A broken garage door spring is the single most common reason a garage door won't open. If your door suddenly stopped working, made a loud bang, or feels impossibly heavy to lift manually, a failed spring is almost certainly the cause. CS Garage Door Repair provides fast, professional garage door spring repair in Colorado Springs, CO — typically completed the same day you call.
Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs
Residential garage doors use one of two spring systems. Understanding which type you have helps you know what to expect from a repair.
Torsion Springs
Mounted horizontally above the door opening on a metal shaft. Most modern homes use torsion springs. They last longer, operate more smoothly, and are generally safer than extension springs.
- Typical lifespan: 10,000–20,000 cycles
- One or two springs depending on door weight
- Most common on doors over 14 feet wide
Extension Springs
Run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. Older and more common in lighter single-car garages. Usually come in pairs and should always be replaced together.
- Typical lifespan: 8,000–15,000 cycles
- Always replace both, even if only one breaks
- Require safety cables to prevent injury if they snap
Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken
Springs don't always fail with a dramatic bang. Watch for these warning signs before you're stuck with a door that won't move:
- Door won't open — the opener runs but the door barely moves or doesn't move at all
- Loud bang from the garage — a torsion spring snapping sounds like a gunshot
- Visible gap in the spring — a broken torsion spring will have a visible separation
- Door feels very heavy — springs counterbalance the door's weight; without them, lifting it manually takes significant effort
- Uneven movement — the door goes up on one side but not the other
- Cable hanging loose — a broken spring often causes the cables to go slack and fall off the drum
⚠ Do Not Attempt DIY Spring Replacement
Garage door springs are under extreme tension — a torsion spring stores enough energy to cause serious injury or death if it releases unexpectedly. This is one repair that should always be handled by a trained technician with the right tools. We've seen DIY attempts go badly wrong. Call us instead.
Our Spring Repair Process
When you call us for a broken spring, here's what happens:
- Same-day dispatch — we'll have a technician at your home, usually within 60 minutes
- Full inspection — we check the springs, cables, drums, and hardware before quoting
- Upfront quote — you get a flat price before we touch anything. No surprises.
- High-cycle spring installation — we use springs rated for 25,000+ cycles, not the builder-grade 10,000-cycle springs that most homes ship with
- Full system check — once the spring is replaced we test balance, adjust tension, and lubricate all moving parts
How Much Does Spring Repair Cost in Colorado Springs?
Spring replacement in the Colorado Springs area typically runs $150–$350 depending on the spring type, the number of springs, and any additional hardware needed. Torsion springs cost more than extension springs due to the higher-quality materials and more involved installation.
We give you a firm price before starting work. There's no service call fee — if you decide not to proceed after the quote, you owe nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does spring replacement take?
Most spring replacements take 45–90 minutes from the time the technician arrives. We carry a wide range of spring sizes on the truck so we rarely need to order parts.
Should I replace both springs even if only one broke?
Yes — if you have a two-spring system and one breaks, the other is close behind. Springs are installed at the same time and wear at the same rate. Replacing both now saves you a second service call within months.
What's the warranty on a spring replacement?
We warranty all parts and labor for two full years. If the spring fails within that period, we come back and fix it at no charge.
Can I still use my garage door with a broken spring?
We strongly advise against it. Operating an opener with a broken spring puts enormous strain on the motor and can damage the opener, cables, and drums — turning a $200 repair into a $600+ repair. Disengage the opener and leave the door down until we arrive.