The spring is what actually lifts your garage door — the opener just guides it. When a spring breaks, the door becomes a few hundred pounds of dead weight, which is why it suddenly feels impossible to raise. It's the single most common garage door repair, and the one we'd most strongly steer you away from doing yourself.
Why it's a pro job, not a DIY
Torsion springs are wound under enormous tension — enough stored energy to break a hand or worse if a winding bar slips. Pros use the right bars, replace springs in matched pairs, and set the balance so the door doesn't slam or drift. This is the classic case where a home repair genuinely isn't worth the risk.
What moves the price
- Spring type — torsion (above the door) vs. extension (along the tracks) price differently.
- One spring or a pair — most doors use two, and replacing both at once is standard when one goes, since the other is the same age.
- Door size and weight — a heavy double door needs heavier-duty springs.
- Cycle rating — higher-cycle springs cost more up front but last longer.
- Whether cables or rollers are worn too, since they often wear together.
Getting an honest quote
Because those factors vary, treat any single online number as a range. The honest way to price a spring job is in person: the tech confirms the spring type, the door weight, and whether anything else is worn, then gives you the number before doing the work. With Roger you see an upfront range, describe or photograph the spring, and get matched to one vetted local pro — no lead auction, nothing extra to Roger.
Describe the problem — Roger matches you to one vetted local pro and books it. $0 to you.
Common questions
- Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
- We don't recommend it. Torsion springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if a winding bar slips. This is a repair to leave to a pro with the right tools.
- Should I replace one spring or both?
- If your door has two springs and one breaks, most pros replace both. The second spring is the same age and will likely fail soon, and matched springs keep the door balanced.
- How much does garage door spring replacement cost?
- It varies with spring type, door size, and whether cables or rollers are also worn — so it's a range, not a fixed price. A local pro confirms the exact cost in person before starting.