Replacing a broken torsion spring typically costs about $150 to $350, including parts and labor, according to 2025 and 2026 national cost guides from HomeGuide and Angi. Angi puts the national average at about $250. Extension springs usually cost a little less. Your actual price depends on your door, how many springs it uses and whether anything else was damaged when the spring broke.
Here’s what drives the cost, what to expect in Northern Virginia and how to avoid paying for the same repair twice.
Typical garage door spring costs
These are national ranges for parts and labor, as published by HomeGuide.
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Torsion spring replacement | $150 to $350 |
| Torsion spring and bar replacement | $200 to $400 |
| Extension spring replacement | $120 to $200 |
| Spring and cable replacement | $200 to $500 |
| Converting extension springs to torsion | $400 to $800+ |
Labor costs in the Washington, D.C. area are generally higher than the national average, so it’s reasonable to expect quotes in the middle or upper part of these ranges in Chantilly, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties. The best way to know your number is to get a clear quote after an inspection.
What affects the price of spring replacement
How many springs your door uses
Many single-car doors use one torsion spring, while heavier double-car doors often use two. If your door has two springs and one breaks, replacing both at the same visit is usually the smarter choice. They were installed together and have gone through the same number of cycles, so the second spring is often close to failing too.
Spring type and size
Torsion springs sit on a bar above the door. Extension springs run alongside the horizontal tracks. Each spring has to be matched to your door’s weight and height. Heavier doors, such as insulated, wood or oversized double doors, need larger springs, which cost more.
Standard or high-cycle springs
Standard torsion springs are commonly rated for about 10,000 cycles, where one cycle is one opening and one closing. High-cycle springs cost more up front but last longer, which makes sense if your household uses the garage door several times a day.
Other parts damaged by the break
When a spring snaps, the door can drop or twist. That often damages lift cables, cable drums, rollers or the opener. A spring job that also needs new cables usually lands in the $200 to $500 range.
When the repair happens
Cost guides note that emergency, after-hours and weekend service can carry higher charges. Booking during regular hours, when possible, can help keep the cost down.
How long do garage door springs last?
HomeGuide’s figures put torsion springs at about 10,000 to 20,000 cycles, or roughly 7 to 14 years of normal use. Extension springs average 5,000 to 15,000 cycles, about 4 to 10 years. A household that opens and closes the door four or more times a day will reach those numbers faster.
Signs your garage door spring is broken
- A loud bang from the garage, often when nobody was using the door
- A visible gap in the torsion spring above the door
- The door feels extremely heavy or won’t lift more than a few inches
- The opener hums or strains but the door doesn’t move
- The door goes up crooked or slams down quickly
- Loose or dangling cables on one or both sides
Why spring replacement isn’t a DIY job
Garage door springs are under extreme tension. Winding or unwinding a torsion spring without the right tools and training can cause serious injury. If you think a spring is broken, don’t use the opener to force the door, and keep people and cars clear of it until a technician arrives.
Getting your spring replaced in Northern Virginia
At Bestwork Garage Door, the technician inspects your springs, cables, drums and rollers, explains what failed and gives you a clear price before any work starts, with no hidden fees. Most spring replacements are finished in a single visit, and the door is balanced and safety-tested before we leave.
- Same-day service: book before 2 PM and we come the same day.
- Emergencies: call (571) 217-9517 any time. We’re available 24/7.
Learn more about our broken spring repair service or same-day garage door repair. We serve Chantilly, Centreville, Fairfax, Herndon, Reston, Sterling, Ashburn and Manassas.
Frequently asked questions
Should I replace both garage door springs at once?
If your door uses two springs, usually yes. They have the same age and wear, so when one breaks the other is often close behind. Replacing both together saves a second service visit and keeps the door balanced.
Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?
It’s not recommended. The springs do most of the lifting, so without them the door is very heavy. Forcing it with the opener can damage the opener, and lifting it by hand can be dangerous if it drops.
Is a high-cycle spring worth the extra cost?
If your garage is your main entrance and the door runs many times a day, high-cycle springs usually pay off by lasting much longer between replacements. For lighter use, standard springs are often enough.
Cost figures are national ranges from HomeGuide and Angi. Call for an exact quote for your door.
