Although your garage door’s springs are sturdy, they can eventually rust, corrode, or break, and you’ll need to replace them for safety (and convenience). The average cost to professionally install two new garage door springs is about $250 but can range between $150 and $350. This guide breaks down all the project cost factors and ways to save money.

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Average Garage Door Spring Cost

The total cost depends on the following factors:

• Type of spring: Torsion springs are more complicated and expensive to replace than extension springs.
• Type of door: Springs on tilt-up doors are easier and cheaper to replace than those on roll-up garage doors.
• Additional repairs: You’ll pay more for part repairs or replacements if the spring isn’t the only issue.

Garage Door Spring Cost by Type of Spring

The two most common types of garage door springs are torsion springs and extension springs. Extension springs are less expensive but don’t last as long—usually seven to 12 years. Torsion springs are stronger and have a lifespan of eight to 15 years, but they cost more. Most garage doors have a set of two springs that tend to need replacing at the same time. The following costs apply to a set of springs.

Garage Door Spring Cost by Type of Door

Residential buildings use two main types of garage doors: tilt-up and roll-up. Tilt-up doors are more likely to use extension springs, so they cost less. Roll-up doors are more common and contain two torsion springs.

Garage Door Spring Cost With Additional Repairs

Garage door spring repair can consist of tuning up, lubricating, or adjusting the tension in the springs. You can only replace a broken spring, not repair it.

While replacing the springs, you may find that your garage door system requires additional repairs or maintenance. The door tracks may need adjusting, or the garage door opener motor may need cleaning. Some garage door repair companies bundle these services for a discount.

Additional Cost Factors for Garage Door Springs

The type of spring and type of door are the most significant cost factors, but other parts of the job can affect the final price.

• Number of doors: The more garage doors, the more it costs to replace the springs, though you can often get a discount on more than one. A double garage door spring replacement costs about $200–$400.
• Materials: The springs’ quality varies by price point, and the number of springs increases the price.
• Geographic location: The cost of replacing garage door springs is higher where the cost of living is higher.
• Converting from extension to torsion springs: Torsion garage door springs last longer and are safer. You can convert your garage door yourself for between $200 and $500. Alternatively, you can hire a professional for $400–$800.
• Labor costs: A garage door company may charge $50–$100 more if extra work is required—for example, if the company needs to disassemble the brackets to reach the spring.

The Difference Between Extension and Torsion Springs

Like a Slinky, extension springs are under the most tension when they’re stretched. Torsion springs are under the most tension when compressed, like bed springs. Look up at the overhead door tracks to determine whether your garage door uses extension or torsion springs.

Extension springs are installed parallel to the tracks to support the garage door’s weight. Extension springs are mostly found on older garage door systems. They’re less safe because if one spring breaks, it may fly off the pulley and cause damage or injury.

Torsion springs are harder to spot because they’re wrapped around bars called torsion tubes that are usually installed on the wall directly above the garage entrance. They sit perpendicular to the tracks but parallel to the side of the door. Torsion springs are more difficult to put in, but they’re safer because they stay wrapped around the tubes even if they break. See a breakdown of garage door parts below, including a torsion spring, as illustrated in our What to Know Before Upgrading Your Garage Door article. 

DIY vs. Professional Garage Door Spring Replacement

In some circumstances, you can replace your garage door’s spring system, particularly if the door uses an extension spring. You’ll need new springs, two C-clamps, box wrenches, a stepladder, and a bathroom scale. You’ll measure the height and weight of the door, unbolt the pulley, disconnect the safety cables, and replace the springs one at a time. Make sure you unplug the motor before beginning work.

It’s usually better to hire a professional for torsion springs. The extreme tension on these springs makes them dangerous, and the process of unwinding and replacing them is more complicated than for extension springs. Labor costs for spring replacement aren’t high, often just $50–$150. The professional can typically complete the job in 30 minutes to an hour.

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Signs That You Need To Replace Your Garage Door Spring

Garage door springs make a loud banging noise when they snap, so you’ll know if they break. These are a few other signs that your old spring needs to be replaced:

• Visible rust or corrosion
• Excessively squeaky springs
• Door won’t open or close easily
• Crooked door or track
• Straining automatic garage door motor 

Spring Replacement vs. Whole Garage Door Replacement

Spring replacement may be enough to fix your garage door. However, you may need to replace the entire system if the door itself is broken or there are many parts (tracks, cables, pulleys, etc.) that need replacing. You can sometimes replace individual panels in a sectional garage door, but it will likely be cheaper to replace the whole thing if more than one or two panels are damaged. You may also upgrade your garage with a new door and system.

How To Save on Garage Door Spring Costs

Although replacing garage door springs isn’t expensive compared to other home projects, you may still want saving tips. Here are some steps you can take to keep costs down.

• If you don’t see a broken spring, confirm that the problem is indeed the springs. Replace batteries in the opener, check your circuit breaker, etc.
• Put in a service call when you first spot the problem. It may worsen if you try to continue using the system or force the door open or closed.
• Ensure the professional you hire has experience replacing the kind of spring your garage door uses. It’s often a good idea to hire a garage door company instead of a general handyperson.
• Keep up with maintenance and spring lubrication on your garage door system.
• The price difference between low-quality and high-quality springs isn’t significant, so opt for higher-quality parts that will last longer.

Our Conclusion

A garage door spring can last up to 15 years, but even high-quality springs eventually rust, corrode, or break. Luckily, replacing springs isn’t overly expensive. You may be able to replace the springs yourself if your door uses extension springs, but working with torsion springs can be risky. It’s usually best to hire a professional garage door installer to fix and test your system.

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How To Hire a Professional

We recommend you speak to and receive quotes from at least three companies. Here are some questions to ask when choosing a professional garage door company.

• How long has the company been in business in your area?
• If your state requires garage door installers to be licensed, do they have a current license? Are they bonded and insured?
• Do they offer a warranty on parts and/or labor?
• What do former customers say in online reviews?
• Is the company rated and accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
• Are their quotes itemized? Do they include a time frame for the project?

Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Door Spring Replacement

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