2026-07-15 7 min read
A customer called last Tuesday morning. Her garage door wouldn't budge. Turns out one of her torsion springs had snapped overnight, which happens more often than you'd think. She was worried about the cost. I gave her an honest answer, and that's what this post is about.
Garage door springs in Lakewood typically cost between $150 and $400 per spring, depending on the type and your door's size. If you need both springs replaced (which we almost always recommend), budget $300 to $800 total, plus labor. A same-day service call runs another $100 to $150. The whole job takes about an hour.
Springs don't just break randomly. They're engineered to last about 7 to 9 years under normal use, which translates to roughly 10,000 to 15,000 cycles. A cycle is one full open and close. If your door opens and closes twice daily, you're looking at a lifespan somewhere in that window.
Most Lakewood homes have one of two types: torsion springs or extension springs. Torsion springs sit above the door and handle the heavy lifting. Extension springs run along the sides and stretch to counterbalance the door's weight. Torsion springs are more durable and safer, but they cost more upfront. Extension springs fail faster and can be dangerous if they snap because the cable can whip around.
When a spring snaps, your door becomes a dead weight. The opener can't lift it. Trying to force it risks damage to the entire system.
**Need garage door springs in Lakewood today?** Call 562-573-8421. We cover same-day service across the area.
Several factors change your final bill. Door weight matters most. A heavy insulated door needs stronger springs and costs more to replace than a lightweight single-layer door. Standard residential doors typically weigh 300 to 400 pounds.
Spring brand and quality also factor in. A basic spring runs cheaper than a high-cycle, commercial-grade spring rated for 20,000 cycles. I always recommend the better spring because it lasts longer and fails less often.
Labor varies too. If we're already in your neighborhood doing other work, the service call is faster. If you're the first stop of the day in Lakewood, you might pay a bit more for travel time.
One thing we don't do here at Garage Door Lakewood: hidden fees. We give you an estimate before we start. You know exactly what you're paying for springs, labor, and service. If you want to learn more about how our pricing works, schedule a free quote and we'll walk you through it.
Yes. Even if only one spring snapped, the other is at the same age and condition. Replacing both springs at the same time saves you money in the long run because you pay labor once instead of twice in six months. Springs wear at the same rate, so the second one will fail soon after the first.
This is one of those situations where honesty and your wallet align. Doing it right the first time costs less than doing it twice.
I need to be direct here. Don't try this yourself. Garage door springs are under extreme tension. A snapped spring can cause serious injury. Even a small mistake during removal can send a spring flying or cause the door to drop unexpectedly. Our safety guide covers this in more detail, but the short version is simple: call a professional.
We have the tools, experience, and insurance to handle it safely. A same-day service call from us costs far less than an emergency room visit.
You can't stop springs from aging, but you can slow it down. Regular lubrication reduces friction and stress. Keep the tracks clean and aligned. Make sure the door opens smoothly without binding or jerking.
If your garage door opener is working harder than it should, the springs might be wearing faster. That's worth checking.
If your springs are failing, don't wait. A broken spring puts stress on your opener and can damage other parts of the system. Get it fixed fast.
Call us at 562-573-8421 or get a same-day estimate online. We'll give you an honest price and let you know exactly what you're paying for. We serve Lakewood and the surrounding Long Beach area.
Your garage door is too important to guess about. Let's get it working right.
How long do garage door springs last? Most springs last 7 to 9 years or 10,000 to 15,000 cycles, whichever comes first. High-cycle springs can last longer. Regular maintenance helps them reach their full lifespan.
Can I drive my car if one spring is broken? No. Don't use the door. A broken spring means the other spring carries all the weight alone, risking further damage. Call for service right away.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs? Torsion springs sit above the door and are safer, more durable, and more expensive. Extension springs run on the sides, cost less, fail faster, and are more dangerous if they snap.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover spring replacement? Usually not. Spring failure is considered normal wear and tear. Check your policy, but most homeowners pay out of pocket for spring service.
How much does a spring replacement cost near me? In Lakewood, expect $300 to $800 for both springs plus labor, depending on spring type and door size. Call 562-573-8421 for an exact estimate.