2026-08-17 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
In our years serving Larkspur and the surrounding area, we've seen this problem again and again: homeowners delay spring repair, hoping it'll fix itself. Then one morning their garage door won't budge, and they're stuck calling for emergency service. A proactive spring replacement costs far less than a snapped spring that leaves your car trapped inside or creates a safety hazard for your family.
Your garage door weighs 300 to 400 pounds. Springs do the heavy lifting, counterbalancing that weight so your opener doesn't have to strain. Without properly functioning springs, your door becomes dangerous and your opener works overtime. Springs typically last 7 to 9 years, depending on how often you open and close your door. A residential door opening 3 to 5 times daily hits that lifespan faster than you might expect.
Two main types handle the job: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs wind above your door and use rotational force. Extension springs sit alongside your door and stretch under tension. Most modern homes in Larkspur use torsion springs because they're safer and more durable, but extension springs still show up on older systems.
Torsion springs wind around a metal rod above your garage door opening. They're under extreme tension. When one snaps, the door falls fast and hard. This design is safer because the springs are contained and less likely to snap unexpectedly during use.
Extension springs run parallel to your door's tracks. They extend and retract as the door moves. The trade-off is simpler installation and lower upfront cost. But they're more prone to wearing out faster, and a snapped extension spring can whip around dangerously.
Which one you need depends on your existing setup. Never mix types or try to replace springs yourself. The tension is lethal. A professional handles this safely and ensures balanced operation on both sides.
A single torsion spring replacement runs $200 to $400, while extension springs cost $100 to $200 each. Labor adds $150 to $300 depending on complexity. Springs always come in pairs (one on each side), so budget for two units plus service time. If only one snapped, the other isn't far behind, so replacing both at once saves money on repeat service calls.
Your actual estimate depends on spring size, door weight, and whether your opener needs adjustment afterward. Our post on garage door cost and pricing in Larkspur details what really affects your quote if you want to understand those variables deeper.
**Need garage door springs in Larkspur today?** Call 720-459-9673. we cover same-day service across the area.
Watch for these red flags. Your door moves slowly or unevenly. One side lags behind the other. You hear a loud bang from the garage (that's a snapped spring). Your opener runs but the door doesn't budge. The door feels heavier when you push it manually.
Don't ignore these signals. A broken spring puts strain on your opener, tracks, and rollers. That cascade of damage costs far more to repair than replacing springs proactively. Regular garage door maintenance in Larkspur helps catch wear before springs fail.
When you call, describe what you're hearing and seeing. Do you hear grinding? Does the door hang crooked? Has it snapped? These details help our team arrive prepared with the right replacement parts. Most spring issues qualify for same-day service in Larkspur because we stock common sizes.
Professional replacement takes 45 minutes to an hour. Your door operates safely again the same day. DIY attempts waste time and risk serious injury from the high-tension mechanics involved.
Visit our springs service page to learn more about what we offer, then schedule a free quote so we can assess your specific door and springs.
Use your door regularly. Springs that sit idle actually deteriorate faster than springs in regular use. Avoid slamming the door. Keep tracks clean and lubricated. Annual tune-ups catch worn springs before they snap. Replace springs in pairs, even if only one failed, to maintain balanced operation.
If your door is old or you're unsure of spring condition, get an inspection. It costs nothing and prevents expensive emergency calls.
Spring replacement doesn't have to derail your budget. Catch the problem early, use a trusted local company, and you'll keep costs reasonable while protecting your family and your vehicles. Garage Door Company Larkspur is ready to help whenever you need us.
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How long do garage door springs last? Torsion and extension springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal residential use, roughly 10,000 cycles. Heavy use shortens that span. Regular maintenance and prompt replacement of the first failed spring helps protect your entire system.
Can I replace just one spring? No. Springs always work in pairs. If one snaps, the other is near the end of its life too. Replacing both ensures balanced door operation and prevents a second emergency call weeks later.
What causes a snapped spring? Wear over time is the main culprit. Rust, temperature swings in Colorado, and repeated stress cycles all accelerate failure. Our detailed guide on snapped garage door springs in Larkspur covers immediate steps if yours just broke.
Is spring replacement expensive? A complete replacement with labor typically costs $300 to $600. That's an investment, but catching worn springs early costs far less than emergency service plus secondary damage to your opener or door panels.
Should I repair or replace my garage door? If springs are the only issue, replace them. If your door is over 15 years old with multiple failing parts, replacing the door may save money long term. Contact us for a honest assessment and cost comparison.