2026-09-22 5 min read
If you've ever dealt with a stuck garage door, you know how frustrating it can be. Most of the time, the culprit isn't your opener or cables. It's the springs. When garage door springs in Larkspur fail, your door either won't budge or drops like a stone. The good news: this is fixable, and understanding your options upfront saves money and headaches.
Your garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. Two springs counterbalance that weight, making it easy to open and close. There are two main types: torsion springs and extension springs.
Torsion springs sit above your door, inside a metal shaft. They twist and unwind to lift the door. Extension springs hang on either side of the door track, stretching and contracting. Both designs last roughly 7 to 9 years with normal use, though that timeline varies based on how often you open and close your door.
Most homes in the Larkspur area use torsion springs because they're more durable and safer. If your door is older, you might have extension springs instead.
A snapped spring usually announces itself loudly. The door won't open, or it opens partway and stops hard. You might hear a loud bang or twang from the garage.
Other warning signs include slow door movement, uneven opening, or the door feeling heavier than usual. These suggest the springs are weakening but haven't failed yet. If you notice any of these, don't ignore them. A failing spring can damage your opener, cables, or worse, create a safety hazard.
We recommend a professional inspection if something feels off. Our garage door maintenance guide covers what to check regularly and when to call in help.
**Need garage door springs in Larkspur today?** Call 720-459-9673. we cover same-day service across the area.
When a spring breaks, repair usually means replacement. Springs aren't field-repairable in any practical sense. Once they snap, they're done.
The question becomes: do you replace just the broken spring, or both? Most professionals recommend replacing both springs at the same time, even if only one failed. Here's why: springs age together. If one snapped at year 7, the other is under the same stress and likely to fail within months. Replacing both now prevents a second emergency call later.
Replacing a single spring costs less upfront, but you'll probably pay again soon. Replacing both springs is the smarter long-term choice and often only costs 15 to 25 percent more.
Spring replacement cost depends on the type (torsion vs. extension), door weight, and labor. Torsion springs typically run higher because they're more complex to install. A basic torsion spring replacement for both springs ranges from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on your door size and spring quality.
For an accurate estimate tailored to your setup, get a free quote from our team or call 720-459-9673. We'll inspect your door, identify the spring type, and give you transparent pricing with no surprises.
See our garage door cost and pricing guide for more detail on what affects your final bill.
Spring replacement is dangerous. Springs are under extreme tension, and removing them without proper tools and training can cause serious injury. A professional has the equipment, knowledge, and safety protocols to do the job right.
If your door is stuck due to a snapped spring, don't try to force it open or replace it yourself. Call a licensed technician. If this is an emergency and your door won't open, check our emergency garage door service page for next steps.
Springs fail because they're designed to. There's no way to extend their lifespan indefinitely. But proper maintenance reduces strain and catches problems early.
Lubricate your springs every six months with garage door lubricant (not WD40). Keep the door tracks clean and aligned. Have your door balanced annually. These small steps add up and may squeeze a year or two out of your springs before they give out.
Regular tune-ups also catch worn springs before they snap, letting you plan the replacement instead of scrambling during an emergency.
A snapped spring doesn't require panic, just action. Call Garage Door Company Larkspur at 720-459-9673 for a same-day estimate. We serve Larkspur and the surrounding Front Range communities with honest pricing and no hidden fees.
Schedule a free quote online or ask about our same-day service options. Most spring replacements can be completed within hours of your call.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion and extension springs typically last 7 to 9 years. Lifespan depends on climate, usage frequency, and maintenance. Springs in cold, dry areas like Larkspur often last longer than those in humid regions.
Can I replace just one spring? Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Both springs age together. Replacing one while the other is near failure means a second breakdown soon. Replacing both costs slightly more upfront but prevents future emergencies and saves money overall.
What does a spring replacement cost? Cost varies based on spring type, door weight, and your location. Single spring replacement ranges from a few hundred dollars, while both springs together typically cost more. Get a local estimate for accuracy.
Is a snapped spring an emergency? It depends. If your door won't open or close safely, it's urgent. Don't try forcing it. A stuck door isn't usually life-threatening, but safety risks exist. Contact a professional promptly.
Should I replace my opener at the same time? Not necessarily. Springs and openers are separate systems. However, an old or struggling opener might fail when new springs put different strain on it. Ask your technician if your opener needs attention during the spring replacement.
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