Why the Spring Matters
A garage door weighs from about 100 pounds for a light single door to well over 300 pounds for an insulated double door. The opener does not lift that weight. The springs do. The opener only guides the door.
When a spring breaks, the full weight lands on the opener, the cables, and the track. That is why a broken spring can lead to a bent track, a snapped cable, or a burned out motor if you keep trying the button.
Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
A loud bang from the garage
The coil snaps and releases its stored energy at once.
The door will not lift, or lifts and stops
The opener cannot carry the door’s weight alone.
A visible gap in the spring
Look above the door with the light on. A torsion spring should be one tight coil.
The door slams down
The spring no longer controls how fast the door closes.
Uneven lift, with one side higher
This often means one cable lost tension or one of two springs has failed.
Loose or hanging cables
A spring break can whip cables loose from the drum.
Standard vs. High-Cycle Springs
A standard residential spring is rated for about 10,000 cycles. One cycle is one open and one close. High-cycle springs use thicker or longer wire and are rated for many more cycles, commonly 25,000 or higher. They cost more upfront. Many contractors suggest them for homes where the door opens often, such as families with several drivers.
Typical Garage Door Spring Repair Cost
The contractor sets the price. Ask what the price includes. A good job usually covers the spring, labor, a balance test, and a look at cables and rollers.
| Job | Typical South Florida range |
|---|
| Replace one torsion spring | $150 to $250 |
| Replace a pair of torsion springs | $200 to $400 |
| Replace extension springs (pair) | $150 to $300 |
| High-cycle spring upgrade | Often $50 to $150 more |
| After hours or emergency visit | Often higher |
Why Pros Replace Both Springs
Both springs open and close the door the same number of times. If one breaks, the other has the same wear. Replacing only one often means a second visit within months. Replacing the pair usually costs less over time.
Can a Spring Be Re-Tensioned Instead of Replaced?
No. A worn spring has lost strength. Winding it tighter adds more load to metal that is already tired and raises the chance it breaks again. Replace it.
Why DIY Spring Repair Is Dangerous
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has tied tens of thousands of emergency room visits each year to garage doors and their parts. A wound spring stores a lot of energy. A slipped tool can cause broken bones. Do not adjust, wind, or unwind a spring yourself. Use a licensed contractor.
What a Good Spring Repair Visit Looks Like
- The contractor checks the door’s weight and balance.
- They match the spring to the door, not to a guess.
- They inspect cables, drums, rollers, and the center bearing.
- They install the new spring with proper winding bars.
- They test the door by hand and with the opener.
- They explain what they replaced and what warranty comes with it.
How to Choose a Contractor for Spring Repair
- Verify the license at myfloridalicense.com.
- Ask for proof of insurance.
- Get the price split into parts and labor.
- Ask about warranty on parts and labor.
- Ask if both springs will be replaced.
Spring Door FL does not check licenses, so do this yourself.
