2026-06-15 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
Most people don't think about their garage door springs until the door won't budge. A snapped spring is one of the most common calls we get, and it's usually something homeowners never see coming. The good news: repair is fast, predictable, and affordable if you act quickly.
Your garage door weighs 300 to 500 pounds. Springs don't lift it directly. Instead, they counterbalance that weight, making the opener's job much easier. Without springs, your opener would burn out in weeks.
Two types handle this work: torsion springs (one or two heavy-duty coils above the door) and extension springs (paired lighter springs on each side). Torsion springs last 7 to 9 years under normal use. Extension springs typically go 5 to 7 years. Salt air in Del Mar and nearby coastal areas accelerates rust and wear, so expect the shorter end of that range.
Springs fail from fatigue, not sudden shock. Metal fatigues with each opening and closing cycle. After thousands of cycles, that metal becomes brittle and snaps. You'll hear a loud bang or crack. The door won't open, or it'll feel unbalanced.
A single torsion spring replacement runs between $200 and $400 for parts and labor. If both springs need replacement (which we often recommend for balanced wear), plan on $400 to $650. Extension spring repair is slightly cheaper, typically $150 to $300 per spring.
These costs depend on spring size, door weight, and whether we're doing same-day service. Emergency calls outside business hours cost more. We offer free estimates, so you'll know the exact price before we touch anything.
**Need garage door springs in Del Mar today?** Call (888) 342-3454. we cover same-day service across the area.
Springs hold enormous tension. A snapped spring can whip violently and cause serious injury or death. We've seen garage door springs injure people who tried to replace them alone. The tools required are specialized and expensive.
If you notice a snapped spring, don't attempt repair. Keep the door closed. Call a professional. It takes us 30 to 60 minutes from arrival to completion on most jobs.
Our team at Garage Door Company Del Mar carries common spring sizes on the truck, which is why we offer same-day estimates and repairs. You won't wait days for parts or rescheduling.
Here's what to expect when you contact us about a snapped spring or worn springs near you.
You call us (888) 342-3454. We ask a few quick questions: Is the door stuck open or closed? Did you hear a loud noise? What's your address? We can often diagnose the issue over the phone and give you a ballpark cost estimate.
We schedule a visit. Same-day service is available in most cases. If you call early morning, we're usually at your door by afternoon.
Our technician arrives, inspects the springs, and provides a written estimate. If you approve, we order parts if needed (usually on hand) and begin work immediately. Total time on-site is rarely more than an hour.
If both springs need replacement, we do both, even if only one snapped. This prevents the second spring from failing weeks later and costing you another service call. Many homeowners appreciate that transparency.
For more details on what happens during a repair visit, check out our guide on 5 warning signs your garage door needs professional repair.
Preventive maintenance extends spring life. Annual lubrication and visual inspection catch wear early. We also recommend having your door balanced and springs checked as part of routine maintenance, especially if you live near the coast where salt air accelerates corrosion.
If you're curious about the full scope of garage door care, our essential maintenance tips for Del Mar homeowners cover what you can do yourself and what we handle.
Spring issues often come hand-in-hand with opener problems. If your door is old or the opener is struggling, replacement might make sense. Read our comparison of garage door opener repair versus replacement to decide your best path forward.
Broken or worn springs won't fix themselves. The longer you wait, the more stress lands on your opener and other components, driving up repair costs down the line.
Schedule a free quote or call us at (888) 342-3454 to book same-day service. We'll inspect your springs, give you an honest estimate, and get your door working again quickly.
For a deeper dive into spring types and costs, visit our complete garage door springs guide.
How do I know if my springs are about to break? Listen for squeaking, creaking, or a slight gap forming between coils. Watch for uneven door movement or the door feeling heavier than usual. These are warning signs that springs are wearing out. Don't wait for a snap.
Can I replace just one spring if only one broke? Technically yes, but we don't recommend it. The second spring is the same age and under identical stress. It'll fail soon after. Replacing both springs at once saves money and hassle long term.
How much does a spring replacement cost in Del Mar? Single torsion spring replacement is $200 to $400. Both springs together run $400 to $650. Extension springs cost less. We provide free written estimates before any work begins.
How fast can you repair a snapped spring? We offer same-day service across Del Mar and surrounding areas. Most repairs take 30 to 60 minutes once our technician arrives. Call (888) 342-3454 to schedule.
Why do springs fail faster in coastal areas? Salt air accelerates rust and corrosion on metal coils. Springs in Del Mar and nearby coastal communities typically last 5 to 7 years instead of 7 to 9. Regular lubrication helps slow corrosion.