You press the garage door remote. Nothing. You press it again. A grinding noise and maybe a loud 'SNAP!' Your garage door is stuck, and your car is trapped inside.

If this sounds familiar, you're likely dealing with a broken torsion spring, the #1 enemy of garage doors. At Instant Garage Doors, we've replaced thousands of springs across Renton and the Puget Sound region. Here's everything you need to know.

How to Tell If Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken

The easiest way to identify a broken torsion spring is to look at the metal coil mounted on the bar above your closed garage door. If you see a visible gap of 2-3 inches in the middle of the coil, the spring has snapped.

Other Warning Signs Include:

  • The door opens only 6-12 inches and then stops
  • The cables hanging on the sides appear loose or disconnected
  • The garage door opener is humming or running, but the door doesn't move
  • The door feels extremely heavy to lift manually
  • You heard a loud bang or snap from the garage

Important Safety Note

If your spring is broken, do NOT attempt to force the door open with the electric opener. This can damage the opener motor and create additional safety hazards.

Why You Should Never Try DIY Spring Replacement

We get it, you're handy around the house, and you've seen YouTube videos showing spring replacement. But here's the truth: garage door springs are under extreme tension to lift a 300+ pound door.

The Risks of DIY Spring Repair:

  • Severe finger injuries or broken bones from sudden spring release
  • Facial injuries if the winding bar slips during installation
  • Door falling and causing property damage or injury
  • Improper installation leading to premature spring failure
  • Voiding manufacturer warranties on your door and opener

Professional technicians have the right tools, training, and experience to safely handle spring tension. We also know the precise number of turns needed for your specific door weight and height, get this wrong, and your door won't operate properly or safely.

What Does Spring Replacement Cost?

At Instant Garage Doors, torsion spring replacement typically costs between $200-$400, depending on your door size and spring type. Here's what you're paying for:

  • High-cycle torsion springs rated for 20,000+ cycles (not the cheap 10,000-cycle springs)
  • Professional labor to safely remove the old spring and install the new one
  • Proper door balancing to ensure smooth operation and prevent premature wear
  • Full testing of safety mechanisms and door operation
  • Parts warranty (typically 5 years) and labor warranty

Money-Saving Tip

If one spring breaks, consider replacing both springs at the same time. If one has failed, the other is likely close behind. Replacing both now saves you from paying for a second service call in a few months.

My Car Is Stuck Inside, What Do I Do?

First, do NOT use the electric opener. Here's how to safely open your door manually:

  1. Locate the red emergency release handle hanging from the opener rail
  2. Pull the handle straight down to disconnect the door from the opener
  3. IMPORTANT: Have someone help you lift the door, it will be very heavy with a broken spring
  4. Carefully lift the door just high enough to get your vehicle out
  5. Once your car is out, lower the door and secure it in place

Safety Warning

The door may be difficult to hold open with a broken spring. Use extreme caution and never put any part of your body under a partially open door. Consider bracing the door with a sturdy object if needed.

How Long Does Spring Replacement Take?

A professional spring replacement typically takes 45-90 minutes, depending on your door configuration. Our technicians carry high-quality springs on their trucks, so we can usually complete the repair in one visit.

What's Included in Our Service:

  • Complete removal of broken spring(s)
  • Installation of new high-cycle torsion spring(s)
  • Door balancing and tension adjustment
  • 25-point safety inspection of your entire garage door system
  • Lubrication of all moving parts
  • Testing of auto-reverse and safety sensors
  • Cleanup of any debris or old parts

Why Choose Instant Garage Doors for Spring Replacement?

We've been serving Renton and the greater Seattle area since 2011. Our family-owned business understands the urgency of a broken spring, we know you need to get to work, pick up the kids, or simply access your home.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • Same-day service available for emergency repairs
  • Upfront, transparent pricing with written estimates
  • High-quality parts, we only use professional-grade springs
  • Experienced technicians trained in safe spring replacement
  • Comprehensive warranty on parts and labor
  • Serving the entire Puget Sound region

How to Prevent Future Spring Breaks

While spring failure is inevitable over time, proper maintenance can help maximize their lifespan:

  • Schedule annual garage door maintenance to catch wear before failure
  • Keep the springs and all moving parts properly lubricated
  • Don't overwork your door, avoid opening and closing it unnecessarily
  • Invest in high-cycle springs rated for 20,000+ cycles when replacing
  • Keep your garage at a moderate temperature, extreme cold accelerates wear

Most residential torsion springs last 7-10 years with normal use (opening and closing 3-4 times per day). High-cycle springs can last even longer with proper maintenance.

Get Fast, Professional Spring Replacement in Renton

Don't let a broken spring disrupt your day or put your safety at risk. Instant Garage Doors offers same-day service throughout Renton and the surrounding areas. Our experienced technicians will have your garage door operating safely and reliably, usually within the same day you call.

Need Emergency Spring Replacement?

Call us now for same-day service

(425) 533-0350

Serving Renton, Bellevue, Seattle, and all surrounding areas