A garage door is one of the most significant installations in most houses, giving off security, convenience, and aesthetic features. Nonetheless, as with any other machinery, garage doors will rust with time. In this case, it includes one of the critical element springs which facilitate rising and lowering the massive door.
If these springs break, your garage door becomes useless, potentially trapping the safety of your home. Thus, a homeowner should find out how much it will cost to replace garage door springs so that they can include this in their repair budget, which is generally part of regular maintenance.
In this guide we will share average costs of garage door spring replacement and which is a better option DIY or seeking help from professionals. So let’s get started.
What Are Garage Door Springs and their Function?
Garage door springs help distribute the weight of the door, making the door rather easy to raise and put down. The most common types are torsion springs and extension springs mainly included in the replacement of garage door.
1. Torsion Springs
Torsion Springs are placed horizontally above the door. They unwind and wind up raising the door. They are stronger, lasting until 15,000 cycles and thus more expensive than extension springs.
2. Extension Springs
These are mounted on both sides of the door and stretch to obtain the desired force to lift the door. These springs are less expensive but only last for a short period, which is only around 10,000 cycles.
Once these springs break, they should be replaced right away because fractured springs make doors uneven and extremely noisy in most cases, and may even lead to accidents at times.
Average Costs of Garage Door Spring Replacement
The price to replace garage door springs would include the price of springs and the professional labor charges. It generally costs $150 to $350 to replace one spring. Most large garage doors use two-spring systems and those cost around $200 to $500.
A torsion spring is costlier compared to an extension spring. The reason is its durability, along with the complicated process it has in installation. The cost of one torsion spring falls in the range of $75 to $150, whereas that of an extension spring falls in the range of $30 to $100 dollars.
When the technician comes to know that both springs of the dual-spring system need to be replaced, he recommends the replacement of both springs so that the spring system is maintained balanced and is not stretched unevenly.
Cost Breakdown for Garage Door Spring Replacement
The following is a cost-related table that encompasses all the detailed expenses involved with garage door spring replacement:
| Item/Service | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Complete Single Spring Replacement | $150–$350 |
| Additional Cable Replacement | $50–$100 per cable |
| Complete Two-Spring Replacement | $200–$500 |
| Garage Door Drum Replacement | $75–$150 each |
| Disposal Fee for Old Springs | $10–$50 |
Labor Cost for Replacement
Labor costs to replace garage door springs may vary according to the complexity of work and regional rates. Installing them professionally can cost between $50 and $150. This might look like a cost over your pocket, but it is critical for the safety of installation as well as to complete it correctly. Garage door springs carry a lot of tension on them, and if mishandled at the time of installation, serious harm or damage can be inflicted on the system.
Labor costs might rise in case other repairs or alignments are needed such as realignment of the garage door or even repairing of parts like cables or rollers which could have been damaged at the point of breaking the springs. The cost is likely to increase with an older or less common door system as it would need expertise and knowledge to get matching springs or even to manufacture the replacement.
Other Factors Affecting Replacement Costs
The garage door spring replacement cost depends on various factors, such as the spring type, labor cost, location, and whether other components need to be repaired or replaced. The following is explained in detail:
- Type of Spring: Torsion springs are expensive compared to extension springs mainly because of durability and efficiency.
- Size and Weight of the Garage Door: If the garage door is heavy or oversized, it needs stronger springs. Stronger springs also cost more.
- Number of Springs: A two-spring system will be more expensive than a one-spring system, but it’s usually recommended to replace the pair when balancing.
- Geographic Location: Labor cost and parts are different regions, thus having a factor in overall price.
Emergency Repairs and After-Hours Services
Service calls for broken garage door springs usually happen at night or during weekends. There is, therefore, an assumption that emergency calls are more because they will have an increased attention span within less time. A homeowner can, within his discretion, pay from a range of $200 to $400, depending on whether technicians are busy or even due to the urgency the issue requires, necessary for home renovation.
Though emergency services may be expensive, sometimes they cannot be avoided since broken springs might deny entry into your garage or keep intruders away from your home.
DIY Replacement: Risks and Savings
Some homeowners might even prefer replacing garage door springs to cut labor costs. Although a DIY change is much cheaper in terms of material, the material cost may lie anywhere between $50 and $150 concerning springs and the tools needed for replacement. However, this replacement involves huge risks.
Garage door springs have great tension. Improper handling of these may cause serious injury. Incorrect installation can be harmful to other parts of the garage door system or even void warranties. Thus, DIY repairs do not make much sense unless you already have experience and the needed tools and safety knowledge.
The Importance of Professional Assistance
Although the garage door spring replacement sounds like a simple task, the danger of handling high-tension parts means that professional assistance is needed. Such professionals have the appropriate tools and knowledge to do this safely and efficiently. Also, they can examine the entire garage door system, and other issues that might make it weaker will be discovered and considered.
It would be safe, and save much more time, and chances of any other part damage. A lot of professional services, too, justify their work, which is an alleviating aspect for homeowners.
Professional Garage Door and Home Improvement Services by Smart Remodeling LLC
With detailed services for homeowners looking to elevate their place of abode, Smart Remodeling LLC provides these services with expertise and meticulous skills. Its garage door services are on installation, repair, and spring replacement, with all the parts running fine and properly. Smart Remodeling LLC ensures only high-quality material and the latest techniques will be applied to ensure proper completion. Its fast-moving but safe technicians work without many distractions while your long-term, guaranteed durable solution is at work according to your needs.
In Houston, Smart Remodeling LLC offers quality craftsmanship, outstanding customer service, and value-driven pricing to transform your home into a space you love. Whether you are upgrading a single room or tackling a more extensive home renovation, the team is equipped to handle every aspect of your project from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
Replacing a garage door spring is probably the most common but also one of the most critical repairs that guarantee the safety and usability of a garage door. Though its costs depend upon the type of spring and the labor charge along with several other factors, the following will help homeowners to make a better decision.
High-quality springs, along with proper installation, would make it function for a longer time without the need for any future repair. Regular maintenance and prompt action on any wear signals should help ensure maximum performance as well as service life for garage door springs and save your time and money in the long run.
FAQs About Garage Door Spring Replacement
1. When do I know my garage door spring should be replaced?
Some of these include failure to open or close your garage door, weird sounds, and an uneven or crooked door. If it has been your experience with your garage door falling the moment you rise or do not stay open, you can then be sure that the spring is broken.
2. How long do garage door springs last?
The springs can last around 10,000 cycles, which is approximately equal to 7-10 years in usage. Of course, usage, climate, and what kind of maintenance activities, can be some factors. Maintenance may include some like lubrication and other activities, which would be a long-time extension for life.
3. Will my insurance pay to replace the springs in the garage door?
Generally, most homeowner’s insurance will not pay for routine maintenance or repair of the garage door spring if it has to be replaced, except in the case where damage is caused by an external agent, such as a storm or vandalism. Always check with your provider for specific details on coverage.
4. How long does it take to replace a garage door spring?
It will take him around 1 to 2 hours to change a spring for a garage door. This depends on the kind of system involved and whether he has the experience to do it or not. If there are other things like cables and drums that need to be replaced with the spring, then time will be required. But a professional would give you the estimate before beginning the job.
