2026-06-26 7 min read
If your garage door won't budge or moves slower than usual, a broken spring is likely the culprit. A snapped spring can leave your door stuck, your car trapped inside, and your morning routine derailed. The good news: springs are replaceable, affordable, and we can handle it same-day for most Mead homeowners.
Your garage door isn't held up by magic. Two springs (or one, on older single-spring setups) counterbalance the door's weight, making it easy to open and close. Without them, you'd need to manually lift 300 to 500 pounds every time you parked your car.
There are two main types: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs sit above the door and twist to release energy. Extension springs hang on either side and stretch as the door closes. Both do the same job but work differently. Knowing which type you have matters when something breaks.
Springs last about 7 to 9 years under normal use, though Colorado's freeze-thaw cycles can wear them faster. Once they snap, your door stops working until they're replaced. Unlike a dented panel, this isn't optional.
A snapped spring shows itself quickly. Your door either won't open at all, or it opens unevenly, one side rising faster than the other. You might hear a loud bang or crack when it fails. If you notice your door moving slower than usual, that's often an early warning sign that springs are weakening.
Don't try to force it. A garage door opener will strain and potentially burn out if springs are broken. That turns a $300 spring replacement into a $600 or $700 opener replacement. We've seen this happen too many times to homeowners trying to save a few bucks upfront.
For a complete overview of warning signs, check out our guide on 5 warning signs your garage door needs professional repair.
Here's where I'm honest: spring replacement isn't cheap, but it's not a scam either. A typical torsion spring replacement runs $250 to $400 per spring, including labor. If both springs are broken (common, since they age together), expect $500 to $800 total. Extension springs run slightly less, around $150 to $300 per spring installed.
Why the difference? Torsion springs are under higher tension and require specialized tools and training to install safely. One mistake can cause serious injury. Extension springs are simpler but still dangerous if you don't know what you're doing.
At Garage Door Mead, we charge honest prices with no hidden fees. We'll give you a free estimate before we touch anything, and you'll know exactly what you're paying for. No surprise charges after the job is done.
**Need garage door springs in Mead today?** Call (720) 452-4216. We cover same-day service across the area, including Fort Collins and surrounding towns.
This is where I need to be direct: replacing springs yourself is dangerous. Springs are under extreme tension. If they slip while you're working, they can cause serious cuts, broken bones, or worse. We've treated customers who've been hurt trying this at home.
The tools alone are expensive and specialized. A spring winding tool costs $200 to $400 if you can even find one locally. For a one-time repair, it makes no sense to buy equipment you'll never use again.
Our technicians train on this work and carry insurance. If something goes wrong, you're protected. If you get hurt doing it yourself, your homeowner's insurance might not cover it. The math is simple: call a professional.
Learn more about when to call for emergency garage door service in Mead.
The best way to handle spring failure is to avoid it. Regular lubrication extends spring life by years. We recommend having springs inspected annually, especially before Colorado winters hit hard. A $100 maintenance visit now beats a $600 replacement later.
If you're replacing springs, consider having us check your safety features at the same time. Springs and sensors work together. A broken spring might reveal other issues that could affect your family's safety.
Ready to get your springs checked or replaced? Schedule a free quote and we'll assess the situation in person.
How long do garage door springs last? Torsion and extension springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use. Colorado's temperature swings can shorten this. Springs are rated for about 10,000 to 20,000 cycles, depending on quality and type. Most homeowners replace them once during ownership.
Can one broken spring be replaced, or must both go? You can replace one, but we recommend replacing both at the same time. Springs age together, and the second one will likely fail within months if the first just broke. Replacing both ensures balanced, smooth operation.
What's the difference between a snapped spring and a worn one? A snapped spring breaks suddenly, often with a loud noise. A worn spring weakens gradually, causing slower operation or uneven door movement. Both require professional replacement, but snapped springs are emergencies.
Is spring replacement covered by homeowner's insurance? Usually no. Most homeowner policies don't cover garage door springs unless they fail due to a covered event like severe weather damage. Check your policy to be sure.
How quickly can you replace springs in Mead? We offer same-day service for most calls received before 2 PM. Contact us at (720) 452-4216 or get a same-day estimate online to confirm availability.