2026-07-05 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
A customer called last Tuesday morning. His garage door wouldn't budge. He'd heard a loud crack the night before but ignored it. Turns out one of his torsion springs had snapped clean in half. That's the most common spring failure I see here in Larkspur, and it's never something you can fix yourself.
Your garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds depending on the size and material. Two springs (or sometimes four extension springs) carry that entire load. When one snaps, the other can't hold it alone. The door becomes a dead weight. See our guide on garage door safety in larkspur: why photo eyes and auto-reverse matter.
You'll notice this immediately. The door either won't open at all, or it opens partway then crashes down. Some people hear a loud bang or twang from the garage. That's the spring breaking under tension. Never try to force the door open after a snap. You'll damage the opener, the tracks, or worse, get hurt.
Torsion springs are the most common type in modern homes. They're mounted horizontally above the door and twist to create lifting force. Extension springs hang on either side and stretch to do the same job. Both can fail, but torsion springs tend to last longer (usually 7 to 9 years with regular use). When one goes, the other typically follows within months. Read about garage door tune-up cost in larkspur: what you.
Springs wear out from repetitive use. Every time your door opens or closes, the spring cycles. Most residential springs are rated for 10,000 to 15,000 cycles. That sounds like a lot until you realize it's only 7 to 9 years for a door that opens and closes three times daily.
Humidity and temperature swings in the Denver metro area accelerate wear. Cold winters and hot, dry summers stress metal. Rust and corrosion eat into the spring, weakening it. If you've noticed your door getting slower to open or sagging slightly, those are warning signs the spring is near the end.
Maintenance helps. A quick tune-up every year can extend spring life and catch problems early. Check out our garage door maintenance guide) for what homeowners can actually do themselves.
**Need garage door springs in Larkspur today?** Call 720-459-9673. we cover same-day service across the area.
A single torsion spring replacement typically runs between $200 and $400 in Larkspur. If both springs need replacing (which I recommend when one fails), budget closer to $400 to $600. An extension spring pair is usually cheaper, around $150 to $300 for both.
That estimate includes the springs themselves, labor, and safety testing. I always replace both springs even if only one broke. The remaining spring is already worn and will fail soon. Replacing one at a time costs more in the long run.
Same-day service costs a bit more. Emergency calls outside business hours carry a surcharge. But waiting three days with a non-functional garage door isn't practical for most families. We handle same-day replacements across Larkspur and surrounding areas. Call us now to get on the schedule.
For a full breakdown of what springs cost and when to replace them, see our comprehensive springs guide).
If you have a snapped spring, don't open the door manually or with the opener. Don't call a handyman or DIY it. Springs are under extreme tension. Improper handling causes serious injuries.
Contact a licensed garage door technician immediately. We offer free estimates over the phone and can usually dispatch someone the same day. Our team has the right tools, replacement springs, and experience to do this safely.
Schedule a free quote with us) or call 720-459-9673. Tell us what you heard or saw, and we'll assess whether it's a spring, cable, or opener issue. Most snapped spring repairs take 30 to 45 minutes once we arrive.
If your door has other wear or damage, we can discuss that during the visit. Sometimes a spring failure is paired with worn tracks or a tired opener that should be replaced soon.
How long does a spring replacement take? Most torsion spring replacements take 30 to 45 minutes. Extension springs may take a bit longer if both need replacing. We test everything before we leave your driveway.
Can I open my garage door manually if the spring is snapped? It's unsafe. A snapped spring means the door is no longer balanced. Manual operation risks injury or further damage to the opener and tracks. Wait for professional help.
Why do both springs need replacing if only one broke? The second spring is the same age and under the same stress. It will fail within weeks or months. Replacing both prevents a second emergency call and saves money overall.
Do you offer emergency service in Larkspur? Yes. Call 720-459-9673 anytime. We handle same-day emergencies and can often fit you in the next available slot, even evenings and weekends.
How much does a spring replacement really cost near me? In Larkspur, expect $200 to $400 for a single torsion spring or $400 to $600 for both. Extension springs run $150 to $300 per pair. Price varies based on spring type and whether you need both replaced. We provide a free estimate.