Garage Door Springs in Burbank: Cost, Lifespan & When to Replace
2026-05-31 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
A snapped garage door spring will leave you stuck in your driveway or locked out of your garage. It's one of the most common problems I've seen in my 15 years on the trucks, and it always seems to happen at the worst time. The good news: springs are replaceable, fixable, and we handle same-day service across Burbank and the surrounding San Fernando Valley area.
Understanding Your Garage Door Springs
Your garage door relies on two main types of springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs sit above the door and twist to lift the weight. Extension springs run horizontally along the cables and stretch to provide lift. Both types work under serious tension, so when one fails, the other side can't compensate. You'll notice the door won't open, or it'll feel heavier than normal.
Springs typically last 7 to 9 years with normal use, maybe longer if you use your door less frequently. Temperature swings in the Burbank area (we get hot summers and cool winters) can accelerate wear. Every time you open and close your door, the spring cycles. A standard residential door opens and closes about 1,500 times per year. After 10,000 to 20,000 cycles, failure is likely.
Signs Your Springs Need Replacement
Before a spring snaps completely, there are usually warning signs. The door might move slower than usual, or one side might hang lower than the other. You might hear creaking or popping sounds when opening and closing. If you notice the door is hard to open manually or the opener struggles to lift it, don't wait. Check out our detailed guide on 5 warning signs your garage door springs need replacement for a full breakdown.
A snapped spring is different from a stuck door caused by other issues. If you're unsure what's wrong, our garage door repair troubleshooting guide walks through common problems and when to call a professional.
**Need garage door springs in Burbank today?** Call (424) 391-8791. we cover same-day service across the area.
Cost & What to Expect
Spring replacement cost depends on whether you need one or both springs replaced, and which type you have. Torsion springs typically cost between $200 and $400 per spring, while extension springs run $150 to $250 each. Add labor, and you're looking at $300 to $600 for a single spring or $500 to $900 for both. If your door is older or heavier, costs may run higher.
I always recommend replacing both springs at the same time, even if only one has snapped. Here's why: if one spring has failed, the other is likely near the end of its life too. Replacing just one leaves you vulnerable to another breakdown in a few months. You'll save money on labor and avoid another service call.
For a transparent breakdown of what you'll actually pay, see our garage door cost and pricing guide for Burbank. We also offer free estimates so there are no surprises.
DIY or Call a Professional?
I need to be direct: don't attempt this yourself. Springs are under extreme tension. A slip, a wrong move, or a tool malfunction can cause serious injury or death. I've been doing this for 15 years with proper tools and training, and it's still a two-person job. This isn't like changing a tire or painting a room.
When you contact us for an estimate, we'll inspect both springs, check the cables and hardware, and give you an honest recommendation. Our technicians arrive with all necessary tools and can often complete the work the same day you call. Schedule a free quote with Garage Door Company Burbank and we'll handle it right.
Emergency Spring Failure
If your spring snaps and you're stuck, don't try to force the door open. You could damage the tracks, cables, or openers. If you need emergency service, we're available. Learn more about emergency garage door service in Burbank so you know what to expect before you call.
Garage door springs are critical safety components. When one fails, the entire system is compromised. Waiting only increases risk and cost. Call us at (424) 391-8791 or get a same-day estimate. We serve Burbank, Glendale, and the surrounding Valley communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does spring replacement take? A typical spring replacement takes 1 to 2 hours. Our technicians work efficiently, but we never rush safety. Same-day completion is standard for calls received before 3 PM.
Can I open my garage door if a spring is broken? Not safely. The door becomes extremely heavy and dangerous. The opener may strain or fail. Do not attempt to open it manually or with the opener.
Are both my springs going to break? Not necessarily, but springs fail around the same age. If one breaks, the other is likely worn. Replacing both avoids a second failure within months and saves labor costs.
What causes springs to fail prematurely? Rust from moisture, lack of lubrication, extreme temperature shifts, and heavy use all shorten lifespan. Regular maintenance helps extend it. See our complete garage door maintenance guide for preventive tips.
Should I replace my door instead of the springs? Only if the door itself is damaged or very old. Replacing springs is far more affordable. A full door replacement costs $1,500 to $5,000 or more, while springs typically run under $1,000 total.