2026-07-27 7 min read
In our years serving Brighton, we've seen this problem again and again: a homeowner hears that loud *crack* from the garage, and suddenly their door won't open. Nine times out of ten, it's a snapped spring. The cost to fix it varies wildly depending on which type failed and how fast you act. Let me walk you through what's actually happening, what you'll pay, and why calling a pro matters more than you think.
Your garage door weighs between 300 and 500 pounds. Two springs do nearly all the lifting work. They're under extreme tension, storing energy that counterbalances that weight every single day. Most residential doors use one of two spring types: torsion springs or extension springs. See our guide on chain maintenance: a complete guide for homeowners.
Torsion springs sit above your door and twist to lift it. They're the more common choice in newer homes. Extension springs run along the sides of your door and stretch to pull it up. Both styles last roughly 7 to 9 years with normal use, though that timeline shifts if you open and close your door 10 times daily versus 4 times.
The failure itself is sudden. Springs don't warn you. One morning, you press the opener button and nothing happens. Or worse, the door drops hard, which is both dangerous and a sign of immediate repair needs.
If you've never looked at your garage door springs up close, here's the quick way to tell. Look at the space directly above your garage door opening, where it meets the wall. A torsion spring is a thick metal coil sitting horizontally. An extension spring runs vertically along the side tracks.
Torsion springs are generally safer and more durable, but they cost more to replace. Extension springs are cheaper upfront but require safety cables to catch them if they snap. Both can injure you if mishandled. That's not scare talk. That's fact from someone who's bandaged fingers and seen worse.
The good news: both types are repairable and replaceable. The bad news: doing it yourself is how people end up in the emergency room.
**Need garage door springs in Brighton today?** Call (720) 408-6434. we cover same-day service across the area.
A single torsion spring replacement typically runs between $150 and $300 in labor, plus the spring itself (usually $50 to $150 depending on quality). If both springs are failing, you're looking at double that. Extension spring repairs are slightly cheaper on parts but carry additional safety cable costs.
The total estimate depends on your door's weight, the spring type, and whether you need both replaced at once. Many homeowners call us expecting a $100 fix and learn both springs are near failure. That's actually the smart move: if one spring has failed, the other is likely worn too and will snap within weeks.
I always recommend getting a free estimate before committing. We can assess whether you need one spring, two springs, or if there's hidden damage to the door tracks or opener itself. Check out our guide on garage door spring replacement in Brighton for deeper details on the replacement process.
I'm going to be direct: don't attempt this yourself. Springs are under 150 to 300 pounds of tension. When one breaks, that energy has to go somewhere. Fingers, hands, and faces are common targets.
We've treated customers from surrounding areas like Lafayette and Broomfield who tried the DIY route after watching a YouTube video. It's not worth a trip to the ER or permanent injury for a few hundred dollars in labor savings.
What you *can* do is maintain your door to extend spring life. Regular lubrication, keeping tracks clean, and avoiding excessive opening/closing helps. For a full maintenance plan, check out our seasonal maintenance guide to keep springs healthy longer.
If your door won't open, close, or drops unexpectedly, that's an emergency. Don't force it. A broken spring combined with a stuck door can damage your opener and track system, turning a $200 repair into a $1,000 problem fast.
We offer same-day spring repair appointments across Brighton and surrounding communities. You can schedule a free quote online, or call us directly at (720) 408-6434. Most spring jobs take 1 to 2 hours once we arrive.
Spring failure isn't something you live with. It's not a "get to it next month" issue. Your garage door is one of the heaviest moving parts of your home. When springs fail, the whole system becomes a liability.
Whether you need a single torsion replacement or both springs done at once, we'll give you an honest estimate with no hidden fees. That's the commitment we've made to Brighton homeowners for 15 years. Contact us today to get started.
How long do garage door springs last? Most springs last 7 to 9 years under normal use (4 to 6 door cycles daily). Heavy use, temperature swings, and lack of maintenance shorten that timeline. Springs don't gradually weaken; they fail suddenly without warning.
Can I replace just one spring if both are old? Technically yes, but both springs wear together. Replacing one when the other is aged means the new spring carries more load, increasing failure risk. We recommend replacing both at once for safety and cost-effectiveness over time.
What's the difference between a $100 spring and a $150 spring? Material quality, cycle rating, and warranty. Cheaper springs fail faster. We stock higher-grade springs rated for 20,000+ cycles because they last longer and cause fewer callbacks. Cheap springs cost less today but fail sooner.
Is spring repair covered by homeowners insurance? Rarely. Spring failure is typically considered wear and tear, not damage. Check your policy, but most don't cover it. That's why maintenance and early replacement matter.
How do I know if my garage door opener needs repair too? If the door won't open after spring replacement, the opener likely has a problem. We inspect openers as part of every spring job. Sometimes a bad spring strains the opener, requiring both repairs. That's why a full estimate beats guessing.