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Question:
My garage door has two springs and one of them just broke. Now, I’m faced with the decision of whether to replace both springs or just the broken one. Should I ask the repairman to replace both springs or the broken one only?
– Heather F.
Answer:
Hello Heather, in short, the answer is yes. Replacing both springs is recommended due to factors such as cost, time, and overall efficiency.
When making a final decision on whether to replace one or two springs, consider the following aspects:
1. The Condition of the Other Springs
To make an informed decision about whether the other spring on your garage door needs replacement, consider asking your garage door repair company for an evaluation. This will help determine if the other springs genuinely require replacement or if they are still in good working order. Seeking their guidance ensures that you receive accurate and personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.
2. Cost Considerations
While replacing both springs may involve a higher upfront cost, it can be more cost-effective in the long run. Replacing one spring now and having the other fail shortly afterward would require additional service calls and potentially higher overall expenses.
Let’s imagine a hypothetical situation where you need to replace a broken spring on your garage door. The estimated cost of replacing a single spring is $350. However, if you choose to replace both springs at the same time, the total cost would be $500. By opting for the option of replacing both springs, you can save $200.
3. Avoiding Repeat Repairs
When your garage door needs repair or maintenance, it usually involves scheduling an appointment with a garage door repair company. This process can take time out of your day and may require you to rearrange your schedule or other commitments. Additionally, a malfunctioning garage door can lead to the inconvenience of cars getting trapped inside the garage.
Replacing both springs at the same time offers a significant benefit. It reduces the risk of one spring failing shortly after the replacement, saving you from having to repeat the entire repair process. This eliminates the potential disruptions and time-consuming task of scheduling another repair appointment. By replacing both springs simultaneously, you ensure a more reliable and efficient garage door system, eliminating the need for future repairs.
Understanding the Lifespan of Garage Door Springs
The lifespan of garage door springs is determined by cycles. Each time the garage door goes up and down, each spring on the garage door completes one cycle. Therefore, all springs will accumulate the same number of cycles over time. To illustrate this point, garage door springs are just like your car’s tires which have traveled the same distance and reached a similar level of wear and tear.
Once the springs reach their limit, they break. Some springs may break before reaching their limit, while others might last a little longer, depending on the conditions inside the garage, usage patterns and other factors.
The bottom line is when one spring breaks, the other spring (or springs) will also break shortly after.
How Much Should You Pay for a Broken Spring Replacement?
The cost of replacing a garage door spring typically ranges from $300 to $1600. However, it’s important to consider several factors that can influence the overall cost.
Determining the precise cost of a broken spring replacement involves considering various factors, including the cost of living in different areas, inflation, labor intensity, and the specific springs required based on the system and door’s weight.
It’s important to note that labor costs can vary depending on the complexity of the job and the expertise of the garage door repair company.
The door type, size of the spring, and the weight of the door are key factors in determining the cost of replacement parts. Larger springs designed for heavier doors tend to be more expensive than smaller ones. Additionally, working on complex overhead door systems also tends to be more expensive.
The cost of living in different areas can also affect the overall price. Higher-cost regions may have higher service rates and material costs compared to areas with a lower cost of living. For example, you may pay more for garage door repairs, as well as goods and services overall, in California than in Ohio. Furthermore, inflation can impact the prices of garage door repair services and materials over time.
To get an accurate cost estimate for a broken spring replacement, it’s recommended to contact a local and licensed garage door repair company, discuss your specific requirements, and consider the factors mentioned above. This will help you obtain up-to-date information and precise pricing for the needed repairs.
