How long do garage door springs last?

Standard springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles, which is roughly 7 to 12 years for most families. High-cycle springs last 20,000 cycles or more.

Is it dangerous to replace springs yourself?

Yes. The tension can cause serious injury. Call a trained technician.

Should both springs be replaced at the same time?

Yes. Matching springs keep the door balanced, and the second spring is usually near the end of its life too.

Should I lubricate my springs?

Yes, once or twice a year with a garage-door lubricant. It reduces friction and rust and costs only a few dollars.

What happens when one spring breaks?

On a two-spring door the other spring takes the whole load. The door may rise slowly, stop part-way or not open at all. On light doors you might not notice until the second spring breaks.

What are the signs I need new springs?

A gap in the coils, rust, loud noises, a heavy door or a door that hangs unevenly.

Can I open the door with a broken spring?

Don't use the opener — it can strip the gears or bend the top panel. Call us and we'll replace the spring, usually the same day.

Garage Door Spring Repair & Replacement | 3-Year Warranty

Spring Prices

Labour $150 per visit for doors up to 8 ft high.

Non-insulated door springs

$120 / spring

For lightweight, single-layer steel doors. Quality replacement springs, balance adjustment, usually done in 1–2 hours, same-day emergency service.

Typical Spring Costs in Greater Vancouver

One torsion spring, installed	$270–$330
Two torsion springs, installed	$390–$510
Extension springs (pair), installed	from about $300
Springs and both lift cables	$460–$560
Cables only	about $200
Torsion shaft replacement (add-on)	$80–$200
Extension-to-torsion conversion	$450–$600
Spring tune-up and balance (no parts)	$120–$150
Commercial springs	$300–$500 each plus $150–$300 labour

Here's what customers in Greater Vancouver typically pay, before GST.

Torsion vs. Extension Springs

Torsion springs

One or two tightly wound springs mounted on a steel shaft above the door, with cable drums at each end. They twist to store energy, give smoother, more balanced lift and are the standard on modern doors.

Extension springs

Long springs that run along each horizontal track and stretch as the door closes, working with cables and pulleys. Common on older and lighter doors. They must have safety containment cables through them so a broken spring can't whip across the garage.

TorqueMaster-style springs

Springs enclosed inside the torsion tube, used by some Wayne Dalton doors. They need specific parts and winding tools.

Feature	Torsion	Extension
Spring price (each, part only)	$120–$180	$80–$150
Life cycle	10,000–20,000 cycles	8,000–15,000 cycles
Typical lifespan	8–15 years	7–12 years
Ride	Smooth and balanced	Can jerk as springs wear
Safety	Contained on the shaft	Needs safety cables

Springs do almost all the lifting on a garage door. Knowing which type you have helps us bring the right parts and get the job done in one visit.

Why Springs Break

Springs do almost all the lifting. They are at maximum tension when the door is closed, which is why most springs snap with the door down — often with a loud bang. A spring that breaks while the door is open can let it drop, so never walk under a moving door.

Wear and tear: Most standard springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles (one cycle = one open and close). Two trips a day is roughly 730 cycles a year, and busy households can use the door 4–6 times a day. If your garage is your main entrance, ask for high-cycle springs rated for 20,000 cycles or more.
Rust: Rust adds friction between the coils and weakens the wire. Our damp coastal climate speeds this up, especially near the water.
Lack of maintenance: An unbalanced door, dry coils or a worn bearing puts extra stress on the spring.

Lightly lubricate the springs once or twice a year with a garage-door lubricant and test the door's balance at least once a year — cold snaps in winter are when we see the most breaks.

Signs You Need New Springs

A gap in the coils of a torsion spring
The door feels very heavy, rises slowly or only opens a few inches
The opener strains, or the door reverses or stops
The door hangs crooked or one side lifts first
Loud bang from the garage, or squeaking and grinding during operation
Visible rust or stretched coils

On a two-spring door, one spring often breaks first and the other is close behind. If your door is light (non-insulated), you may not notice until the second one goes. Balance test: pull the red emergency-release cord with the door closed, lift the door to waist height and let go. If it drops or shoots up, the springs need attention — don't use the opener until it's fixed.

Why Not DIY?

A garage door can weigh 150 to 400 pounds, and the springs hold all of that tension. Winding bars slip, set screws let go and springs can release without warning. Lubrication and a balance test are fine to do yourself; winding and replacing springs is not.

1Disconnects the opener and secures the door so it can't move.
2Measures the old springs and the door weight, and matches new springs precisely.
3Unwinds the old springs and winds the new ones to the correct number of turns.
4Lubricates the springs, bearings and hinges and tightens all hardware.
5Tests balance and travel, checks the cables and drums and runs a full safety check.

On extension-spring doors we always install safety cables, so a spring can't fly loose if it breaks.

Garage Door Spring Repair & Replacement