Garage Door Spring Replacement in San Mateo, CA
A broken garage door spring makes your door inoperable and creates a serious safety hazard. Santos & Sons Garage Door provides fast, professional spring replacement across San Mateo and the surrounding Bay Area. Our licensed technicians arrive within 60 minutes, diagnose the problem, and replace your springs the same day with a free upfront estimate and no hidden fees.
Our certified technicians replace torsion and extension springs safely
How Much Does Spring Replacement Cost?
| Spring Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Torsion Spring (Single) | $200 – $300 |
| Torsion Spring (Pair) | $300 – $500 |
| Extension Spring (Single) | $150 – $250 |
| Extension Spring (Pair) | $200 – $350 |
| High-Cycle Torsion Spring | $350 – $500 |
These prices include parts and labor for a complete installation. The exact cost depends on your door size, weight, and the spring configuration your system requires. Santos & Sons always provides a free written estimate before starting any work, so you know exactly what you are paying. We never charge a service call fee, and there are no surprise costs added after the job is complete.
Types of Garage Door Springs
Garage doors use one of two spring systems to counterbalance the weight of the door. Understanding which type your door uses helps you know what to expect during replacement.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs mount on a metal shaft directly above the garage door opening. They use torque to lift the door by winding and unwinding as the door moves. Torsion springs are the more common type on modern residential doors, especially heavier double-car doors. They provide smoother operation, longer lifespan, and better balance than extension springs. Most San Mateo homes built after 1990 use torsion spring systems.
Extension Springs
Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on both sides of the door. They stretch and contract to provide lifting force. Extension springs are typically found on lighter single-car doors and older garage door systems. They are less expensive than torsion springs but have a shorter lifespan and require safety cables to prevent the spring from becoming a projectile if it breaks. If your home has extension springs, we can replace them with the same type or upgrade you to a torsion system for improved performance.
Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken
- Loud bang from the garage — A breaking torsion spring makes a sound like a gunshot or firecracker. This is often the first sign homeowners notice, sometimes in the middle of the night.
- Door won't open or feels extremely heavy — Without working springs, the full weight of the door (150 to 300 pounds) rests on the opener or your arms. The door may only lift a few inches before stopping.
- Visible gap in the torsion spring — Look at the spring mounted above the door. A broken spring will have a clear gap of 2 to 3 inches where the coils separated.
- Door opens crooked or unevenly — If one spring breaks on a two-spring system, the door will tilt to one side as it tries to open, putting dangerous stress on the remaining spring and the opener.
- Cables are loose or hanging — When a spring breaks, the cables that connect to the spring system lose tension and may hang loose or come off the drums.
- Opener strains or stops mid-cycle — Your garage door opener is not designed to lift the full weight of the door alone. If the opener runs but the door barely moves, a broken spring is the likely cause.
- Door slams shut quickly — A broken spring means there is nothing to control the door's descent. The door may drop rapidly, which is a serious safety risk for anyone standing nearby.
If you notice any of these signs, stop using the door immediately and call Santos & Sons at (415) 690-0022 for emergency spring replacement. Operating a door with a broken spring can damage the opener, bend the tracks, and create a dangerous situation for your family.
Our Spring Replacement Process
- Call and schedule — Contact us by phone at (415) 690-0022 or book online. We offer same-day appointments and aim to arrive within 60 minutes for emergency calls.
- On-site inspection — Our technician inspects the entire door system, including tracks, cables, rollers, and hinges, to identify the root cause and check for any related damage.
- Free written estimate — Before any work begins, you receive a clear, itemized quote with no hidden fees. We explain exactly what needs to be replaced and why.
- Spring removal — The technician safely releases the tension from the old spring using professional winding bars and removes the broken spring from the torsion bar or track brackets.
- New spring installation — We install the correct replacement spring matched to your door's weight, height, and track radius. We always recommend replacing both springs as a pair for balanced operation.
- Balance and safety testing — After installation, we balance the door, test the opener, verify the safety reversal system, lubricate all moving parts, and make sure everything operates smoothly.
- Cleanup and warranty review — We clean up the work area, walk you through what was done, and provide warranty details on both parts and labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a garage door spring replacement take?
A professional garage door spring replacement typically takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. The exact time depends on the spring type, door weight, and whether one or both springs need replacing. Santos & Sons technicians carry the most common spring sizes on their trucks, so most replacements are completed in a single visit without any return trips.
Should I replace one garage door spring or both?
We strongly recommend replacing both springs at the same time, even if only one is broken. Both springs have the same lifespan and wear rate, so when one breaks the other is close behind. Replacing both saves you a second service call and ensures your garage door operates with balanced tension on both sides for smooth, safe movement.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
No. Garage door spring replacement is one of the most dangerous home repairs you can attempt. Torsion springs store an enormous amount of energy under high tension, and improper handling can cause severe injury or death. Professional technicians use specialized winding bars and safety equipment. Always hire a licensed garage door company for spring work.
How long do garage door springs last?
Standard garage door springs are rated for approximately 10,000 cycles, which translates to roughly 7 to 10 years of typical residential use. High-cycle springs can last 25,000 to 50,000 cycles or 15 to 20 years. Factors like climate, maintenance, and daily usage frequency all affect spring lifespan. Annual lubrication and professional inspections help extend their life.
Why Choose Santos & Sons for Spring Replacement
Santos & Sons Garage Door is a licensed and insured, family-owned company based in San Mateo. We specialize in garage door spring replacement and have the training, tools, and inventory to handle any spring system on any residential door. Our technicians are background-checked, uniformed professionals who treat your home with respect.
We carry a full stock of torsion and extension springs on every truck, so there is no waiting for parts to arrive. We offer transparent, upfront pricing with no service call fees. Every spring replacement includes a warranty on parts and labor, and we stand behind our work long after the job is done. When your spring breaks, Santos & Sons gets your door working again the same day.
We also provide a full range of garage door repair services, including cable repair, opener repair and installation, and 24/7 emergency service across San Mateo and the Bay Area.