Garage Door Extension Springs: Repair and Replacement
Part 3 - Cost and Life Expectancy
"...a skilled do-it-yourselfer could make short work of this task and
enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done and a penny saved (or earned!)."
What does it cost to replace garage door extension springs?
If you do it yourself, you can buy replacement garage door extension springs for around $12 at the low end to $40 at the high end for each spring, plus shipping. The cost variance is determined by the size and type of spring, the weight rating, etc. If you pay a contractor to do the job for you, expect to pay another $75 to $100 for the labor. The total approximate cost can run from $100 to $200, depending on whether you have one or two springs replaced.
Be certain you call around for price comparisons before hiring a contractor. Getting a referral from your friend, neighbor, or even your trusted real estate agent is a great way to go. Some unscrupulous companies may charge many hundreds of dollars for this job, which takes about an hour for them to complete.
NOTE: Check with your local Better Business Bureau to be certain your garage door repair company doesn't have any claims. It's also a bad sign when you call ABC Garage Door company to fix your garage door spring and a guy driving an XYZ van shows up, or worse, an unmarked van shows up. These guys often charge extra because they are earning a commission from ABC on the work they do.
How long should an extension spring last?
The definitive answer is, "that depends." On the low end they may last sever or eight years. On the high end they may last 20. It depends on the size and weight of your garage door, the weather conditions where you live, the quality of the extension spring used, etc. For example, if you live in an area of high humidity or a coastal area, the life expectancy of metal parts tends to decrease dramatically (but you knew that!).
The bottom line is that a garage door spring won't last forever. If a company tells you their springs have a lifetime warranty, that could be a good thing, although you may end up paying a lot more for their service. Why? If you sell your home, the warranty period typically ends. If you stay put forever, the potential warranty claims have to be covered in the initial cost.
Conclusion
Extension springs tend to be easier for do-it-yourselfers to install than garage door torsion springs, but they can still be very dangerous. Before deciding to do it yourself, think about the value of your time and your inclination to learn a new skill...a skill that likely won't be needed again for more than a decade. On the other hand, a skilled do-it-yourselfer could make short work of this task and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done and a penny saved (or earned!).
Go to Step 2 of Garage Door Extension Springs - "In With The New"
Go to Step 1 of Garage Door Extension Springs - Repair and Replacement
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