2026-05-15 7 min read
In our years serving Lakewood, we've seen this problem again and again: a homeowner hears a loud bang from the garage, then their door won't budge. A snapped spring is almost always the culprit. The good news? Understanding what's happening and what it costs helps you avoid panic spending and make smart repair decisions.
Your garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. Springs don't lift it by magic. They counterbalance that weight so your opener uses minimal energy to raise and lower the door smoothly. There are two main types: torsion springs (wound around a rod above the door) and extension springs (running along the sides). Both wear out predictably.
Springs last 7 to 9 years under normal use, maybe longer if your garage is climate-controlled. That's roughly 10,000 to 15,000 cycles (one open and close equals one cycle). Lakewood's weather swings from hot, dry summers to cooler winters, and temperature changes stress metal. Rust, grit, and lack of lubrication speed up failure. When a spring snaps, your door becomes a dead weight.
Replacing one worn spring now costs far less than replacing both after the second one fails two months later. This is where smart maintenance saves money.
A snapped spring usually announces itself loudly. You'll hear a sharp crack or bang, then your door won't open, or it opens partway and feels heavier than normal. Never force it. Trying to open a door with a broken spring risks damaging your opener and can be dangerous.
Other warning signs appear earlier if you're paying attention. Does your door open or close slower than usual? Does one side hang lower than the other? Does the door feel rough or jerky? These hints mean your springs are weakening. Catching them means you can schedule a repair on your timeline instead of being stuck with a non-working door.
Check your garage door monthly as part of regular maintenance. It takes two minutes and could save you hundreds in emergency calls. For a complete maintenance guide, read our garage door maintenance checklist to catch small problems early.
**Need garage door springs in Lakewood today?** Call 510-726-7235. we cover same-day service across the area.
Here's the budget question everyone asks: can I just fix one spring, or do I have to replace both?
If one spring snaps and the other is still good, you can replace just the broken one. That's the cheaper option upfront. Repair costs typically run $150 to $250 per spring for parts and labor in the Lakewood area, depending on spring type and your opener style.
But here's the catch: if your springs are the same age and both have done the same 10,000 cycles, the second one will fail soon. Replacing both at once (usually $300 to $500 total) is smarter long-term economics. You avoid a second emergency call and the stress of another breakdown. When springs fail, they fail fast.
For detailed pricing breakdown by repair type, check our guide to garage door cost and pricing in Lakewood. It walks you through what affects the bill and how to estimate fair pricing.
Spring repairs aren't DIY jobs. The tension on those coils is extreme. If a torsion spring breaks while you're adjusting it, the rod can whip and cause serious injury. Extension springs can snap and shoot across your garage. Hire a professional who has the right tools, experience, and insurance.
Call for same-day service if your door is completely stuck or your family depends on garage access for safety. Minor issues like slow opening can usually wait a day or two. Schedule a free quote by phone or online, and we'll give you honest timing and cost estimates.
Lubricate your springs and tracks every six months with a silicone-based garage door lubricant (not WD-40). Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid rapid temperature swings if possible (insulating your garage helps). These habits add 1 to 2 years to spring life and prevent the rust that weakens metal.
If you've had recent spring trouble, don't ignore it. Broken springs are your door's biggest vulnerability. A quick call now prevents bigger problems.
Your garage door springs deserve attention before they fail. Lakewood homeowners who catch wear early spend less and stay safer. Call Garage Door Lakewood at 510-726-7235 for professional spring repair and replacement services, or contact us online to get a same-day estimate. We'll tell you straight: repair one, replace both, or monitor a bit longer.
How long does a spring replacement take? Most spring replacements take 1 to 2 hours from arrival to finish. We handle torsion and extension springs. If your door has other issues, it may take longer.
Can I use my garage door opener if one spring is broken? No. A broken spring removes the counterbalance. Your opener can't safely lift 400+ pounds and may burn out. Don't use the door until springs are repaired.
Are garage door springs covered by warranty? Springs typically have a 1 to 5 year warranty depending on type and brand. We use quality springs backed by solid guarantees. Ask about warranty terms in your estimate.
Why do both springs fail around the same time? Springs wear together if installed together. They handle identical cycles and stress. When one reaches end-of-life, the other is close behind. Replace both to avoid surprise failures.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs twist around a rod above the door. Extension springs pull and stretch along the sides. Torsion springs last longer and work more smoothly but cost slightly more to replace.