The average cost to repair a garage door spring ranges from $150 to $350, depending on the type of spring, the cost of the labor, and any additional needed parts.
Garage door springs breaking is one of the most common and frustrating issues that can occur for a homeowner. Because these springs carry a huge amount of tension, it often takes only a small malfunction for your entire garage door to become inoperable or even unsafe.
However, if you have an understanding of how much it costs to repair a garage door spring and the factors that can influence this cost, you can plan ahead for such an issue and avoid unexpected expenses. In this article, we’ll cover why these springs are so important, the average costs for repairing them, signs that your spring may be failing, and more. Additionally, we’ll discuss when you should call a professional, how to choose the right replacement spring, and the most effective maintenance practices for extending the lifespan of your current spring.
Why Garage Springs Are Important
Every time you open or close your garage door, the garage spring does the heavy lifting. This integral component is responsible for counterbalancing the door’s weight, which allows the opener or manual operation to function more smoothly. Without a working spring, the garage door will become extremely heavy and difficult to move, which can create a major safety hazard. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, garage door openers and their safety components must meet federal safety standards to reduce the risk of injury or entrapment.
Average Cost Breakdown
Covered below are the most common variables that factor into the cost of repairing a garage door spring.
Torsion Spring Replacement Costs
Torsion springs, which use torque to lift garage doors evenly, are mounted above the door. On average, it costs between $200 and $350 to replace these springs, including both labor and parts. Because torsion springs can be quite complex to install, it’s usually recommended that you enlist professionals for the job.
Extension Spring Replacement Costs
Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on both sides of your garage door. These springs are prone to snapping and tend to have shorter lifespans than torsion springs. Fortunately, extension springs are relatively easy to replace, usually costing between $150 and $250.
Labor Costs and Regional Variations
When you hire a professional to repair your garage door spring, labor will make up a significant chunk of the cost. On average, garage door technicians charge between $75 and $150 per hour. However, according to HomeAdvisor, garage door spring repair rates vary around the country depending on factors like the type of door, parts needed, and local labor costs.
Emergency and After-Hours Service Rates
If you need your garage door spring repaired at night or on the weekend, you’ll likely have to spend an extra $75 to $150 for the service.
Signs Your Garage Door Spring Needs Replacement
Below, we’ve covered some of the most common indicators that your garage door spring needs replacing.
Visible Wear and Tear
It’s wise to regularly inspect your garage door spring for any visible signs of wear and tear. These can include rust, gaps, or fraying. If the spring is displaying any of these problems, operating the door may cause additional damage to its opener, tracks, or panels.
Imbalance in Garage Door Operation
If a garage door stops halfway open or opens unevenly, it may be an indicator that the spring is weakened or broken.
Unusual Noises During Operation
When a garage door spring is nearing failure, you may hear unusual noises from the door, such as a grinding, creaking, or snapping sound. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), stored mechanical energy in coiled or stretched springs can release suddenly, potentially causing serious injury.
Key Factors Affecting Replacement Costs
Listed below are a few of the most common factors that can impact the cost of replacing a garage door spring.
Type of Spring: Torsion vs. Extension
Torsion springs are typically more expensive, but they also tend to last longer and provide smoother motion for the door. Extension springs, however, are more affordable, but they often wear out faster, which can cost you more money in the long run.
Garage Door Type and Configuration
If you have a heavier garage door, such as a double-car or insulated model, it will likely require stronger springs. This means that replacing your spring will likely cost more in both parts and labor.
Number of Springs Required
It’s important to remember that most single-car garage doors only require one spring. However, double-car models typically need two, and it’s usually recommended that you replace both of them simultaneously. This will cost more money in the short term, but it can lead to long-term savings by ensuring even tension and preventing uneven wear.
Additional Repairs and Associated Costs
When you have your garage door spring replaced, your technician may discover that additional repairs are needed. For example, they may need to replace the door’s cables, rollers, or bearings, which can add approximately $50 to $150 to the cost of the service.
Selecting Replacement Springs
Choosing the right replacement springs for your garage door can help save you money and hassle down the road.
Brand Comparison: Everbilt, DURA-LIFT, Wayne Dalton
Some of the most prominent garage door spring brands include Everbilt, DURA-LIFT, and Wayne Dalton. Everbilt springs are typically budget-friendly, and you can find them at most home improvement stores. DURA-LIFT springs are known for their consistent, reliable performance and are typically middle-of-the-pack for pricing. Wayne Dalton springs, on the other hand, are usually made for specific garage door setups.
Evaluating Durability and Warranties
It’s important to choose a garage door spring with a high cycle rating. Ideally, it should be at least 10,000 to 15,000 cycles. You should also double-check the warranty of the spring to ensure that you’re covered in the event of a failure or malfunction.
Cost vs. Quality Considerations
Although choosing a cheap spring may save you money in the short term, it will likely wear out sooner than a more costly unit. By spending a bit more money now on a higher-quality spring, you can save yourself money and hassle in the long run.
DIY Replacement vs. Professional Assistance
So, when should you hire a professional garage door technician, as opposed to handling the job yourself?
Risks of DIY Replacements
You may be tempted to replace your garage door spring on your own, but doing so can be risky. Replacing this spring involves dealing with extreme tension, which can lead to serious injuries if something goes wrong. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, machinery and components that store energy, including garage door springs, can create a major hazard when they release energy unexpectedly. You should only consider DIY garage door repairs if you have the proper training and equipment.
Safety and Efficiency Benefits of Professional Services
If you hire a professional for your garage door spring replacement, they will possess specialized tools, which allow them to install and balance springs properly and safely. They will also test your system for proper tension, verify that all safety features are functioning properly, and take several other measures to make sure your new spring is correctly installed.
Cost Analysis: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
On average, hiring a professional garage door technician to replace your spring will cost around $200 to $300. If you do the job yourself, you’ll likely need to spend between $75 and $125 for parts.
Maintenance Tips to Prolong Spring Lifespan
There are a few things you can do as a homeowner to ensure your garage door spring lasts as long as possible.
Regular Inspection Schedule
Ideally, you should visually inspect your garage door springs at least twice a year. You’ll want to check for things like rust, stretching, or imbalance. Additionally, be on the lookout for gaps in the coils, uneven lifting, or frayed cables near the springs.
Lubrication and Cleaning Practices
Every three months, it’s prudent to lubricate your garage door springs and other moving parts with a silicone-based or garage door-specific spray. This will reduce friction and corrosion, which helps the springs function more smoothly and last longer.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Frequent Replacements
There are certain things you should never do to keep your garage door spring healthy. For example, never slam the garage door or let it drop too quickly. Also, you should never overload the door with too much weight unless you’ve confirmed that the springs can handle it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you’ll find a few of the most commonly asked questions about repairing and replacing garage door springs.
How much does it cost to replace a spring on a garage door?
Depending on the type of spring, the quality of the new spring, and local labor rates, it typically costs around $150 to $350 to replace a garage door spring.
What is the life expectancy of a garage door spring?
On average, garage door springs last for seven to 12 years, or roughly 10,000 cycles. That said, multiple variables can affect how quickly a spring wears out, including how often you use the door and how regularly you perform maintenance.
Can I fix a broken garage door spring myself?
You should only consider replacing a broken garage door spring yourself if you have the proper equipment, training, and experience. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of seriously injuring yourself or severely damaging the garage door.
