How much does garage door spring replacement cost?
How much does garage door spring replacement cost?
$150 – $350 average cost to replace torsion springs
$120 – $200 average cost to replace extension springs
Garage door spring replacement cost
Garage door spring replacement costs $150 to $350 for torsion springs and $120 to $200 for extension springs. Replacing additional parts like bars and cables adds to the cost. Converting from an extension to a torsion spring system costs $400 to $800 for better safety and smoother operation.
| Repair type | Average replacement cost* |
|---|---|
| Torsion spring replacement | $150 – $350 |
| Torsion spring and bar replacement | $200 – $400 |
| Extension spring replacement | $120 – $200 |
| Spring and cable replacement | $200 – $500 |
| Convert from extension to torsion system | $400 – $800+ |
| Door spring maintenance | $40 – $80 |
*Including materials & replacement labor
WARNING: Garage door spring replacement is extremely dangerous due to the high tension in the springs. Attempting DIY repairs can result in serious injury or death. Always hire a qualified professional for any spring replacement or adjustment.
Torsion spring replacement
Torsion spring replacement costs $150 to $350. These springs mount horizontally above the garage door opening and coil around a metal rod, creating tension when the door closes and releasing it to help lift the door. Torsion springs are safer and last 7 to 14 years or 10,000 to 20,000 cycles.
Torsion spring and bar replacement costs $200 to $400 for the complete system, including both the springs and the metal rod they coil around. The torsion bar may need replacement if it becomes damaged, warped, or develops metal fatigue cracks. Signs you need torsion bar replacement include visible bending, excessive wobbling during operation, or stress fractures.
Extension spring replacement
Extension spring replacement costs $120 to $200. These springs hang alongside the garage door tracks and stretch as the door closes, storing energy to help lift the door when it opens. They're less expensive up front but have shorter lifespans of 4 to 10 years or 5,000 to 15,000 cycles.
Extension springs pose safety risks when they break, as they can snap with significant force and can fly across the garage, potentially causing injury or property damage.
Spring and cable replacement
Garage door spring and cable replacement costs $200 to $500 for the complete system that connects the springs to the bottom of the garage door. Cables work with springs to lift and lower the door smoothly and may need replacement if they become frayed, stretched, or broken.
Signs you need cable replacement include uneven door movement, screeching noises during operation, or the door coming off its tracks. Professional installation is essential since cables are under high tension.
Cost to convert from extension to torsion springs
Converting from extension to torsion springs costs $400 to $800+ and improves your garage door safety and performance. The conversion involves removing the extension system and installing new torsion hardware, including springs, cable drums, and a torsion shaft. Professional installation ensures proper spring calculations based on the door weight.
While more expensive up front, the conversion provides enhanced safety since torsion springs stay contained when they break and provide smoother operation and longer spring life.
Garage door spring maintenance
Door spring annual maintenance costs $40 to $80 and includes spring tension adjustment, lubrication, and safety inspections. This service extends the springs' life and helps prevent premature failure.
Cost to replace garage door spring by type
The cost to replace garage door springs varies by door type, with some styles requiring more complex spring systems and specialized hardware due to differences in weight, size, and construction materials.
| Door type | Average cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Roll-up sectional | $150 – $350 | Standard in most newer homes with multiple panels that require proper balance, these commonly use torsion springs above the opening. |
| Single-panel tilt-up | $120 – $200 | Common in older homes with detached garages, these most often use simpler system with extension springs on each side. |
| Insulated doors | $250 – $400 | Extra weight from insulation demands heavy-duty springs, often requiring larger torsion springs or dual spring systems. |
| Double doors | $300 – $600 | A wider opening needs multiple spring sets and may use two separate torsion springs or four extension springs. Labor time increases with door width. |
| Carriage-style doors | $200 – $450 | Decorative hardware adds weight and often needs custom spring sizing. Requirements vary based on swing-out and roll-up mechanism. |
Garage door spring replacement cost factors
Several additional factors beyond the spring type and door style influence your total replacement cost:
Geographic location: Labor rates vary significantly between regions, with contractors in urban areas commanding higher prices than those in rural locations.
