   • Kits
   • Maintenance
8. Hiring A Garage Door Spring Repair Service
9. Garage Door Repair Near Me

Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost

Garage door spring replacement costs $120 to $350 on average, depending on the type. A torsion spring replacement costs $140 to $350, while an extension spring replacement runs $120 to $200. The spring parts alone cost $20 to $70 each, and labor runs $100 to $200.

*Prices are for standard 1 and 2-car garage doors. Springs for heavy-insulated wood doors cost an additional $60 to $100 for a set.

Prices vary depending on the size and weight-bearing capacity of the spring(s), type of garage door, and condition of the existing garage door system.

Garage Door Torsion Spring & Bar Replacement Cost

A garage door torsion spring replacement costs $140 to $270 for one spring and between $200 and $350 for two springs. Garage door torsion springs alone cost $30 to $70 each. Most garage doors have two torsion springs per door, which need replacing at the same time.

Torsion springs are fixed above the garage door opening on a single rod. Torsion springs coil around the rod to create tension when the door closes, and then untwists to release tension helping lift the overhead door. Torsion springs are common for hinged doors, and safer than extension springs.

Torsion springs are the most common, safer to use than extension springs, and last 7 to 14 years or between 10,000 to 20,000 cycles. The following list is the different types of torsion springs:

• Oil-Tempered – Most common, long lifespan, low maintenance, minimal noise while operating, and affordable. Look dark and oily.
• Galvanized – A modern-looking zinc coating protects metal from moisture and rust. Ideal for humid areas. Requires annual adjusting.
• Powder-Coated – Long lifespan and easy to handle. Non-oily, modern-looking, moisture, and rust-resistant. Coated in electrically bonded paint in various colors.

Garage Door Extension Spring Replacement Cost

The average cost to replace garage door extension springs is $120 to $150 for one spring and $150 to $200 for two springs. The extension springs alone cost $20 to $50 each. Extension springs are cheaper, easier to install, and require less maintenance than torsion springs.

However, extension springs have a shorter life expectancy of 4 to 10 years or 5,000 to 15,000 cycles, and should be converted to torsion springs.

Extension springs hang next to the garage door tracks on the ceiling or vertically on both sides of the door. Extension springs stretch out as the garage door closes, which builds up the tension required to lift the door again. Extension springs are typically found on lightweight, tilt-up overhead doors.

Cost To Replace Garage Door Spring And Cable

The average cost to replace garage door springs and cables is $200 to $500. Garage door cable repair costs $80 to $185 to replace by itself, but it's cheaper when combining with spring replacement. Signs the cables need replacing:

• The door becomes uneven, or one side becomes heavier.
• The door makes screeching or whining noises.
• The door came off its track and possibly fell down.

Garage door cables cost $8 to $15 each, without installation. Cables are under high tension and connect the springs to the bottom of the garage door to help lift the door.

Roll-Up Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost

The average cost to replace roll-up garage door springs is $200 to $250, which typically uses two torsion springs. Prices increase $50 to $100 if the shaft cannot slide sideways, since the installer needs to disassemble the brackets to reach the springs.

A roll-up garage door has no overhead track, and the door winds up around a single rod instead.

Double Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost

A double garage door spring replacement costs $200 to $375 on average. A double garage door has thicker wire uses two springs with a higher weight-bearing capacity to manage the additional weight.

Sears Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost

Sears garage door spring replacement costs $139 to $199 plus tax, depending on if it's an extension or torsion spring replacement. Sears' trained, insured, and background-checked technicians use high-quality parts and perform a 20-point safety check during repair jobs.

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Broken Garage Door Spring Repair Cost

Repairing a broken garage door spring costs $40 to $80 for winding, balancing, and lubricating the springs, from $85 to $185 to replace broken spring cables, and between $120 and $350 for a complete spring replacement. Detaching and resetting a garage door costs $100 to $200.

Other garage door spring problems are:

Each type of garage door springs has a specific way to check if they are broken:

• Torsion springs will have a gap of a few inches in the coil or the body of the broken spring.
• Extension springs that are broken will have a missing hook on either of the sides of the springs where the coil broke off.
• Torquemaster systems typically won’t allow the door to come down again after the spring breaks. This safety lock activates when the spring breaks inside the tube that houses the spring.

Garage Door Spring Tune-Up Cost

A garage door tune-up costs $40 to $80 per door on average. A tune-up increases the lifespan of the garage door and makes it operate efficiently. A yearly maintenance checkup is advisable to minimize the wear and tear on the springs.

