How Much Does Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost? (2024 Guide)
Garage door springs bear the bulk of the door weight and, over time, endure the most wear and tear. A garage door spring replacement costs $250 on average, though the type of door, size, and other factors impact the cost.
Note: Do not attempt to replace a garage door spring on your own as this is a dangerous task and requires specialty tools and knowledge. Hire a professional to ensure everything goes smoothly and safely.
Read on to learn more factors that can influence the cost of a garage door spring replacement, as well as helpful tips to save on costs.
Table of Contents:
- Average Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost
- Factors That Influence Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost
- Signs You Need To Replace Your Garage Door Spring
- Spring Replacement vs. Whole Garage Door Replacement
- Why You Should Always Hire a Professional for Garage Door Spring Replacement
- Tips for Reducing Costs
- Trust Precision Garage Door Service for Spring Replacement
- Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost FAQ
What Is the Average Cost To Replace a Garage Door Spring?
A garage door spring replacement can cost as little as $150 yet up to $350, with an average cost falling around $250. Replacing the spring won’t break the bank, but several factors influence the final price.
For example, a double spring replacement, such as for a double garage door, may require additional parts or adjustments that will likely push the price closer to the $350 mark. Understanding the factors involved in replacing a spring will help you better estimate the cost.
Factors That Influence Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost
Garage door spring replacements are usually within the $150 to $350 range, but repairs aren’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Several factors can influence the total price, including the number of doors, type of garage door, type of spring, and labor costs in your area.
1. Number of doors
The cost of a spring replacement will vary depending on the number of garage doors you have. A single garage door usually requires replacing just one or two springs and is a more straightforward procedure.
A double garage door, on the other hand, has two separate spring systems (one for each door). This means you’ll need to replace double the springs. Additionally, if one spring on a double door malfunctions, a service professional might recommend that you replace both to keep them consistent. Both cases will require more labor and ultimately lead to a higher overall cost.
| Number of Garage Doors | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| One | $150-350 |
| Two | $300-700 |
| Three | $450-1050 |
| Four | $600-1400 |
2. Type of garage door
The type of garage door you have also plays a role in the overall cost of a spring replacement. Here are major differences to know about the three main garage door types:
- Sectional: This is the most common type of garage door. Sectionals have horizontal panels that slide on tracks, usually using torsion springs, which are more complex than extension springs used in older models.
- Tilt-up: This door type pivots at the bottom and swings up to open, often relying on coil springs. Replacement for springs on tilt-up doors may involve different parts and techniques than a sectional, which can impact labor costs.
- Roll-up: This door type is a curtain of slats that coil around a drum at the top and have their own unique spring systems. Roll-up doors often require specialized tools and experience for replacement.
| Type of Garage Door | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Sectional | $150-350 |
| Tilt-up | $150-300 |
| Roll-up | $200-400 |
3. Type of spring
The type of spring your garage door has will greatly influence the cost to replace it. Here’s what you should know about the two main spring types: torsion and extension springs.
Torsion springs are what’s used in most modern garage doors. This is a tightly wound coil spring mounted above the door opening on a torsion bar. These springs store energy as they twist, which helps lift the heavy door. To replace them, a service professional needs to ensure proper tension for balance and safe door closing.
Replacing torsion springs on garage doors often needs additional parts such as cables, which typically makes them more expensive than extension springs.
Extension springs are commonly found in older garage doors. These are long, metal springs with hooks on each end that stretch and contract while opening and closing the door. Replacement of this spring is a simpler process, only requiring detachment of the hooks to install a new one.
Although generally less expensive than torsion springs, extension springs are constantly under tension and can be dangerous if not handled properly. It’s always safest to let a professional replace them instead.
| Type of Spring | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Torsion | $200-400 |
| Extension | $100-250 |
4. Labor
You should also keep labor costs in mind since a service professional’s hourly rate can vary by their experience as well as the complexity of the repair job. For example, replacing a simple extension spring on a single garage door might be a quicker and easier job. On the other hand, a double garage door with a more unique torsion spring system will require more time and labor.
5. Location
Finally, it's important to note that labor and material costs may differ based on your location. Areas with a higher cost of living often have higher hourly rates for garage door service professionals:
| Location | Garage Door Service Pro Rates (Per Hour) |
|---|---|
| Nationwide (Avg.) | $75-100 |
| Low Cost of Living Area | $50-80 |
| Medium Cost of Living Area | $60-100 |
| High Cost of Living Area | $70-120 |
If labor rates in your city are higher than the national average, you can expect to pay more for the job, regardless of the type of spring or number of doors.
Signs You Need To Replace Your Garage Door Spring
If you notice your garage door has trouble shutting, don’t ignore it. This is most likely the result of a worn-out spring. Here are more telltale signs it’s time to replace your garage door spring:
- Strange noises: Grinding, screeching, popping, or clanging sounds during movement are signs of stressed or broken door springs.
