2026-08-17 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
Most people don't think about their garage door until something breaks. When a spring snaps, that door becomes a 400-pound paperweight. Springs are the hardest-working part of your garage door system, and they fail without much warning. Knowing what to look for saves you time, money, and frustration in Larkspur and the surrounding area.
Garage door springs last roughly 7 to 9 years under normal use. Some fail faster. Colorado's temperature swings (hot days, freezing nights, high altitude at our elevation) stress the metal. Every time your door cycles up and down, the spring winds and unwinds, storing and releasing tension.
Torsion springs sit above the door, centered on a shaft. Extension springs run along the sides. Both types work under enormous pressure. When a spring reaches the end of its life, metal fatigue causes tiny cracks to spread until the spring snaps suddenly.
You can't predict the exact moment. But you can spot signs that failure is near.
Listen for noise first. A loud bang or crack from inside the garage is often a spring breaking. But you might notice warning signs before it reaches that point.
The door feels heavier than usual when you open it manually. The opener struggles to lift it, or the door won't open all the way. You might see the door sagging on one side (common if you have two springs and only one breaks). The door moves slowly or seems to hesitate midway.
If the door won't budge at all, a snapped spring is usually the culprit. Don't force it. You could damage the opener or the door itself.
This isn't a DIY job. Spring replacement involves real danger. The springs hold hundreds of pounds of tension. A slip or mistake can cause serious injury. The shaft is under extreme pressure; mishandling it can mean a broken hand or worse.
Professional technicians have the right tools, training, and safety equipment. We also ensure both springs are replaced even if only one broke. Replacing just one leaves the other to fail soon after, and imbalance stresses your opener.
Our team covers same-day service across Larkspur for snapped springs. We'll diagnose the problem, give you an honest estimate with no hidden fees, and fix it right. Check out our full garage door spring replacement and repair services to see what we offer.
**Need garage door springs in Larkspur today?** Call (720) 706-2893. we cover same-day service across the area.
The cost of spring replacement depends on the type and brand. Torsion springs typically run $200 to $400 per spring, plus labor. Extension springs are usually $150 to $250 per spring. Labor adds another $100 to $200 depending on complexity and your door's size.
If both springs need replacement, budget $500 to $900 total. That sounds steep, but it's far cheaper than a new opener or door repair if one fails and damages other parts.
We're transparent about pricing here at Garage Door Company USAF Academy. You get a free estimate, not a surprise bill. If you want to understand pricing better before you call, read our guide on [garage door estimates versus quotes] (/blog/garage-door-estimate-vs-quote-larkspur-which-costs-less). It explains what real transparency looks like.
Regular maintenance matters. Lubricating the springs, rollers, and hinges every six months reduces stress on metal. A well-maintained door cycles smoothly and puts less strain on springs.
Also keep an eye on the door's overall health. Misaligned tracks, worn rollers, or rust accumulation force the springs to work harder. Our garage door tune-up and maintenance guide covers what to check and when to schedule service.
Once you call, we'll ask a few quick questions: Is the door completely stuck? Do you hear any noise? We'll schedule a visit within hours for Larkspur residents. On arrival, we inspect both springs, test the door balance, and check the opener.
We'll explain exactly what needs to happen and quote you fairly. No pressure. You decide whether to proceed. If you want to move forward, most spring replacements take 1 to 2 hours.
Spring failure is urgent but not catastrophic if you act fast. The sooner you call, the sooner we get your door working again. Schedule a free estimate today or reach us at (720) 706-2893.
Can I use my garage door if one spring is broken? No. Do not try to open it manually or with the opener. A broken spring means zero support from that side. You risk injury and damage to the door or opener. Call a professional immediately.
How long does spring replacement take? Most jobs take 1 to 2 hours from arrival to finish. We replace both springs even if only one broke, test the door balance, and ensure everything operates safely and smoothly.
Why do both springs need replacing if only one broke? Springs work in pairs and age together. If one failed, the other is near failure too. Replacing only one creates imbalance, strains the opener, and guarantees another emergency call soon.
Is spring replacement covered by warranty? We back our work with a solid warranty on parts and labor. Details depend on the specific job. Ask during your estimate.
How can I prevent spring failure? Schedule regular maintenance every 6 months. Lubricate moving parts, inspect for rust or cracks, and address any noise or resistance early. Preventive care adds years to spring life.