How Much Does It Actually Cost to Replace a Garage Door Spring?

If your garage door doesn't seem to functioning properly, it's a good idea to inspect the garage door springs for any problems. Professional garage door technicians can give the springs a tune-up if they seem to be in relatively good condition, but if a spring is broken or looks like it may break in the near future, it's better to replace the garage door springs.

Garage door spring replacement costs about $250, though the price can range from $150 to $350.

Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost Factors

Number of Garage Doors

Replacing the garage door springs for a single garage door is the least costly option, range from about $150–$350. If your home has two garage doors and both doors require new garage door springs, then the cost increases to about $275–$425. Three-door garages that need to have all of the springs replaced will cost about $350–$700. If any of the garage doors are using double-door springs, then the cost will increase by about $15 to $30 per spring.

Type of Spring

There are two types of springs that are typically used for garage doors, including extension springs and torsion springs.

• Extension spring replacement will cost about $30–$90 to purchase just the springs for a DIY job or it can cost about $150–$200 to have the springs professionally replaced. This type of spring provides a counter-balance to the weight of the door and is installed perpendicular to the garage door.

• Torsion spring replacement costs $60–$200 to purchase the materials for a DIY project, or you will pay between $200–$350 for a professional garage door technician to complete the repair. Torsion springs are installed parallel to the garage door where they wrap around a bar or shaft to create enough torque on the shaft to produce a counter-balancing effect.
  

Type of Garage Door

The two most common option for residential homes are tilt-up and roll-up doors.

• Tilt-up garage doors do not bend or fold. Instead, the door tilts forward and up, before sliding back into the overhead space in the garage. Since this type of garage door tends to use extension springs, the cost to replace the garage door springs is relatively affordable, ranging from $150–$200.

• Roll-up garage doors are design in sections that can bend to allow the door to roll up into the garage on a pair of tracks. The door then sits in the overhead space of the garage until the use decides to close the door. This type of garage door generally uses two torsion springs, leading to a slightly higher cost that ranges from about $200–$350.

Labor

On average, homeowners can expect to pay about $65 to $85 per hour to have a garage door technician replace the springs, though it's important to note that the exact labor rate can vary based on the location and the specific company.

Door Fixture Removal and Disposal

If any other parts of the door need to be fixed or if the entire garage door is being replaced, then there will be an additional cost to remove and dispose of the garage door and any garage door fixtures or components. On average, this service will range from about $100 to $250 to have a junk removal company haul away the old garage door.

Garage Door Cable Repair

When the garage door repair technicians are replacing the garage door springs, they may spot an issue with the garage door cables. These cables help to lift the door and keep it balanced to avoid one side becoming heavier than the other. Repairing or replacing the garage door cables will generally cost about $80 to $185, though some repair companies may be willing to reduce the overall cost for bundled services.

Garage Door Spring Tune-Up

Even if the garage door springs do not need to be replaced or only one spring needs to be switched out, you can have the remaining springs tuned-up. This generally involves lubricating the springs, balancing the tension on the door, tightening any loose screws or nuts, and checking the other garage door components, including the cable feed, drums, and rollers.

A garage door spring tune-up will typically cost about $50 to $150, depending on the type of door and the type of springs. Have a garage door spring tune-up completed about once to twice a year to keep your garage door working properly.

How to Tell If You Need a New Garage Door Spring

When the springs are seized or having difficulty moving, the door will move slower, become more difficult to operate, and may not stay fully open. These issues can often be fixed with a quick tune-up.

However, if the garage door won't open, it struggles to move, or the garage door crashes down during operation, then there is a good chance that the springs need to be replaced. Similarly, if the door is heavy, hard to lift, crooked, or it shakes when opening or closing, then the springs may be the culprit.

More serious symptoms of broken garage door springs include loose or hanging cables, loud banging or snapping when the door moves, and the opening motor turns on, but the door does not move. If you notice any of these issues, contact a professional garage door technician as soon as possible to replace the garage door springs.

Garage Door Spring Replacement vs. Garage Door Replacement

A broken spring is the most common culprit for a faulty garage door, and replacing it is a simple task for an experienced pro.  Replacing a garage door costs $750 to $1,650, while a garage door spring replacement costs an average of just $250.

Extensive damage to a broken garage door may warrant garage door replacement. In general, total replacement usually occurs when multiple parts of the garage door need repair or replacement. If the garage door is paneled, a technician may be able to repair the one or two damaged panels. But when the entire door, tracks, and cables are damaged, the whole garage door will need replacing. You could opt to have a garage door replaced if you want a different type of door or if you want to add windows for more natural light or insulation for cold winters.

DIY vs. Professional Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost

You may be able to replace a set of extension springs yourself, reducing the cost of the project to just $60 to $150 for a set of replacement springs.

However, the average DIYer shouldn't work with torsion springs. If the springs are not removed and replaced properly, the spring may rapidly uncoil, releasing the tension on the spring. This can cause the spring to whip around at random, cutting, slicing, or otherwise damaging anything and anyone it come in contact with. It's best to hire a professional garage door technician who is trained and experienced with these mechanisms for a safe, efficient repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a garage door spring last?

On average, homeowners can expect new garage door springs to last about 10,000 to 20,000 cycles, which works out to about seven to 14 years at a rate of four cycles per day. If the garage sees a higher rate of activity, the cycle rate may increase to 10 per day, reducing the lifespan to about three to six years.

Can I manually open a garage door with a broken spring?

If the garage door springs are broken, then the door should not be operated before the springs are replaced. However, if you need to get into the garage or someone has gotten trapped inside the garage, then the door can be lifted manually. Have at least one other person help lift the door, then place a ladder under the door or clamp vice grips to the rails under the rollers to stop the door from falling down.

How long does it take to fix a spring on a garage door?

Replacing the springs on a garage door is a quick fix that will typically only take about 30 minutes to one hour, while a garage door spring tune-up is just 10 to 15 minutes per door. However, if there are several failing components on the existing garage door, then it can take two to three hours.

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Read the original article on The Spruce.