Replacing Two Garage Door Springs: What’s the Cost?

Garage door springs are key for safe use. But, if they break, knowing the cost to replace them is important. Replacing two springs, common in double-car setups, usually costs $350 to $500. This price includes parts and labor, but can change based on the spring type and where you live.

Torsion springs cost $30 to $100 each. Labor adds $75 to $150. If you ignore worn springs, you might damage cables or tracks. This could make the total cost even higher.

This guide helps you understand the cost of replacing two garage door springs. It also talks about what affects prices and why acting fast is smart. You’ll learn how maintenance and choosing a professional service can save money and keep you safe. Plus, replacing both springs at once helps avoid imbalance, which can harm garage door openers and shorten their life.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Garage doors use springs to balance weight and move smoothly. There are two main types: torsion and extension springs. Each type changes the garage door spring repair cost and how well it works.

Types of Garage Door Springs

Torsion springs sit above the door, made of coiled steel. They last 8–15 years, making them more durable. CHI Overhead Doors sells top-quality torsion springs for $30 each.

Extension springs are on the sides of the door. They cost $20–$50 each. The cost to replace two garage door springs depends on the type and how much it costs to fix.

How They Work

• Torsion springs: Wind up to lift 40–50% of the door’s weight. They slowly unwind when the door closes.
• Extension springs: Stretch and contract to balance door weight. They need safety cables to prevent breaking.

“Torsion systems last twice as long as extension springs but cost 30% more initially.”

Knowing your spring type helps guess repair or replacement costs. Torsion setups usually need a pro to install safely.

Importance of Your Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs are very important. They help keep the door safe and working right. They balance the door’s weight, which is over 300 pounds. This stops accidents and damage.

Knowing when springs need to be replaced is key. Look for these signs:

• Difficulty opening/closing the door
• Loud grinding or snapping sounds
• Door tilting or uneven tracks
• Rust, cracks, or broken cables
• Door dropping suddenly instead of lowering smoothly

Ignoring these signs can lead to big problems. A broken spring can make the opener motor work too hard. This can make it burn out.

Every year, over 1 billion dollars are spent on repairs because of neglected springs. Waiting until both springs break can make the cost even higher.

When one spring breaks, the other one works harder. This can make the rollers wear out faster. This can damage the door sooner.

Most garage door failures start with spring problems. Replacing both springs at once is usually cheaper than fixing them one at a time.

Factors Affecting Replacement Costs

Understanding the cost of replacing garage door springs starts with knowing key factors. Two main things—spring type and labor rates—really matter. Knowing these helps you plan your budget better.

Type of Springs Used

Torsion springs and extension springs cost differently. Torsion springs cost more upfront ($200–$350 installed). They include parts like DURA-LIFT torsion springs at $41.58+ and last 8–15 years. Extension springs ($150–$200 for a pair like E900 Hardware’s options) are for lighter doors but don’t last as long. Always replace both springs together to avoid imbalance.

• Torsion springs: $200–$350 (includes installation)
• Extension springs: $150–$200 (pair)

Labor Costs in Your Area

Where you live affects labor costs. Cities might charge $150+ per hour, while rural areas might add travel fees. Simple installs take 30–60 minutes, but complex repairs take more time and money.

• Urban labor rates: $75–$150 per service call
• Rural areas: Lower hourly rates but possible travel fees
• Complex repairs: Add 1–2 hours of labor time

Local prices also affect where you buy parts. For example, Wayne Dalton torsion springs need special parts, changing the average cost to replace garage door springs. Regular upkeep (like annual tune-ups at $50–$150) can stop expensive replacements later.

Average Cost to Replace Two Garage Door Springs

Knowing the cost for replacing two garage door springs starts with understanding what affects prices. Most people pay $350 to $500 for standard setups. But, things like labor costs and part quality can change this. Here’s how costs vary:

Breakdown of Costs

• Materials: Two springs cost $60–$150, including brackets and hardware.
• Labor: Technicians charge $75–$150 per service call, depending on location.
• Extras: If cables are worn, adding cable replacement boosts costs by $75–$200.

Price Range Expectations

Most pricing for garage door spring replacement quotes are between $350 and $500 for standard setups. But, if you want better springs, prices can go up to $600–$800. In cities, labor costs are higher, but in rural areas, you might save $50–$100.

Expect to pay more if your springs need special parts or if your door is worn out. To save money, book repairs in the winter. Contractors might give you a discount then.

DIY vs. Professional Replacement

Choosing between garage door spring replacement cost options is tricky. It’s about balancing safety and saving money. But, for most people, the risks of DIY outweigh the savings.

Pros and Cons of DIY

• Cost savings: DIY can save you $60–$150 on extension springs. But, torsion springs need special tools and knowledge.
• Risk of injury: DIY can be dangerous. Springs can hold up to 250 pounds of tension. Torsion springs are the most dangerous.

When to Call a Professional

Professionals charge $200–$500. But, they know what they’re doing and avoid big mistakes. The Spruce says torsion springs need experts to avoid damage.

Homeowners without mechanical skills should hire pros for:

• Torsion spring systems
• Rusty or corroded parts
• Doors that lift unevenly or make grinding noises

Professionals offer warranties (1–5 years) and usually install without problems. While DIY saves money upfront, it can cost more later if done wrong.

Choosing the Right Replacement Springs

Choosing the right garage door spring is key. It’s about finding a balance between garage door spring replacement price and quality. Look for brands like C.H.I., Craftmatic, and Amarr. They offer springs that last longer and are safer.

• Torsion springs (typically $200–$350): Look for color codes like orange (.120/.192/.273 in.) or gold (.177/.250/.331 in.) for weight capacity.
• Extension springs (usually $100–$250): Colors like white (10/110/210 lbs) or tan (100/200/300 lbs) indicate load ratings.