Service timing: Emergency repairs during evenings, weekends, or holidays carry premium charges, while scheduled maintenance during regular business hours is more affordable.
Contractor experience: Established professionals with specialized garage door expertise charge more than general handymen but provide better warranties and safer installations.
Additional repairs: Replacing worn cables, damaged tracks, or failing hardware discovered during spring replacement add to the total project cost and extend the completion time.
Spring quality: Higher-cycle springs with extended warranties cost more up front but provide better long-term value because they perform better and require replacing less often.
Access difficulty: Garages with limited headroom, unusual configurations, or obstructed work areas require additional time and specialized techniques that increase labor costs.
Signs your garage door springs need replacing
Recognizing these warning signs can help you address spring problems before they lead to complete failure or safety hazards:
Gaps in coils, broken hooks, rust buildup, or metal cracks
Door gets stuck, refuses to move, or tilts to one side during operation
Sudden gunshot-like bang indicating a broken spring
Manual operation becomes extremely difficult without spring assistance
Door moves with jerky, unpredictable motion instead of smooth operation
Door slams shut or drops quickly instead of closing gently
Grinding, squeaking, or clanging sounds during operation
Extension spring cables go slack or detach completely
Garage door opener works harder, makes unusual noises, or stops functioning
Other garage door repairs
Garage door repair costs vary widely depending on whether you need a few simple adjustments or major part replacements. The following breakdown shows typical pricing for common garage door repairs.
| Repair | Average repair cost |
|---|---|
| Sensor | $85 – $100 |
| Opener repair | $75 – $300 |
| Garage door dent repair cost | $100 – $300 (minor dents) |
| Locks | $100 – $325 |
| Replacing tracks | $125 – $300 |
| Glass repair | $100 – $350 |
| Garage door cable repair cost | $150 – $350 |
| Spring replacement | $150 – $350 |
| Garage door painting cost | $100 – $500 |
| Garage door panel replacement cost | $300 – $900 per panel |
| Garage door opener replacement cost | $300 – $900 |
Sometimes replacing the entire garage door makes more financial sense than repairing springs and other parts. Consider full door replacement when:
Repair costs exceed 50% of the new door's price.
The door is over 15 to 20 years old with frequent breakdowns.
Multiple components like panels, tracks, and hardware are failing simultaneously.
An entire garage door replacement costs $700 to $3,500 for the door and labor, making replacement worthwhile when facing multiple expensive repairs.
Garage door spring replacement FAQs
How do I replace a garage door spring?
To replace a garage door spring, always hire a professional. The springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if mishandled, making this a job that should always be left to experts. Professional technicians have specialized tools and training to safely release spring tension and install properly sized replacements.
How often should garage door springs be replaced?
Garage door springs should be replaced every 7 to 10 years or after 10,000 cycles of opening and closing, though active families may need replacement in as little as 2 to 3 years due to frequent use. Experts recommend replacing the springs before they reach their life expectancy to prevent sudden failure and potential safety hazards.
Getting estimates for garage door repairs
Follow these tips to find a reputable, qualified garage door repair company near you for project:
Get at least three quotes from licensed garage door professionals in your area.
Schedule estimates during regular business hours to avoid emergency service premiums.
Ask for detailed breakdowns showing parts costs, labor charges, and any additional fees.
Read reviews of garage door repair pros on HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured.
Questions to ask a garage door repair service
Ask the garage door repair technician these questions to ensure a quality and timely repair:
How many years of experience do you have with spring replacements?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured for garage door work?
Can you provide a detailed written estimate with parts and labor breakdown?
What type of springs do you recommend for my specific door?
Does the quote include removal of old springs, disposal fees, and cleanup services?
What warranties do you offer on springs and installation work?
Can you provide references from recent customers?
Do you charge extra for emergency or after-hours service calls?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.