Vancouver Overhead Door
Setting tension on a torsion spring with winding bars

Garage Door Spring Replacement in Vancouver

We replace broken torsion and extension springs and set the tension so the door balances. A broken spring is also the most common reason an opener suddenly can't lift the door.

  • Most torsion spring pairs on a standard double door run $350–$600 with parts and labour
  • The job takes about 1 to 2 hours
  • If your door has two springs, we usually replace both
The short answer

Garage door spring replacement in Vancouver usually runs $350–$600 for a pair of torsion springs on a standard double door, including parts and labour. Extension spring jobs are often in a similar range. The work takes about 1 to 2 hours. Signs of a broken spring include a loud bang in the garage, a visible gap in the spring above the door, and an opener that strains and lifts the door only a few inches.

  • Standard springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles
  • Don't run the opener with a broken spring, since it can't lift the door's full weight

Signs a spring has broken

Springs carry the door's weight. The opener only guides it. When a spring breaks, you will usually notice one or more of these:

  • A loud bang from the garage, often on a cold morning
  • A visible gap in the coil of the spring above the door
  • The door feels very heavy or won't lift by hand
  • The opener strains and lifts the door only a few inches, then stops
  • The door goes up crooked, with one side lifting first
  • Cables hanging loose beside the door

If you see any of these, stop using the opener. Leave the door where it is and call us. Lifting a door with a broken spring is heavy work and can be dangerous.

Torsion springs and centre bracket on the shaft above a garage door
Torsion springs and centre bracket on the shaft above a garage door

Torsion and extension springs, and how we replace them

Torsion springs sit on a bar above the door and twist to lift it. They are more common on newer doors and run smoother. Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on each side and stretch as the door closes.

Torsion springs hold a lot of stored energy, and a slipped winding bar can cause serious injury. That is why this job needs the right tools and someone who does it regularly.

We match the new springs to your door's weight and size, then wind or set them to the correct tension. We check the cables, drums and bearings while we are there, since they wear alongside the springs. Finally, we balance the door so it stays put when lifted halfway by hand, and test it with the opener.

Cost, lifespan and why we replace springs in pairs

Most torsion spring replacements run $350–$600 for a pair on a standard double door, including parts and labour. Extension spring jobs are often in a similar range.

If your door has two springs, we recommend replacing both. They went in together and have done the same number of cycles, so the second one is usually close to failing. Doing both at once saves a second visit.

Standard springs are typically rated for about 10,000 cycles, which is several years for most households. Homes that use the garage as the main entry wear springs out faster. Higher-cycle springs are available and last longer. Cold weather makes the steel more brittle and the door stiffer, which is why worn springs so often snap on cold mornings.

FAQ

Questions homeowners ask

What is the difference between torsion and extension springs?

Torsion springs sit on a bar above the door and twist to lift it. Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks and stretch. Torsion systems are more common on newer doors and run smoother.

Should both springs be replaced at the same time?

In most cases, yes. Both springs were installed together and have done the same number of cycles, so the second is usually close to failing.

Can I replace a garage door spring myself?

We don't recommend it. Torsion springs hold a lot of stored energy and can cause serious injury if a winding bar slips.

Why did my spring break in the cold?

Springs wear out after a set number of open-and-close cycles. Cold makes the steel more brittle and the door stiffer, so a worn spring often snaps on a cold morning.

How long do garage door springs last?

Standard springs are usually rated for about 10,000 cycles, which is several years for most households. Higher-cycle springs last longer.

Can I use the opener with a broken spring?

No. The opener isn't built to lift the full weight of the door. Running it can strip the gear or damage the door. Unplug it and call us.

Service area

Springs by city

Broken spring? Leave the door and call us

Tell us what you heard or see, and whether the door is stuck shut. We fit in same-day visits for doors stuck shut when the schedule allows.

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