Pricing for garage door spring replacement changes based on material and brand. C.H.I.’s heavy-duty torsion springs cost more but last longer. For example, Amarr’s 250-lb extension springs can last up to 15,000 cycles.

“Always match the spring’s cycle rating to your door’s weight and usage. Overloaded springs fail faster,” advises certified garage door technician Mark Thompson.

Compare garage door spring replacement price across brands. Economy springs like Genie’s save money but may need replacing sooner. More expensive brands like Chamberlain or LiftMaster have rust-resistant coatings. This makes them last longer than 10 years with the right care.

Before buying, check the color codes and ratings. A 150-lb torsion spring (blue: .188/.263/.344 in.) is good for heavier doors. Lighter doors need smaller gauges. Choosing quality springs now can save money in the long run by avoiding frequent repairs.

Warranty and Lifespan Considerations

Knowing about the warranty and lifespan of garage door springs helps figure out how much to replace garage door springs over time. Most makers offer 1–3 years of coverage for parts and labor. Keeping your springs in good shape can make them last longer and save you money on garage door spring repair cost later on.

What to Expect from a Warranty

• Most warranties cover manufacturing defects and workmanship issues.
• Warranties may exclude damage from improper installation or DIY tampering.
• Professional installers often add 1–2 years of labor coverage to manufacturer terms.

Lifespan of Different Spring Types

Torsion springs can last 10,000–20,000 cycles (7–12 years). Extension springs last 8,000–15,000 cycles (4–10 years). Using them regularly (100 cycles/month) makes them last longer. Replacing both springs at once keeps them balanced and extends their life.

Using better materials like galvanized or high-cycle springs costs more at first. But, they save money on garage door spring repair cost in the long run. For example, high-cycle torsion springs ($100–$300 each) last much longer than standard ones. Always check the warranty and labor guarantees before buying to fit your budget and needs.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Regular upkeep can delay garage door spring replacement cost by extending spring lifespan. Follow these steps to avoid unexpected repairs:

Regular Inspection Routines

• Check springs every 3 months for rust, cracks, or bent coils
• Listen for creaking or grinding noises during operation
• Test door balance: lift manually to halfway—should stay in place without sagging

Lubrication and Adjustment Tips

Apply silicone-based lubricant or WD-40 White Lithium Grease to springs and tracks average cost to replace garage door springs can rise if ignored. Steps:

1. Turn off power to garage door opener
2. Use a cloth to clean debris from springs
3. Apply lubricant sparingly to moving parts
4. Perform twice yearly or after 10,000 door cycles

Cressy Door recommends yearly professional inspections to catch wear early, reducing long-term expenses.

Replace both springs together when one fails—uneven tension from mismatched springs risks door imbalance. High-cycle springs like A1 Garage Door Service MaxLife models can last 22+ years with proper care. Regular maintenance delays costly replacements, saving up to $200-$400 in emergency repair fees. Always tighten safety cables on extension spring systems to prevent sudden tension release. Prioritizing these steps extends spring life beyond the typical 7-9 year span, lowering lifetime garage door spring replacement cost.

Scheduling a Replacement

When you pick a time and a contractor, it changes the cost to replace two garage door springs. Try to avoid busy times to get a better deal. Make sure the contractor is qualified to get fair prices.

Best Time of Year for Replacements

Spring or fall is best because the weather is nice and not too busy. This can make the cost for replacing two garage door springs lower. If you need repairs in bad weather, it might cost more. Look at Homewyse for prices in your area.

• Avoid winter/summer peaks to save 10-20% on labor
• Emergency repairs add $50-$100 to total costs

How to Find a Reputable Contractor

Here’s how to find a good contractor and not pay too much:

1. Ask for three written quotes that list parts and labor
2. Make sure they have the right licenses and insurance
3. Look at their BBB ratings and online reviews
4. Check if they offer warranties on springs and work

Always ask for detailed quotes to avoid surprises. Make sure the quotes include both springs and labor costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering about pricing for garage door spring replacement or common service questions? Here’s what homeowners need to know:

How long does the replacement take?

Most installations finish in 1–2 hours. This depends on the spring type and door complexity. Torsion systems often take longer than extension setups.

Can I replace just one spring?

Experts say to replace both springs to avoid imbalance. A single broken spring means the pair is almost out of life. So, the cost for both garage door spring replacement price ranges from $200–$350.

Other common concerns:

• Pricing for garage door spring replacement varies by brand—Wayne Dalton Torquemaster springs cost $50–$180 each.
• DIY attempts risk injury; labor fees start at $75 for residential doors.
• High-cycle torsion springs (lasting up to 30,000 cycles) cost $75–$150 more than standard models.

Need urgent service? Expect emergency fees adding 20–30% to the total. Always ask for warranties coveringing parts and labor.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

Choosing the right way to replace garage door springs is key. You need to know the cost and what fits your needs. Professional services cost between $250 and $450. But, the price changes based on the spring type and where you live.

It’s important to think about safety and saving money in the long run. This makes sure your garage door works well.

Weighing the Costs vs. Benefits

Professional services include parts and labor. Torsion springs cost more than extension springs. Even though it might seem expensive at first, it’s worth it.

It keeps your door system from wearing out too fast. It also stops dangers like the door falling. Choosing good brands like Canadoor or A1 Garage Door Service’s MaxLife springs helps it last longer.

Get quotes from different places to see who’s cheaper. Ask about the springs and their warranties. Look for deals or packages, like oiling or checking your door.

Always replace both springs, even if just one is broken. This keeps everything balanced. Try to get it done when it’s not an emergency to save money. Taking care of your door, like oiling it every three months, makes the springs last longer than 7–9 years.