2026-07-11 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
Most homeowners don't think about garage door springs until the door stops moving entirely. By then, you're stuck in your driveway, late for work, and facing an emergency call. Springs are the hardest working component on your door, and they fail without warning. Understanding whether your spring needs repair or full replacement can save you time, money, and a serious safety incident.
Your garage door uses one of two spring types: torsion springs mounted above the door, or extension springs running along the sides. These springs counterbalance the door's weight, roughly 300 to 500 pounds depending on size and material. Without functioning springs, that weight falls entirely on your opener motor, which will burn out quickly. The springs do the real lifting work.
Torsion springs are more common in modern installations and last longer than extension springs. Both types typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use, which translates to roughly 10,000 to 15,000 cycles. Every time your door opens or closes, that's one cycle. A family using the garage twice daily will cycle through their springs' lifespan faster than someone who rarely opens the door.
A snapped spring usually announces itself loudly, sometimes with a bang loud enough to wake neighbors. But problems start long before that dramatic failure. If your door moves slowly, jerks unevenly, or won't open more than a few inches, springs are likely involved. You might also notice the door sagging on one side, which means one spring has lost tension while the other still holds.
Never attempt to force a stuck door upward. A broken torsion spring can't support the weight, and you risk crushing your hands or fingers. I've seen garage door injuries that required stitches and months of healing. If the door won't budge, stop trying and call a professional.
Replacing a single snapped spring costs less than replacing both, but there's a catch. When one spring fails, the other has already endured the same stress and wear. Replacing just one leaves you vulnerable to another failure within weeks or months. Most professionals, including our team at Garage Door Arvada, recommend replacing both springs together when one breaks.
The cost difference is smaller than you'd think. A single spring replacement typically runs 200 to 400 dollars, while both springs together cost 400 to 600 dollars depending on spring type and your home's door size. That extra 200 dollars buys you years of reliable operation instead of another emergency call soon after.
**Need garage door springs in Arvada today?** Call 720-452-4216 for same-day service and a free estimate.
Repair isn't really an option for snapped or severely damaged springs. Springs don't mend, they fail. What you can repair is the door itself after spring damage, or adjust spring tension if it's merely loose. A professional inspection tells you exactly what's needed before work begins.
Springs store enormous amounts of energy under extreme tension. Releasing that energy without proper tools and training can cause serious injury. I've heard stories of springs launching wrenches across garages, and worse. The coils are under roughly 200 to 300 pounds of force per spring. A slip of the wrench, a misplaced hand, or a tool failure can send metal flying.
Even removing the spring to inspect it requires releasing tension safely. You need specialized tools like winding bars, a sturdy ladder, and knowledge of your specific spring's design. A licensed technician has the right equipment, training, and insurance to handle this work safely.
When you call for a spring estimate, describe what you've noticed. Does the door barely move? Is it stuck entirely? Did you hear a loud pop? These details help the technician arrive prepared. Most companies offer same-day estimates and can often complete replacement the same day if you schedule early.
Pricing varies based on spring type, door weight, and whether you need one or both springs replaced. Our guide on how much garage door springs cost in Arvada breaks down typical pricing for 2026. If your door is also stuck or damaged, check our troubleshooting post on how to fix a stuck garage door for other possible causes.
Springs often fail alongside other worn components. If your door is 10 or more years old, consider our seasonal maintenance checklist to catch other issues early. Sometimes a full door replacement makes more sense than fixing older systems with multiple failing parts.
Schedule your free estimate today by calling 720-452-4216 or visiting our contact page to get a same-day inspection. Don't wait for complete failure. A small issue caught early prevents emergency repairs and keeps your family safe.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion and extension springs typically last 7 to 9 years under normal use, equaling roughly 10,000 to 15,000 door cycles. Frequency of use and climate affect lifespan. Springs in heavily used garages fail sooner.
Can I replace just one spring? Technically yes, but not recommended. When one spring fails, the other has endured identical stress. Replacing both together prevents another failure within weeks and costs only slightly more than a single replacement.
What does a snapped spring sound like? A loud bang or crack, sometimes compared to a gunshot. This happens when the coil suddenly releases its stored tension. Never ignore this sound or attempt to open the door afterward.
How much does spring replacement cost in Arvada? Single spring replacement costs 200 to 400 dollars. Both springs together run 400 to 600 dollars depending on spring type and door size. Call 720-452-4216 for an exact quote based on your door specifications.
Is it safe to open my garage door if a spring is broken? No. A broken spring can't support the door's weight. The door may fall, and the opener motor will burn out trying to lift it. Call a professional immediately if you hear a snapping sound or notice the door won't budge.