Garage Door Spring Replacement: Cost, Types & Safety Guide

Garage Door Spring Replacement: Cost, Types & Safety Guide

Your garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your home. They bear the full weight of the door — typically 150 to 250 pounds — every time it opens and closes. When a spring breaks, your garage door becomes inoperable and potentially dangerous.

This guide covers everything Toronto homeowners need to know about garage door spring replacement.

How Garage Door Springs Work

Garage door springs use tension to counterbalance the weight of the door, making it light enough to open manually or with a small electric motor. Without functioning springs, your garage door opener cannot lift the door, and manual operation becomes extremely difficult and dangerous.

Most garage doors cycle 10,000 times before springs wear out. If you open and close your garage door 4 times per day, that's roughly 7 years of life — which is why spring replacement is one of the most common garage door repairs in the GTA.

Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs

There are two main types of garage door springs, and knowing which you have helps you understand the repair process and cost.

Torsion Springs

• Location: Mounted on a metal shaft above the garage door opening
• How they work: Wind and unwind to create torque that lifts the door
• Lifespan: 15,000-20,000 cycles (longer than extension springs)
• Cost: More expensive to purchase but last longer
• Safety: Contained on the shaft — less dangerous when they break
• Best for: Most modern residential garage doors in Toronto

Extension Springs

• Location: Mounted along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door
• How they work: Stretch and contract to lift the door
• Lifespan: 10,000 cycles (shorter than torsion)
• Cost: Less expensive initially but need replacing more often
• Safety: Can fly across the garage when they snap (should have safety cables)
• Best for: Older homes, lighter garage doors

Which is better? Torsion springs are the industry standard for modern installations. They last longer, operate more smoothly, and are safer. If you currently have extension springs, consider upgrading to torsion during your next replacement.

Warning Signs Your Springs Need Replacement

Don't wait for a spring to snap. Watch for these warning signs:

• 1. Door feels heavier than usual — Springs are losing tension
• 2. Door doesn't stay open — Springs can't hold the door's weight
• 3. Visible gaps in torsion spring — The spring has separated
• 4. Loud bang from the garage — A spring has already broken
• 5. Door opens unevenly — One spring may be weaker than the other
• 6. Door closes too fast — Dangerous — springs aren't counterbalancing properly
• 7. Excessive vibration when operating — Springs are wearing unevenly
• 8. Rust on springs — Corrosion weakens springs and shortens lifespan (common in Toronto's humid climate)

Why DIY Garage Door Spring Replacement Is Dangerous

This is not a DIY project. Garage door springs are under extreme tension — a torsion spring stores enough energy to cause serious injury or death if it releases unexpectedly.

Here's why professionals are essential:

• Torsion springs require specialized winding bars — Using the wrong tools can cause the spring to release violently
• Incorrect tension means the door won't balance properly, stressing the opener and creating safety hazards
• Extension springs under tension can fly across the garage at high speed if improperly handled
• The door itself weighs 150-250 pounds — it can crash down if springs aren't properly secured during replacement
• Improper installation voids warranties on both springs and openers

Every year, emergency rooms treat thousands of injuries from DIY garage door spring repairs. Professional replacement takes 1-2 hours and eliminates all risk.

Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost in Toronto

Here's what to expect for garage door spring replacement in the GTA:

Torsion Spring Replacement

• Single spring: $200-$300 (parts + labor)
• Pair of springs: $250-$400 (recommended — always replace both)

Extension Spring Replacement

• Pair of springs: $150-$300 (parts + labor)
• Add safety cables if missing: $50-$100

Factors that affect cost:

• Spring quality and cycle rating (standard vs. high-cycle)
• Door size and weight (double doors need heavier springs)
• Emergency/after-hours service
• Additional repairs needed (cables, rollers, drums)

Pro tip: Always replace springs in pairs, even if only one is broken. The other spring has the same age and wear — it will likely break soon. Replacing both saves you a second service call.

How Long Does Spring Replacement Take?

A professional garage door technician can replace springs in 1 to 2 hours. The process includes:

• 1. Securing the door in the down position
• 2. Releasing tension from the old spring(s)
• 3. Removing the old spring(s) and hardware
• 4. Installing new spring(s) with correct specifications
• 5. Winding to proper tension (torsion) or adjusting length (extension)
• 6. Lubricating the new springs and hardware
• 7. Testing door balance and operation
• 8. Adjusting the opener force settings if needed

Extending Spring Life in Toronto's Climate

Toronto's humidity and temperature extremes accelerate spring wear. Here's how to maximize spring lifespan:

• Lubricate springs twice a year with silicone-based spray (not WD-40)
• Test door balance annually — disconnect the opener, lift the door halfway, and let go. It should stay in place.
• Address rust immediately — Apply lubricant and consider rust-inhibiting spray
• Upgrade to high-cycle springs (25,000-50,000 cycles) for a longer lifespan
• Keep tracks clean and aligned — Misaligned tracks put extra stress on springs

When to Call a Professional

Call a garage door professional immediately if:

• You hear a loud bang from the garage (spring has broken)
• The door won't open or feels extremely heavy
• You see a visible gap in the torsion spring
• The door opens crookedly or unevenly
• Cables are hanging loose or frayed

Book Your Spring Replacement

RenoHouse provides fast, professional garage door spring replacement across Toronto and the GTA. Our technicians carry common spring sizes on their trucks for same-day repair. Call 289-212-2345 for prompt service.