- Uneven balance: The door tilts, sags to one side, or opens and closes unevenly.
- Age of the garage door: Standard springs generally have a lifespan of 10,000 cycles. Even if you don’t notice any issues, consider replacing them after 10 years to prevent future problems.
- Door is stuck: It struggles to open or reach its full open position, typically bouncing back when closing.
- Difficulty opening or closing: The garage door has trouble opening or closing on its own or feels significantly heavier to lift manually, even after lubricating the parts.
- Visible damage: Any cracks, gaps, or rust on the springs themselves indicate wear and tear.
Spring Replacement vs. Whole Garage Door Replacement
A broken garage door spring may be a nuisance, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace the entire door. Worn springs are common and repairable issues. There are other situations, however, in which a full garage door replacement might make sense. Here’s how to distinguish between the two:
- Isolated problem: If just the springs are malfunctioning, replacing them should restore proper functionality of the current door.
- Aging issues: After years of wear and tear on the garage door, such as multiple cracked panels and constant jamming, spring replacement may be either a temporary fix or just a partial fix. You are better off fully replacing the door in this case.
Keep in mind that the cost to replace a garage door is $2,743 on average — a harder hit to your wallet than spring replacement is. Ultimately, the decision depends on the extent of damage and lifespan of your garage door. Consulting a garage door service professional will offer insight and help you determine the best option.
Reasons to Hire a Professional for Garage Door Spring Replacement
Replacing a garage door spring might seem like a simple DIY project, but the dangers far outweigh the cost-saving benefits. Garage door springs store an immense amount of tension, which can lead to serious injuries and damage to your garage door.
Even if replacing the door spring seems to go smoothly, incorrect installation can cause the spring to lose tension and snap with incredible force. Snapping cables or springs can harm you on impact and also lead to a heavy garage door slamming shut, potentially severely hurting someone underneath.
In other words, don’t risk your safety. Leave garage door spring replacement to a professional.
What to consider when hiring a professional
It’s quicker and safer for a professional to replace your garage door spring. Here are a few key factors to consider when hiring a service professional:
- Experience: Look for service professionals who have a proven track record of experience working with your specific door type and spring system.
- Level of service: Prioritize companies that are transparent about their services, such as those who share prices upfront and offer warranties on their work.
- Customer reviews: Read online reviews to gauge customer experience with different service professionals, noting those who mention having similar spring issues as your door.
- Customization options: Ask about available spring types and inquire whether the service professional will make adjustments as needed to improve your garage door’s performance.
- Cost: Compare prices from several different companies with great reviews, understanding that cheaper prices aren’t always the best choice.
Precision Garage Door Service™ professionals are highly skilled and trained in the industry, and always provide written estimates before starting any work.
Tips for Reducing Costs
Now that you know when to replace your garage door springs and who to hire to do it safely, you can find ways to cut costs. Here are a few tips to help save on your garage door spring replacement:
- Get multiple quotes: Shop around to get quotes from multiple qualified service professionals in your area so you can compare pricing and services offered.
- Consider spring quality: Aim for a mid-range spring that offers a good balance between affordability and longevity.
- Schedule preventative maintenance: Regular garage door maintenance pays off. Upkeep, such as lubricating parts, helps identify issues early (and avoid a costly spring replacement down the road).
Trust Precision Garage Door Service for Spring Replacement
Don’t wait until your garage door is severely malfunctioning. If you notice the slightest change in the way it usually opens and closes, it’s likely due to a worn-out spring. At Precision Garage Door Service, our team of expert service professionals are skilled in garage door spring replacement. We’ll ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property. Services should be performed by licensed and experienced professionals. Precision Garage Door Service is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact a Precision Garage Door Service professional for a custom, on-site assessment.
Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost FAQ
As America’s number one local garage door company with over 100 locally-owned franchises nationwide, we know a few things about garage doors. Our service professionals have the experience to answer the most common garage door spring replacement questions.
How much does it cost to replace a coil spring on a garage door?
You can expect to pay $200-400 to replace a coil spring, a type of torsion spring, on a garage door. However, the total cost varies depending on the door size, type of spring, and your location.
Can I replace my own garage door spring?
No. Replacing garage door springs is incredibly dangerous. Considering the high tension of the spring and heavy weight of a garage door, leave the job to a professional to avoid injury.
What is the life expectancy of a garage door spring?
Generally, garage door springs have about a seven-year lifespan, which equates to around 10,000 cycles. Scheduling regular garage door tune-ups and maintenance can help to extend their longevity.
Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?
You may be able to open your garage door when the spring is broken, but we strongly discourage it due to safety concerns. Forcing the door open can also possibly further damage it, adding stress to the motor, tracks, and rollers. Instead, call a professional and wait for them to address the issue before opening your garage door.
How long does it take to fix a broken garage door spring?
On average, a garage door service professional can complete a spring replacement within two hours. The total time, however, depends on factors such as the service professional’s skill level and the type of spring.
