Having a properly functioning garage door is essential for easy access to your garage and keeping your home secure. The springs on your garage door play a critical role in counterbalancing the weight of the door to make it easy to open and close. However, garage door springs do wear out over time and eventually need to be replaced. Understanding the cost of replacing garage door springs can help you budget and prepare for this inevitable repair.

Why Garage Door Springs Need Replacement

Garage door springs come in two main types: extension and torsion. Both types are wound tightly under tension and mounted over the horizontal track to assist with lifting the door. This allows the door to be opened smoothly and with little effort on your part. However, the constant winding and unwinding puts a lot of pressure on the springs. Over many open and close cycles, they will eventually fatigue and break.

Signs that your garage door springs are wearing out and due for replacement include:

Difficulty Opening the Door: If your door is suddenly very heavy or you need to put in a lot of effort to open it, weakened springs could be the culprit. They are no longer able to provide enough lift assist.
The Door Closes Too Quickly: Springs act as a counterbalance not just for opening but also closing. If your door slams down rapidly, the springs cannot control the rate of descent properly.
Odd Noises: Listen for sounds like creaking, grinding, or screeching that get worse over time. These are red flags that the springs are wearing out internally.
Visible Damage: Look for cracked or broken coils, frayed cables, or bent components. Physical damage indicates your springs need repair or replacing.

To keep your garage door functioning safely and smoothly, it is generally recommended to replace the springs every 5-7 years. High traffic garages may need more frequent spring replacements.

Factors that Affect Replacement Cost

Several important factors come into play when determining the total costs of new garage door springs:

Type of Spring

Extension springs: This older spring design runs above the horizontal tracks. Replacing extension springs tends to have a lower parts cost, typically between $100-$200 for a set. However, labor is more extensive due to their dangerous mounting position.
Torsion springs: Modern torsion springs are wound around a bar above the door. Parts are more expensive, from $200 up to $600 for a set. But installation labor is usually faster and safer.

Size and Weight of Door

Larger, heavier doors require stronger, costlier springs. Standard single car doors use cheaper light-duty springs. Heavier double car doors need pricier industrial springs. Unique shapes like curved or angled doors also use specialized springs.

Spring Location

Doors with centered springs or springs on each side have lower labor costs. Systems with springs located far apart take more time and effort for installation.

Garage Door Brand

Major brands like Clopay, Wayne Dalton, and Amarr often have proprietary components and higher spring prices. Generic springs can be used on some doors to save money.

Repair vs. Replace

For minor repairs like replacing broken cables, costs may be under $150. But for complete spring swaps, replacement is more economical than patching up old springs.

Cost Breakdown of Replacement Parts

When getting quotes for new garage door springs, you will encounter a number of hardware components. Here are typical costs for the various spring repair and replacement parts:

Springs: $100-$350 per spring. Double car doors need a pair.
Cables: $10-$30 per cable. Up to 12 needed on some doors.
Cable drums: Between $65-$150 per side, with 2 needed for full replacement.
Bearings: Around $20-$35 per bearing, usually 2-4 bearings per door.
Shaft: Solid steel counterbalance shafts cost $80-$150 on average.
Spring Anchor Plates: Between $30-$75 per anchor, with 2 needed for a set.
Misc. hardware: Bolts, end bearings, pulleys – $15-$60 total.

With all necessary parts factored in, budget $400-$700 for a typical torsion spring replacement job. Complex doors or extension spring swaps may cost up to $1,000 in parts.

Labor Costs for Installation

In addition to the cost of the springs and hardware, you need to account for labor for installation or repair. Garage door companies usually charge this in one of two ways:

Hourly rate: The technicians hourly rate, multiplied by the number of hours the job takes. Hourly rates can range from $50-$100 per hour. Total labor may range from $200-$400.

Flat fee: A flat labor fee for spring replacement tends to fall between $275-$450. Simple repairs are around $125-$200.

