Upgrade Your Space: Pro Tips for a Better Home


May 14, 2025

How Do I Know What Garage Door Spring To Buy?

When it comes to the unsung heroes of our homes, garage door springs often sit at the top of the list. These simple yet crucial components bear the weight of your garage door, making the opening and closing process smooth and hassle-free. However, like any mechanical part, they can wear out over time. Understanding garage door springs—pricing, DIY replacement options, and where to buy—is essential for any homeowner wanting to maintain their property effectively.

What Are Garage Door Springs?

Garage door springs are specialized coils that store energy and assist in lifting and lowering the heavy garage door. There are typically two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs.

Torsion Springs

  • Function: Torsion springs are mounted above the garage door opening and work by twisting or rotating to lift the door.
  • Lifespan: These usually last around 15,000 cycles, which can equate to about 7-10 years based on average use.

Extension Springs

  • Function: Extension springs are located on either side of the door tracks. They stretch when the door closes and contract when it opens.
  • Lifespan: Extension springs typically last between 5,000 to 10,000 cycles.

Understanding these types gives you a better idea of what might need replacing when issues arise.

Why Do Garage Door Springs Fail?

Garage door springs don’t just fail randomly; several factors can contribute:

  • Wear and Tear: Over time, repeated use leads to fatigue in materials.
  • Rust: Exposure to moisture can cause corrosion.
  • Improper Installation: If not installed correctly from the get-go, they may wear prematurely.
  • Temperature Fluctuations: Sudden changes in temperature can affect metal properties.
  • Recognizing these factors is crucial if you're aiming for timely replacements.

    Signs You Need Garage Door Spring Replacement

    How do you know when it's time for a garage door spring replacement? Here are some common signs:

  • Door Won’t Open or Close Properly: If your garage door is struggling to open or close smoothly, this could indicate a spring issue.
  • Visible Damage: Look for gaps or breaks in the coil; if you see them, it's time for action.
  • Unusual Noises: If you're hearing loud pops or bangs when operating your door, that's a red flag.
  • Uneven Movement: A sign that one spring may be weaker than another is if one side of your garage door moves faster than the other.
  • If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best not to delay in addressing them.

    Pricing for Garage Door Spring Replacement

    So how much does it cost to replace those pesky springs? The pricing can vary widely based on several factors:

    Factors Influencing Cost

  • Type of Spring
  • neighborlypro.com
    • Torsion springs generally cost more due to their complexity but offer longer lifespans.
    • Extension springs tend to be cheaper but may need replacing sooner.
  • Labor Costs
    • Hiring a professional will add labor costs ranging from $75-$150 per hour depending on your location.
  • DIY vs Professional
    • Doing it yourself? Expect costs mainly for materials which can range from $20-$100 per spring depending on quality.
  • Additional Repairs
    • Sometimes other components may need attention during replacement (like cables), so anticipate additional costs there as well.

    Average Pricing Table

    | Type of Spring | Average Cost (Parts Only) | Average Labor Cost | Total Estimated Cost | |----------------------|---------------------------|--------------------|----------------------| | Torsion Spring | $50 - $150 | $75 - $150 | $125 - $300 | | Extension Spring | $20 - $100 | $75 - $150 | $95 - $250 |

    This table offers a rough estimate but remember that prices can vary significantly based on local rates and service providers.

    DIY Garage Door Spring Replacement: Is It Worth It?

    For those who enjoy home improvement projects or want to save some cash, replacing garage door springs yourself might sound appealing—but is it wise?

    Pros of DIY Replacement

    • Cost Savings: By doing it yourself, you can save on labor costs.
    • Skill Development: You’ll gain practical skills that could help with future repairs around your home.

    Cons of DIY Replacement

    • Safety Risks: Garage door springs are under immense tension; incorrect handling can lead to serious injury.
    • Time Investment: It may take longer than expected if you’re inexperienced.

    Only consider DIY if you're comfortable with tools and understand safety precautions!

    Tools Needed for DIY Spring Replacement

    If you've decided that DIY is indeed for you, here’s a handy list of tools you'll likely need:

  • Safety goggles
  • Work gloves
  • Wrenches
  • Screwdrivers
  • A ladder
  • Pliers
  • Torque wrench (recommended)
  • Clamps (to secure the door)
  • Having these tools ready before starting ensures a smoother process.

    Step-by-Step Guide for Replacing Garage Door Springs

    Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here’s a quick guide on how you might go about replacing those old springs:

    Step 1: Preparation

    • Disconnect power from your garage opener for safety.
    • Ensure you have all necessary tools gathered nearby.

    Step 2: Release Tension

    Using winding bars (if applicable), carefully unwind tension from existing torsion springs before removal.

    Step 3: Remove Old Springs

    Remove old springs using wrenches or pliers based on how they've been attached—most often via brackets or screws.

    Step 4: Install New Springs

    Follow manufacturer instructions carefully while installing new ones ensuring they're secured tightly yet safely adjusted according to specifications provided with your new parts.

    Step 5: Test Functionality

    Before reattaching any electrical components or remotes test that everything operates smoothly without any unusual noises!

    Following these steps diligently will help ensure success in your project!

    Where to Buy Garage Door Springs?

    Finding reliable sources for purchasing quality garage door springs is essential! Here are some suggestions:

    Local Hardware Stores

    Often overlooked but local hardware stores carry an assortment of parts including different types of garage door springs!

    Online Retailers

    Websites like Amazon offer extensive selections including products with customer reviews which could guide your decision-making process effectively!

    Specialty Stores

    Local specialty shops specifically dealing with doors/garage systems might also stock high-quality options suited perfectly for various models/types ensuring compatibility—definitely worth checking out!

    FAQs About Garage Door Springs

    Here are some frequently asked questions about garage door spring replacement:

    Q1: How long do garage door springs last?

    A1: On average, torsion springs last around 15,000 cycles while extension ones range between 5,000 – 10,000 cycles depending largely upon usage frequency!

    Q2: Can I replace just one spring?

    A2: While technically possible many experts recommend replacing both at once since they usually wear similarly despite appearing fine individually ensuring balanced operation afterwards!

    Q3: What happens if I ignore a broken spring?

    A3: Ignoring a broken spring often leads not only toward further damage within mechanisms but potentially unsafe situations should doors become stuck closed/opened unexpectedly causing inconvenience/hazards too!

    Q4: Can I install new torsion/extension spring myself?

    A4 : Yes! Many homeowners successfully tackle this themselves however caution must be exercised due diligence regarding safety measures must always remain prioritized—especially given tensions involved during installation processes!

    Q5 : How much should I expect spending overall ?

    A5 : Expect total expenses ranging anywhere between approximately $95-$300 depending upon whether opting DIY route vs hiring professionals along with particular brands/models chosen thereafter impacting final pricepoints accordingly too!

    Q6 : What should I consider when buying new replacements?

    A6 : Always ensure compatibility specific model being replaced alongside quality ratings since reputable brands typically result superior performance longevity down line ultimately enhancing value garnered through investment made upfront right away too!

    Conclusion

    In summary understanding garage doors’ vital components—springs—is crucial not just for maintenance but also safety purposes! Whether you decide on tackling repairs yourself after weighing pros & cons against potential risks involved or opting professional assistance knowing how much replacements generally cost helps set expectations accordingly while shopping around effectively! With proper care & timely interventions even those humble little coils keep functioning seamlessly giving peace-of-mind whenever entering/exiting garages day-to-day life brings ahead effortlessly!