How much does garage door spring replacement cost in Virginia?

There is no single Virginia price for replacing a garage door spring, and we do not quote numbers we cannot date to a primary source. The honest answer is that the cost depends on a handful of things you can ask about, and the way to get a real figure is a written, itemized quote from a licensed garage door business.

What drives the cost

The spring type and how many you have. Doors use extension or torsion springs; see how garage door springs work. Torsion systems sit on a shaft above the door and extension springs run along the tracks. The parts and the time to replace them differ, and a door with two springs costs more to service than one with one.

One spring or a pair. Ask the quote to say how many springs are included, and whether the technician recommends replacing a pair together.

Door weight and size. Springs are matched to the door. Clopay says a single-car door may weigh as much as 200 pounds and some large doors as much as 500 pounds once the spring tension is removed,^[3] so a heavy double door, a wood door or an insulated door needs a stronger spring set than a light single door. A heavier door also takes more time to handle safely.

Cables, drums and other parts. Clopay says springs, cables and bottom fixtures are under strong spring tension,^[3] and a broken spring can damage the parts around it. Ask whether worn cables, drums, brackets and rollers are included or priced separately, and whether they should be replaced at the same visit.

Timing. An emergency or after-hours visit may be priced differently from a scheduled one, so ask whether the quote includes any after-hours charge.

Warranty. If your door is still under a manufacturer's limited warranty, the part may be covered while the labor is not. Clopay's limited warranty for its Avante door says it will provide springs and spring components at no cost to repair defective ones, while all labor costs for removal and reinstallation are the owner's responsibility.^[3] Read the terms for your own door.

Getting a quote you can compare

DPOR's consumer guide advises getting at least three written bids or estimates using identical plans and specifications,^[1] and it also says not to automatically accept the lowest.^[1] For a spring job, ask each business to put these in writing:

• the number and type of springs, with their size or rating for your door's weight
• what else is included: cables, drums, bearings, rollers, a balance check and lubrication
• the labor charge, any service call or trip fee, and whether it is waived when you hire them
• the warranty on the parts and the workmanship
• the total price

DPOR says the contract should include the total price, when payments will be made, and whether there is a cancellation penalty.^[1] On deposits, it offers a rule of thumb that a good deposit is no more than 10% of the total price or $1,000, whichever is less.^[1]

Be careful with a very low advertised price: ask for the full written figure before work starts.

When to call a licensed pro

For the spring itself, always. It is not a job to do yourself, and the CPSC says doors that are not balanced, or that bind or stick, should be serviced by a professional.^[4] If you wonder why, read is it safe to replace a garage door spring yourself.

On licensing, DPOR says that if the work is valued at $1,000 or more, a valid Virginia Contractor's License is required.^[1] A Class C contractor covers a single contract over $1,000 but less than $30,000.^[2] Ask any business for its licence number and class, whatever the size of the job. DPOR says a license number in an advertisement or on a business card does not necessarily mean the license is valid, and points to the Board for Contractors to check it.^[1]

If the spring is a symptom of an old door, compare the repair with what a garage door repair costs in Virginia and whether an old door is worth repairing.

Browse garage door answers or find garage door services near you. To get real prices for your own door, describe the job once and local garage door businesses will quote it.