2026-08-08 7 min read
In our years serving Covina, we've seen this problem again and again: a homeowner hears a loud crack or bang, tries to open their garage door, and nothing happens. A snapped spring is one of the most common garage door failures, and it's also one of the most dangerous. You should never attempt a DIY fix on a broken spring. We'll explain why, what causes springs to fail, and what to expect when you call for professional help.
Your garage door weighs between 300 and 500 pounds. Two springs, either torsion or extension type, support that entire weight and lower it smoothly each time you open and close it. Over time, the metal fatigues. Springs typically last 7 to 9 years with regular use, not the 10 or 15 years many homeowners assume.
Torsion springs sit above your door on a metal rod and twist to counterbalance the weight. Extension springs run horizontally along the sides and stretch to do the same job. Both types carry enormous tension. When a spring snaps, that tension releases instantly. The door loses support and can slam down. Your opener may burn out trying to lift a door it can't move.
Heat and Covina's climate accelerate spring wear. Summer temperatures cause metal to expand and contract more aggressively than in cooler climates. We've also covered how Covina's heat damages your garage door in detail on this site. If you haven't inspected your springs in the last year, now is the time.
Don't wait for the loud bang. Listen and watch for these warning signs:
- Door feels heavier than normal or rises crookedly, Visible rust or corrosion on the spring coils, Door stops partway up or drops faster than usual, Creaking or squealing sounds from above the door, Gap or separation in the spring coil
If you spot any of these, a snapped spring is likely coming soon. Schedule an inspection before you're stuck outside or inside your garage.
**Need garage door springs in Covina today?** Call 626-709-2397. we cover same-day service across the area.
This is non-negotiable: do not try to replace a garage door spring yourself. Here's why:
The stored tension in a compressed or stretched spring can cause serious injury. Release that tension incorrectly and the spring can whip out, break bones, or worse. Even experienced mechanics use specialized tools and follow strict safety protocols. One slip, and you're in an emergency room.
Your garage door opener is also at risk. Older openers may not have modern safety features. If the spring is broken and you keep trying to open the door, the opener's motor burns out. That's an extra $300 to $500 cost on top of the spring replacement.
Most importantly, a broken spring affects your home's security. A door that won't close properly leaves your garage, car, and home vulnerable. The cost of a same-day professional repair is far less than the cost of a break-in.
Spring replacement cost in Covina typically ranges from $200 to $400 for a standard residential door, depending on whether you need one spring or two and the spring type. Torsion springs tend to cost slightly more than extension springs because they require more precision installation.
Many homeowners ask if they should replace both springs when only one breaks. Our answer: yes. If one spring has reached the end of its lifespan, the other is close behind. Replacing both at once saves you a second service call a few months later.
The repair itself takes 1 to 2 hours. A technician will assess the damage, disconnect the opener, remove the old spring safely, install the new one (or two), test the door balance, and reconnect your opener. At Garage Door Covina, we can often arrange same-day service estimates near you for spring replacement.
If your garage door won't open or close, assume the spring is broken until proven otherwise. Call us immediately. Don't force the door open using your opener. Don't attempt any temporary fixes. A professional inspection will confirm what's wrong and provide an honest estimate.
The sooner you address a broken spring, the faster your door returns to normal. Delaying the repair puts stress on your opener, door panels, and hardware, and leaves your home less secure.
For a complete picture of garage door maintenance and what most homeowners miss, read our garage door maintenance guide. Regular maintenance can catch spring wear before failure.
Don't let a broken spring leave you stranded. Call 626-709-2397 today or schedule a free quote online to get a same-day estimate. We'll send a technician to assess your door, explain your options, and have you back in business fast.
Spring failure happens to every homeowner eventually. The difference is how quickly you respond. We're here to help.
How do I know if my garage door spring is broken? Your door won't open or close smoothly, feels much heavier than normal, or you heard a loud crack or snap. If the door drops suddenly or stops partway, the spring has likely failed. Never force the opener in these cases.
Can I use my garage door if the spring is broken? No. A broken spring removes the counterbalance. Operating the door risks injury, damages the opener motor, and leaves your garage unsecured. Stop using it immediately and call for professional repair.
How much does a garage door spring replacement cost? Typical cost ranges from $200 to $400 in Covina, depending on spring type and whether one or both springs need replacement. Get a free estimate before committing to the work.
How long do garage door springs last? Standard springs last 7 to 9 years with normal residential use (about 3 to 5 cycles per day). Covina's heat can reduce that timeline. Regular maintenance helps you catch wear before failure.
Should I replace both springs if only one breaks? Yes. Springs wear together. If one has failed, the other is nearing the end. Replace both to avoid a second service call in weeks and maintain balanced door operation.