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Garage door spring replacement is a repair service that involves removing broken or worn torsion springs and installing new ones to restore your door’s lifting capability. In Calgary, spring replacement typically costs $380–$480 + GST for a standard pair of torsion springs, which includes parts, labor, a full safety inspection, and a one-year warranty. At Calgary Garage Door Fix, we offer same-day spring replacement—call (403) 990-9536 and a technician can be at your door within 2 hours.
If your garage door won’t open, feels extremely heavy, or you heard a loud bang from the garage, you likely have a broken spring. This is the most common garage door repair we perform—and the most urgent. A door with a broken spring is both inoperable and dangerous to use.
Garage door springs are the workhorses of your door system. They counterbalance the weight of the door—typically 150–250 pounds for a standard residential garage door—so your opener only needs to provide the motion, not the lifting power.
Without functioning springs, your garage door opener cannot lift the door. The opener motor is designed to move a balanced door, not to lift hundreds of pounds of dead weight. This is why a broken spring renders your door completely inoperable, even if the opener itself is fine.
There are two main types of garage door spring systems:
Torsion Springs (Most Common)
Mounted on a metal shaft above the garage door opening. As the door closes, the springs wind up and store energy. When you open the door, that stored energy helps lift it. Approximately 90% of Calgary homes have torsion spring systems.
Extension Springs (Older Systems)
Mounted on either side of the door, running parallel to the horizontal tracks. They stretch and contract to provide lifting force. More common in older Calgary homes built before 1990, and generally considered less safe than torsion systems.
At Calgary Garage Door Fix, we service both types but recommend torsion systems for their safety, longevity, and smoother operation. If you have extension springs, we can discuss upgrading to a torsion system during your service visit.
Based on our experience with 32,000+ garage door repairs across Calgary, here are the telltale signs of a broken or failing spring:
Important: If you notice any of these signs, stop using your garage door immediately. Operating a door with a broken or failing spring is dangerous and can cause further damage to your door, tracks, and opener.
| Service | Price (+ GST) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Single torsion spring on two spring system | $280 | One spring, inspection, lubrication, 1-year warranty on our spring |
| Single torsion spring on three + spring system. | $320 | One spring, inspection, lubrication, 1-year warranty on our spring |
| Two standard torsion springs (recommended) | $380–$480 | Both springs, full inspection, tune-up, 1-year warranty |
| High-cycle torsion springs | $680+ | 25,000+ cycle springs for extended lifespan |
| Custom/oversized springs | $880+ | Built to order for non-standard doors |
| Extension spring conversion to torsion | $680+ | Full system upgrade with new hardware |
Even if only one spring has broken, we strongly recommend replacing both at the same time. Here’s why:
| Feature | Standard Springs | High-Cycle Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle rating | 10,000 cycles | 25,000–100,000 cycles |
| Expected lifespan | 7–10 years | 15–25+ years |
| Best for | Average use (3–4 cycles/day) | Heavy use, families, home businesses |
| Cost | $380–$480 | $680+ |
| Recommendation | Most Calgary homeowners | If you want “install and forget” |
Our recommendation: For most Calgary homeowners, standard 10,000-cycle springs offer the best value. However, if you use your garage door frequently (5+ times daily), work from home, or simply want longer intervals between replacements, high-cycle springs are worth the investment.
Understanding why springs fail can help you maximize their lifespan. Based on our data from 32,000+ Calgary repairs, here are the primary causes:
1. Normal Wear and Tear (Cycle Limit)
Every garage door spring has a rated lifespan measured in “cycles” (one open + one close = one cycle). Standard springs are rated for approximately 10,000 cycles. For a household using the garage 4 times daily, that’s about 7–10 years of use.
2. Calgary’s Extreme Temperature Swings
Calgary’s climate is particularly hard on garage door springs. We regularly experience -30°C winters and +30°C summers—a 60-degree swing that causes metal to contract and expand repeatedly. This accelerates metal fatigue and is a major reason we see higher spring failure rates here than in milder climates.
3. Rust and Corrosion
Road salt tracked into garages during winter accelerates corrosion. Rust weakens the spring metal and creates stress points where breaks are more likely. Springs in unheated garages or near the garage entrance are especially vulnerable.