A garage door service call and inspection usually include the following:

• Spring tension adjustment
• Lubricating the springs and other parts
• Motor cleaning (if automatic model)
• Track adjustment and tightening all bolts and screws
• Inspecting the torsion spring shaft, rollers, and overall safety check
• Check for damaged and loose parts

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Garage Door Torsion Spring Conversion Cost

Converting from extension to torsion springs costs $200 to $500 per door, depending on the door size and current system. A torsion spring conversion kit costs $50 to $200, without installation. Torsion springs last longer, use fewer parts, and are safer to operate than extension springs.

Torsion spring conversion kits include a tube, safety cables, drums, end and center bearing plates, and a mounting bracket. Always hire a professional to perform the conversion to prevent possible injuries and property damages.

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New Garage Door Spring Prices

New garage door springs cost $30 to $100 for torsion springs and between $20 and $50 for extension springs, without installation. High-cycle springs cost $55 to $95 and last two to three times longer than average. Torsion springs are the most common, last longer, and are safer to use.

The best garage doors spring brands are interchangeable for most garage doors. Buying the correct replacement spring depends on the type of spring, and the size and weight of the garage door. There are also right and left-wound springs, one for each side.

Always hire a professional to buy the right spring. Plus, home improvement stores avoid selling springs to homeowners directly because changing the springs is dangerous.

Wayne Dalton Garage Door Spring Cost

A Wayne Dalton Torquemaster torsion spring costs $50 to $180 for just the spring or between $200 and $350 for a complete replacement. Compatible extension or torsion springs for other types of Wayne Dalton doors cost $20 to $60 each.

The benefits of Torquemaster springs are:

• Springs are enclosed inside a steel tube
• Have numbered dials on the side of the mounting that allows technicians to see the current amount of tension on the springs. Technicians can safely relieve tension on the coils down to '0' before replacing
• Built-in safety feature to lock the door in the raised position when the springs break to prevent the door from falling on you.
• Only compatible with Wayne Dalton garage door systems

Liftmaster Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost

Replacing garage door springs to work with a Liftmaster opener costs $120 to $350. Prices depend on the door size and weight, and if you're replacing a single extension spring or dual torsion spring set.

Commercial Garage Door Opener Spring Prices

Commercial garage door springs cost $100 to $500 per spring, depending on the length, inside diameter of the coil, and the wire size. Commercial-grade springs lift heavier, oversized overhead and vertical-lift doors, which require using a dual-spring opener to handle the extra weight.

Upgrading to thicker springs that last up to 25,000 cycles costs an additional $20 to $30 per spring.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take To Replace Garage Door Springs?

Replacing garage door springs takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the type and size of the garage door and number of springs. Old garage doors with several failing parts take up to two hours to replace. A garage door spring tune-up takes 10 to 15 minutes per door.

Can I Open My Garage Door With A Broken Spring?

A garage door with a broken spring should not be opened or closed using an automatic opener. Wait until a professional replaces the springs. Although the door may still open manually, it's dangerous and may cause damage to the operator and the door such as:

• The opener may burn out or break a gear.
• The garage door panels may break or cave in.
• The opener rail can bend.
• The belt, chain, or pulley may break.
• The opening arm or other parts can snap off.
• The door can break and fall off.

In an emergency, get help to manually lift the door and stop lifting if there's too much resistance. Place a ladder underneath the door or clamp vice grips onto the rails under the rollers to prevent the door from falling.

How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?

Garage door springs last 7 to 14 years on average, or between 10,000 and 20,000 cycles at 4 cycles per day. When using the garage door as the front door with 10 daily cycles, springs can break within 3 to 6 years. The opening and closing of the garage door is one cycle.

Increase the lifespan of the garage door by:

• Parking in the driveway more often.
• Using the garage doors less, and side/front doors more.
• Scheduling annual maintenance for repairs and lubricating the springs.
• Locking the garage door so children can’t play with it.

What Happens When A Garage Door Spring Breaks?

When a garage door spring breaks, you can tell by the following signs:

• The door is harder to open or becomes crooked as it moves up and down.
• The door won’t stay up by itself.
• The pulley and safety cables may become loose and hangs down.
• The spring unwinds letting out a loud noise
• The door is suddenly very heavy and may bend at the top if forced open.
• The door may not open or makes jerky movements while operating the opener.
• The garage door may slam down forcefully.
• The spring has a gap of a few inches where it broke.
• The manual emergency rope no longer works.
• The door goes up but a safety lock prevents the door from going down.