Variables like garage door size, spring type, and technician experience can influence the labor time and pricing. Always get an itemized quote so you know exactly what is included.

Additional Costs to Consider

Aside from the basics parts and labor, there are a few other potential costs to keep in mind for your garage door spring replacement:

Emergency fees: For same day repairs, expect surcharges of $100-$150. These apply if you need immediate service outside regular business hours.
Access fees: Tricky access like steep driveways or low clearance require extra work. This may add $50-$100 to the total.
Mileage fees: Companies traveling long distances to your home may bill for mileage, around $1 per mile on average.
Old spring disposal fees: Disposing of old springs safely could cost an extra $25-$50.
Rush order shipping: Special rush delivery for springs is possible but expensive, up to $300 extra.
Permits: Some areas require permits for garage door work, which can add up to $50 to the bill.

Cost-Saving Tips on Replacing Springs

To get the best value on your garage door spring installation or repair, keep these money-saving tips in mind:

Get at least 3-4 quotes to compare pricing between professionals.
Ask about combining spring replacement with opener repairs or tune-ups for a discount on labor.
Inquire about available coupons, specials, or seasonal discounts. Off-peak installation during slow months like winter may be cheaper.
Purchase springs yourself at wholesale to save on marked-up parts costs.
Specify generic springs instead of costly name-brand springs when possible.
Consider DIY for simple extension spring replacements to save on labor.
Ask your home insurance company about spring repair coverage under home warranty plans.

Importance of Hiring Professionals

While a DIY garage door spring replacement may be tempting for the labor cost savings, it is an extremely dangerous project best left to experienced professionals:

Prevent Injuries – High tension springs can snap and cause serious harm if things go wrong. Trained technicians have the tools and know-how to safely replace springs.
Avoid Property Damage – A faulty spring job can lead the heavy garage door to malfunction, fall from tracks, or damage vehicles and items inside. Hiring pros avoids expensive issues.
Get It Right The First Time – With intricate parts like springs, cables, and pulleys, there is no room for error. Professional expertise ensures proper balance and door operation.
Gain Peace of Mind – Certified technicians provide warranties and guarantees for parts and labor. This protects against any defect related problems down the road.

Questions and Answers

What are signs I need new garage door springs?

Signs your springs need replacement include difficulty lifting the door, the door closing too fast uncontrolled, loud noises from the springs, and broken or warped spring components. If your door is more than 5-7 years old, proactive spring replacement can also be a good idea for preventative maintenance.

How long will new garage door springs last?

With regular use, professionally installed garage door springs typically last 5-7 years before needing replacement again. Choosing high quality branded springs and protecting them from extreme elements can extend their lifespan. Proper maintenance is also key.

Can I replace springs myself or do I need to hire a pro?

Replacing torsion springs yourself is strongly discouraged due to the extreme dangers if springs snap or are wound incorrectly. With training and proper precautions, DIY extension spring replacements are possible, but still risky. Hiring a qualified professional technician is highly recommended for best safety and results.

How can I get the most affordable rate for replacement?

To get the lowest prices, request quotes from several highly rated companies. Ask about any current specials or discounts on service calls. Purchase your own generic springs to avoid markups. Get a bundled rate on spring labor when you also need opener or door repairs.

Should I replace both garage door springs or just one broken one?

It is always advisable to replace both springs as a set, even if only one is broken currently. The unbroken spring is likely similarly worn and will fail sooner rather than later. Replacing only one spring can lead to balance issues later.

Conclusion

Regularly maintaining your garage door springs and getting them replaced as soon as signs of wear appear is the best way to keep your door functioning safely for years to come. While spring replacement is an unavoidable cost for homeowners eventually, understanding the factors that influence pricing and using cost-saving strategies can help you get the job done on budget. With professional installation, new garage door springs can restore easy access to your garage for just a few hundred dollars.

The Cost of Replacing Garage Door Springs

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