4. Lack of Maintenance
Springs require periodic lubrication to reduce friction and prevent rust. Unlubricated springs wear faster and are more prone to sudden failure. Annual garage door maintenance ($120) can significantly extend spring life.
5. Improper Spring Size or Installation
Some builders install undersized springs to cut costs. These springs work harder than they should on every cycle and fail prematurely—sometimes within 3–5 years. If your springs have failed early, we’ll check whether the original sizing was correct.
6. Poor Quality Springs
Not all springs are created equal. We use high-quality, oil-tempered springs designed for durability in cold climates—not the cheapest option from overseas suppliers.
Here’s exactly what happens when you book a spring replacement with Calgary Garage Door Fix:
1. Book Your Appointment
Call us at (403) 990-9536 or book online. We’ll ask a few questions to confirm the issue—often, customers can describe the “loud bang” or send a photo of the broken spring. We provide an accurate quote before dispatching a technician.
2. Technician Arrival (Within 2 Hours)
Our fully-equipped service van arrives with all common spring sizes in stock. The technician will introduce themselves, confirm the quoted price, and explain what they’ll be doing.
3. Safety Inspection
Before starting, we inspect the entire door system. We check cables (which often fray when springs break), rollers and hinges, tracks, and the opener for any related damage.
4. Spring Replacement (60–90 Minutes)
The technician will:
5. Complimentary Tune-Up
Every spring replacement includes lubrication of all moving parts, tightening of loose hardware, and minor adjustments at no extra charge.
6. Final Walkthrough
We test the door multiple times with and without the opener, demonstrate proper operation, and answer any questions. You’ll receive a warranty card covering parts and labor for one full year.
Total time on-site: Typically 60–90 minutes for standard spring replacement.
We strongly advise against attempting to replace garage door springs yourself. Here’s why:
Torsion springs are under extreme tension. A wound torsion spring stores enough energy to cause severe injury or death if released improperly. Every year, DIY garage door spring repairs result in thousands of emergency room visits across North America.
Specialized tools are required. Proper spring replacement requires winding bars, a torque wrench, and other tools most homeowners don’t have. Improvised tools (like screwdrivers) can slip and cause the spring to release violently.
Incorrect sizing causes problems. Springs must be matched precisely to your door’s weight, height, and track radius. Incorrect springs cause poor balance, premature wear, and potential safety hazards.
The savings aren’t worth the risk. Professional spring replacement costs $380–$480. The hospital bills, property damage, or worse from a DIY gone wrong cost far more.
Bottom line: Garage door spring replacement is one repair that should always be left to trained professionals with the right tools and experience.
Our technicians—including Yurii, Yulii, Mack, Vadim, Gage, and Yoav—are fully trained in all spring systems and carry the parts needed to complete most replacements on the spot.
We provide same-day spring replacement throughout Calgary and surrounding communities:
Northwest Calgary: Tuscany, Arbour Lake, Citadel, Evanston, Nolan Hill, Sage Hill, Royal Oak, Bowness, Brentwood, Varsity
Northeast Calgary: Taradale, Martindale, Skyview Ranch, Saddleridge, Temple, Falconridge, Pineridge
Southwest Calgary: Signal Hill, Aspen Woods, Evergreen, Shawnessy, Lakeview, Killarney, Marda Loop
Southeast Calgary: Mahogany, Cranston, Auburn Bay, McKenzie Towne, Copperfield, Douglasdale, Seton
Surrounding Areas: Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere, Okotoks, Langdon
A broken garage door spring doesn’t have to ruin your day. Call Calgary Garage Door Fix at (403) 990-9536 for same-day spring replacement, or book your appointment online.
Spring replacement: $380–$480 + GST | 1-Year Warranty | No Emergency Fees
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan Klugman | Founder, Calgary Garage Door Fix
Stan has over 15 years of experience in the garage door industry and has personally overseen more than 32,000 residential and commercial repairs across Calgary. Calgary Garage Door Fix is a BBB-accredited business and holds registered trademarks in both Canada (TMA1352082) and the United States (98141232).