What Causes Garage Door Springs To Break?

Rust, lack of lubrication and maintenance, installing cheap springs, regular wear and tear, and extreme winter temperatures causes garage door springs to break. The following list are reasons why garage door springs break and ways to extend their life.

• Rust – Any moisture that contacts the springs makes the coils rust and weaken. Protect the springs from rust by spraying them annually with a silicone-based lubricant or WD-40 White Lithium Grease.
• Lack of Maintenance – Check the balance of the springs annually by opening the garage door halfway. If the door stays in the middle, the springs are in good condition. If the door keeps moving up or down, or if one side moves up at a different speed, the springs need maintenance.
• Cheap Springs – The cheapest springs use lower-quality metal coils that tend to break faster. Investing in higher-quality springs reduces repairs and saves money in the long run.
• Cold Climates – In extreme winter temperature, the metal springs contract and have a higher chance of breaking. Insulating the garage and keeping the door closed helps shield the springs from the cold.
• Wear & Tear – The more you open and close your garage door, the faster the springs wear down. Investing in high-cycle springs provide 50,000 cycles, while regular springs only provide 10,000 cycles.

What Does A Garage Door Spring Do?

A garage door spring counteracts the force of gravity and makes the door light enough for you or a garage door opener to lift it up easily. Garage door springs also act as a safety mechanism to stop the door from falling on you accidentally.

Tension on the springs builds up when the door closes, and releases when the door opens. Do not attempt to pull down a garage door with broken springs because the door is too heavy for one person to handle and it will crash down causing damages and injuries.

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DIY Garage Door Spring Replacement

Is It Dangerous To Replace A Garage Door Spring?

Minor garage door spring repairs such as lubricating the coiled wire or rebalancing can be done yourself. A DIY garage door spring replacement is dangerous because these highly pressurized springs come loose with force and can cause serious injuries. Also, over-tightening a torsion spring can crush the hollow torsion tube and damage the garage door system.

Hiring a professional with experience and certifications is easier, safer, and necessary to prevent accidents. Plus, they'll inspect the rest of the garage door system to catch and prevent other potential problems.

Garage Door Spring Repair Kit

Garage door spring repair kits cost $20 to $90, depending on if they are single or double set and if they are torsion or extension. Kits are available at retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe's, Wal-Mart, and Sears. However, most stores only sell springs to certified installers for safety.

With a two-spring system, always replace both springs even if only one broke. Compare the expected lifespan and warranty on each spring before purchasing, or consult with a professional.

Professionals purchase new springs according to the exact model, size, and weight-bearing capacity needed. Plus, they use special tools like a winding bar, bracing supports, and extra vice grips.

Garage Door Spring Maintenance

The following steps help extend the life of your garage door springs:

1. Cleaning the garage door tracks with WD-40 or brake cleaner fluid removes wax-like buildup, grease, debris, and reduces the strain on the springs.
2. Lubricate the springs with a silicone-based lubricant to prevent rust and corrosion, but only after cleaning them first. Spray the metal coils with a yellow-topped can of WD-40 White Lithium Grease or garage door lube. Avoid using traditional WD-40 because it damages plastic parts and strips the oil from metal.
3. Lubricate the door hinges on the inside of the door where it bends as the door lifts. Greasing these points further reduces the strain on your springs as they pull the door up.
4. Check the spring balance by switching the door opener to manual mode (pulling the red cord), and opening the door by hand. If the garage doors don't open and close easily, or stay open by itself, the spring needs balancing. Hire a professional to inspect as unbalanced springs might signal that it’s time for a replacement
5. Repair any leaks in the roof, walls, and garage door. Any water issues cause rust that weakens and breaks your springs.
6. Schedule an annual inspection for a professional to check your garage door springs and other parts.

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Hiring A Garage Door Spring Repair Service

The following are tips for hiring a reputable garage door repair technician near you.

• Get at least three estimates from HomeGuide and Google, or ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Ask if the quoted price covers parts and labor, and for how long.
• Ask if there is any additional call-out service charge upfront.
• Ask if they offer a warranty on labor.
• Make sure the company is insured and bonded for every worker on your property.

Lifetime Warranty Scam

Look out for the “lifetime warranty” scam that comes with required annual maintenance and high labor fees to keep the warranty valid. Failing to pay for this yearly maintenance or by hiring another company voids the warranty.

Other misleading warranties only cover the cost of the spring, but don’t include the service and installation fees. Always read the warranty in full to understand the terms of the agreement.

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