Introduction
Your garage door spring just broke with that unmistakable loud snap, and now you're staring at quotes wondering if you're about to get ripped off. Here's the straight answer: professional garage door spring replacement typically costs $150 to $350 for a standard residential door, with a national average around $250 per spring. That includes both parts and labor.
The wide range isn't random. Your final cost depends on whether you have torsion or extension springs, how heavy your door is, where you live, and whether you're calling at 2 PM or 2 AM. Understanding these factors helps you spot a fair quote and avoid the contractors trying to take advantage of your broken door emergency.
Quick Insight: Most professionals replace springs in pairs even when only one breaks. This prevents imbalance and saves you from another service call in six months when the second spring fails. Budget for both upfront.
If you're trying to understand all your garage door costs, check out our complete installation cost estimator for broader context on what different repairs and upgrades typically run.
Understanding What You're Actually Paying For
When you get that invoice, you're paying for two main things. The springs themselves cost anywhere from $30 to $150 each depending on type and quality. Labor accounts for the bigger chunk at 50 to 70 percent of your total bill.
Torsion springs run $75 to $150 per spring for materials. These mount above your door on a metal shaft and handle the heavy lifting for most modern garage doors. Extension springs cost less at $30 to $100 per spring because they're simpler mechanisms that stretch along the tracks.
Labor typically breaks down to $75 to $150 per hour, and most jobs take one to two hours. That hourly rate covers more than just swapping springs. Your technician inspects the entire system, removes the old springs safely, installs new ones, checks cables and drums for wear, tests the door balance, and adjusts tension to manufacturer specs.
Many companies charge a service call fee of $75 to $100 just to show up and diagnose the problem. Reputable contractors waive this if you proceed with the repair, but ask upfront so you know what happens if you decline their quote.
Pro Tip: DIY spring replacement might save you $120 to $250 in labor costs, but these springs hold enough tension to cause serious injury. Emergency room visits and property damage from failed DIY attempts regularly cost more than professional service. Learn more about DIY risks and safety requirements.
Why Torsion and Extension Springs Cost Different Amounts
The type of spring system your door uses creates the biggest price difference you'll see between quotes. Torsion springs cost more to replace because they're more complex, handle heavier doors, and require specialized tools to install safely.
Torsion systems mount horizontally above your door opening and use torque to lift the weight. They last 8 to 15 years with proper maintenance and can handle 10,000 or more cycles. The full replacement typically runs $192 to $371 including labor. Extension springs hang along the side tracks and stretch to provide lifting force. They're easier to replace but only last 7 to 12 years or about 7,000 to 10,000 cycles. Total cost for extension spring replacement usually falls between $98 and $200.
Your door weight matters too. Heavy wooden doors, insulated doors, or oversized doors need larger gauge springs that add $50 to $100 to the parts cost. The installer needs to match the spring strength precisely to your door weight, or you'll get premature wear and potential safety issues.
| Spring Type | Material Cost | Total Replacement | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torsion | $75-$150 per spring | $192-$371 | 8-15 years |
| Extension | $30-$100 per spring | $98-$200 | 7-12 years |
Hidden Factors That Push Your Quote Higher or Lower
Location affects your cost more than most homeowners expect. Labor rates in major metros like New York or San Francisco run 20 to 50 percent higher than suburban or rural areas. A job that costs $225 in Kansas might hit $350 in Boston for identical work and materials. You're not being gouged, you're paying the local cost of doing business.
Urgency adds a premium. Same-day or after-hours emergency service can increase your cost by 20 to 50 percent, sometimes pushing a standard $250 job to $350 or higher. Weekend and holiday rates follow the same pattern. If your spring breaks on Tuesday afternoon and you can wait until the next business day, you'll pay less than if you need someone there at 8 PM.
Door configuration drives cost too. If you have a double-wide door or multiple doors that need service, expect to pay $275 to $700 total. Each additional door takes more time and materials, though you might get a small discount for bundling the work.
Hidden damage discovered during installation adds unexpected costs. Worn cables run $50 to $100 to replace. Damaged drums or bearings tack on another $100 to $300. Honest contractors inspect these components before starting work and give you a heads-up about potential extras. When you're choosing a reliable repair company, ask about their inspection process upfront.
How to Avoid Overpaying and Spot Red Flags
Get at least three quotes before committing to any contractor. When you compare them, look at the breakdown, not just the bottom line. One quote might be lower because it only covers one spring instead of the recommended pair. Another might include additional hardware that extends the system's life.
Watch for pricing that falls outside the normal range. Quotes under $100 for spring replacement should raise immediate red flags. Either the contractor plans to upsell you aggressively once they're on site, or they're cutting corners on parts quality and safety. On the flip side, quotes over $500 for a standard residential door without a detailed explanation of why it costs more suggest you're being overcharged.
Verify credentials before anyone touches your door. Check their reviews across multiple platforms including Google, BBB, Angi, and Yelp. Look for patterns in recent feedback from the past three to six months. A contractor with consistent 4.5-star-plus ratings and at least 50 reviews across these sources has a track record you can trust.
Ask about warranty coverage on both parts and labor. Standard warranties run one to five years depending on the component and contractor. If someone's charging premium prices but only offering 90 days of coverage, that's a mismatch worth questioning.
Reality Check: Replacing only the broken spring instead of both saves you money today but costs more long-term. The second spring is the same age and has the same wear, so it'll likely fail within months. You'll pay another service call fee and deal with another emergency when it goes. Replace them together.
Making the Smart Choice
Spring replacement costs between $150 and $350 for most homeowners, but you're not just paying for parts. You're paying for expertise that keeps your door balanced, safe, and working smoothly for years. The contractor who quotes $225 and shows up with proper tools, insurance, and a track record of satisfied customers offers better value than the one who quotes $150 but cuts corners you won't notice until something goes wrong.
Focus on finding qualified professionals rather than chasing the lowest price. Get multiple quotes, verify credentials through review platforms, and ask the right questions about what's included. When you understand what affects cost and what fair pricing looks like, you can make a confident decision that protects both your budget and your safety.
FAQs
How much does it cost to replace garage door springs with labor?
Professional garage door spring replacement typically costs $150 to $350, with a national average around $250. This includes both parts and labor. Torsion spring replacements run $192 to $371, while extension springs cost $98 to $200. Labor accounts for 50 to 70 percent of the total, as technicians inspect your entire door system, install new springs safely, and test the balance.
Should I replace both garage door springs or just the broken one?
Replace both springs even when only one breaks. The second spring has the same age and wear, so it'll likely fail within months. You'll pay another service call fee and deal with another emergency when it goes. Replacing them together prevents door imbalance, saves money long-term, and avoids the hassle of scheduling another repair soon after.
What's the difference between torsion and extension spring replacement costs?
Torsion springs cost more at $192 to $371 total because they're more complex and require specialized tools. They mount above your door and last 8 to 15 years. Extension springs run $98 to $200 and stretch along the side tracks. They're simpler to replace but only last 7 to 12 years. Door weight also affects pricing.
Why do garage door spring replacement quotes vary so much?
Location drives much of the variation. Metro areas charge 20 to 50 percent more than rural regions. Emergency or after-hours service adds another 20 to 50 percent. Door weight, spring type, and whether you're replacing one or both springs also affect cost. Hidden damage like worn cables can add $50 to $300 in unexpected repairs.
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