2026-04-23 4 min read
Most people don't think about their garage door until something breaks. Then suddenly, you're staring at a snapped spring and wondering how much this repair is going to cost. I've been pulling trucks up to Lexington driveways for fifteen years, and garage door spring replacement is one of the most common calls we get. The honest answer? It depends on the type, your door's weight, and whether you need same-day service.
There are two main types: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs sit above your door opening and twist to lift the weight. Extension springs run along the sides and stretch to do the work. Torsion springs typically cost more to replace—usually $150 to $300 per spring—but they're more durable and safer. Extension springs run $75 to $150 each, but they wear out faster and carry more injury risk if they snap.
Torsion springs last 7 to 9 years with average use. If your door gets heavy use—think a contractor's truck rolling in and out daily—you might see failure closer to year six. Extension springs? More like 5 to 7 years. That's just the nature of the design.
Don't forget the labor. A professional technician needs to safely tension the spring, test the door balance, and make sure everything's safe. That work typically runs $150 to $300 depending on complexity. If you call us for same-day service on a weekend or evening, there's an after-hours fee—usually $50 to $100 extra. We offer same-day appointments across Lexington and surrounding areas because I know how frustrating it is to be locked out of your garage.
For a complete breakdown of what affects your total repair cost, check out our repair cost breakdown guide, which walks through every line item.
**Need garage door springs in Lexington today?** Call (781) 549-9709 — we cover same-day service across the area.
For a standard single-car garage with one snapped torsion spring, you're looking at $300 to $500 all-in. Two springs? Double that. Heavier doors—like those with insulation or solid construction—need heavier springs and cost more to replace. We've also seen doors in the Boston suburbs and Lexington area take a beating during winter, which can accelerate wear. If you want to understand how seasonal stress affects your springs, read our winter garage door guide.
A free estimate takes about ten minutes. I can usually tell you the exact cost over the phone once I know your door type and whether both springs need work. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that if one spring is failing, the other is usually close behind. Replacing both at once saves you a second service call in six months.
I'll say it plainly: don't try to replace these yourself. A snapped spring is under tremendous tension—we're talking hundreds of pounds of force. I've seen DIYers end up in the emergency room. The spring can snap back and cause serious injury. You also need special tools—a winding bar, a torque wrench, and safety cables. A professional can get in, do it safely, and have you back in your garage in under an hour.
If you want to learn what warning signs to watch for before a spring fails, we've covered that in detail in our spring warning signs post. Catching problems early often means cheaper repairs.
- Number of springs (one vs. two) - Spring type (torsion costs more than extension) - Door weight and material - Service timing (same-day or emergency = extra charge) - Your location (we service all of Lexington and nearby towns)
Get a written estimate before we start work. No surprises, no hidden fees. That's how we've operated since we opened Lexington Garage Doors.
A broken spring isn't something to put off. Your door becomes a safety hazard, and the longer you wait, the more stress builds on your opener and other components. Call us at (781) 549-9709 or book a same-day estimate online. We'll give you an exact price and can usually get you scheduled within 24 hours.
The best investment? Regular maintenance checks. A quick inspection once a year can catch wear before a spring snaps, saving you money and headaches.
How long does a garage door spring replacement take? Most torsion spring replacements take 45 minutes to an hour. Extension springs are usually faster, around 30 to 45 minutes. We test the door balance and safety reversal before we leave.
Can I use my garage door if one spring is broken? No. A snapped spring throws the door out of balance and puts dangerous stress on the opener. You risk damaging the motor or hurting yourself. Call for repair service right away.
Do I need to replace both springs even if only one is broken? Usually yes. Springs wear at roughly the same rate, so the second one is typically near failure. Replacing both prevents a second call weeks later and costs less overall than two separate service visits.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs twist above the door and are safer, more durable, and more expensive. Extension springs stretch along the sides, cost less, but fail faster and carry more injury risk if they snap.
Does homeowners insurance cover spring replacement? Most standard policies don't, since springs are considered maintenance. Check your specific policy, but budget for this repair as a home maintenance cost rather than an insurance claim.