2026-04-12 7 min read
If you've ever heard a loud bang from your garage early in the morning, there's a good chance a spring just let go. It's one of those sounds Aurora homeowners recognize immediately. and dread. Garage door springs are the unsung workhorses of your entire door system, and when they fail, the door isn't going anywhere on its own.
Given that Aurora sits on Colorado's Front Range and sees temperatures that swing from below 20°F in January to nearly 90°F in July, your springs are under more stress than they would be in a moderate climate. That kind of extreme temperature variation causes metal to contract and expand repeatedly. and it accelerates wear on components like springs and cables.
Your garage door is heavy. often 150 to 300 pounds for a standard residential door. Springs counterbalance that weight, making it light enough for your opener motor to do its job. Without functioning springs, your opener is essentially trying to deadlift your door every single time.
There are two main types of springs found in Aurora homes:
- Torsion springs. mounted horizontally above the door opening. These are the more common type in newer homes across neighborhoods like Tallyn's Reach, Murphy Creek, and Saddle Rock, and they're generally safer and longer-lasting. - Extension springs. found running along the sides of the door track, more common in older Aurora homes and some townhomes. They're less expensive to replace but have a shorter lifespan.
Most springs are rated for 10,000 to 20,000 cycles, with one cycle being a single open-and-close operation. If your garage is the main entry point for your family. which is the case for most Aurora households. you can easily hit 1,500 cycles a year. Do the math and you're looking at a replacement every 7 to 14 years under normal conditions.
Springs rarely fail without warning. Here's what to watch for:
If your opener motor runs but the door barely lifts. or doesn't move at all. a broken spring is the most likely culprit. The motor simply can't overcome the full weight of the door without spring assistance.
Torsion springs that have snapped will show a clear separation in the coil. If you look above your door and see a gap where the coil should be continuous, the spring is broken and the door should not be operated.
A door that drops quickly when closing has lost its spring tension. This is a safety hazard, especially with kids and pets around. If your door is falling faster than usual, stop using it and contact a garage door professional right away.
When one spring fails on a two-spring system, the door often tilts to one side as it moves. You might notice one corner drooping or the door binding in the tracks.
Popping sounds often signal a spring under excessive stress. Squeaking can indicate the spring needs lubrication, but it can also be an early warning that wear is progressing faster than expected. common in Aurora's dry climate where metal-to-metal friction increases without moisture.
For a broader look at what other sounds and symptoms might mean for your door, check out our complete maintenance checklist which covers the full system.
Here's what you can realistically expect to pay:
- Torsion spring replacement: $150,$350 per spring, including parts and labor - Extension spring replacement: $100,$200 per spring - Both springs replaced together: $300,$500 for most standard residential doors - Emergency or after-hours service: Add a premium on top of standard rates
A few factors affect where you land in that range:
Door size and weight: The large three-car garage doors common in newer Aurora Highlands and Beacon Point homes require heavier-duty springs, which cost more. Single-car doors cost less.
Spring quality: Budget springs are rated for around 5,000,10,000 cycles. Premium springs from manufacturers like Clopay or Amarr can be rated for 25,000,50,000 cycles. The upfront cost difference is modest but the long-term value is real. especially if you're using your garage as a primary entry point.
Whether you replace one or both: Even if only one spring has broken, most experienced technicians recommend replacing both at the same time. The second spring has the same wear history as the first, and replacing them together saves you a second service call (and second labor charge) within a year or two.
Short answer: no, and this isn't just a liability disclaimer.
Torsion springs are wound under extreme tension. A spring that releases suddenly can cause serious injury. broken bones, lacerations, or worse. This is one of the most dangerous DIY repairs a homeowner can attempt, and even experienced professionals use specialized tools and follow strict procedures to do it safely.
Extension springs are slightly lower risk since you can reduce tension by clamping the door open, but improper installation can still result in the spring snapping free during operation. This is firmly in the "leave it to the pros" category.
If you're dealing with a sudden spring failure and aren't sure what to do, our emergency repair guide walks through the immediate steps to take safely while you wait for a technician.
You can't prevent springs from eventually wearing out, but you can slow the process:
- Lubricate springs every 6 months using a lithium-based or silicone spray lubricant. Aurora's semi-arid climate means less moisture-related rust, but the dry air and temperature swings still degrade unlubricated metal faster than you'd expect. - Check door balance periodically: Disconnect your opener, lift the door manually to about waist height, and release it. If it stays put, your springs are balanced. If it falls or rises on its own, something is off. - Schedule an annual inspection: A technician can spot uneven wear, minor corrosion, or tension issues before they result in a broken spring and a door that won't open.
Garage Door Company Aurora offers spring inspections as part of routine service calls across the metro area, including customers coming in from Centennial and the surrounding communities.
If you're ready to get your springs checked or replaced, you can view our full garage door repair services or reach out directly to schedule a visit.
How long does a garage door spring replacement take? In most cases, a professional technician can replace one or both torsion springs in 30 to 60 minutes. If additional issues are discovered during the repair. like worn cables or rollers. it may take a bit longer.
Is it safe to drive through a garage door with a broken spring? You should avoid operating the door at all if you suspect a broken spring. Forcing the opener to lift the door without spring support can burn out the motor and stress the cables. If your car is trapped inside, call a technician. they can manually release the door safely.
Should I replace both springs even if only one broke? Yes. Both springs wear at the same rate. If one has failed, the other is close behind. Replacing both at once is more cost-effective and prevents a repeat call within months.