2026-04-09 7 min read
If you've ever walked into your garage on a Tuesday morning, hit the button, and heard nothing but a dull thud. you already know what a broken spring feels like. It's one of the most common calls we get from homeowners across Universal City, and it almost always catches people off guard. Here's what you actually need to know.
Universal City sits in a humid subtropical climate, with summers that routinely push into the high 90s and winters that are short but occasionally sharp. That constant cycle of heat expansion and cool contraction is hard on metal components. and garage door springs are no exception. The moisture that comes with the area's rainy season (peaking in June through August and again in September) accelerates rust and metal fatigue on springs that are already under enormous tension every single day.
Add in the fact that many homes here. especially the established brick ranch-styles and Mission Revival homes found throughout the Universal City Park area. were built in the 1980s and 1990s. Springs on those doors have been cycling for decades. If yours haven't been inspected recently, they're worth a look.
Most modern homes use one of two spring systems:
- Torsion springs. mounted horizontally above the door opening. They twist to store energy and provide a smoother, more balanced lift. These are the standard on most roll-up sectional doors and are generally more durable. - Extension springs. run along the sides of the tracks and stretch like a large rubber band. Common on older or lighter doors, they tend to need replacement more frequently.
In the San Antonio metro area, professional spring replacement typically runs $200,$450 for most residential doors, including parts and labor. Torsion spring replacements tend to land toward the higher end of that range, while extension springs are generally less expensive. If you have an oversized door. say, a three-car garage on one of the newer builds near Cibolo Crossing. expect the cost to reflect that extra weight.
One thing worth knowing: a reputable technician will almost always recommend replacing both springs at the same time, even if only one has broken. The reason is simple. if one spring has worn out, the other is right behind it. Replacing just one puts uneven tension on the system and typically means a second service call within months.
Springs don't always break dramatically. Watch for these warning signs:
- The door feels heavier than usual when you try to lift it manually, You hear squeaking, grinding, or popping sounds during operation, The door opens unevenly. one side rising faster than the other, Visible gaps in the coil of a torsion spring (a sure sign it's broken) - The opener strains or reverses before the door fully opens
If you're unsure whether your springs are the problem, our frequently asked questions page covers common diagnostic steps you can check yourself.
This isn't the kind of repair you want to watch a YouTube tutorial for. Garage door springs store an enormous amount of mechanical energy. enough to cause serious injury if released improperly. The International Door Association reports that garage door systems cause thousands of injuries each year, many related to incorrect spring handling. Even experienced DIYers typically call a professional for this one.
Beyond safety, getting the spring sizing wrong can cause your opener to strain and fail prematurely, or leave your door unbalanced and dangerous. The tools required. winding bars, torque wrenches, specific knowledge of your door's weight. aren't something most homeowners have sitting in the garage.
If you've noticed your opener working harder than it used to, it may be related to spring tension. and that's worth addressing before it compounds into a bigger problem. Take a look at our post on recognizing when your garage door opener is failing for more context on how these two components affect each other.
A qualified technician will:
1. Inspect the full door system. not just the springs 2. Measure and source the correct spring gauge and length for your door's weight 3. Replace both springs simultaneously 4. Re-tension and balance the door 5. Test the opener's force settings to confirm everything is calibrated correctly
The whole job typically takes under an hour for a straightforward torsion spring replacement. It should come with a parts warranty. ask about it upfront.
- Does the quote include both springs? - Is there a warranty on parts and labor? - Are your technicians insured?
Higher-cycle springs (25,000 cycles or more) cost a bit more upfront but last significantly longer. a smart investment if your household uses the garage as a primary entrance multiple times a day, which is the case for most families near Randolph AFB and the surrounding neighborhoods.
When you're ready to schedule or just want a straight answer on what your repair will cost, reach out to our team. no pressure, no runaround.
Q: My garage door won't open at all this morning. Is it definitely the spring? A: A door that's completely immobile is often a broken spring, but it could also be a failed opener, a snapped cable, or a dead battery in the backup unit. The fastest way to check: disconnect the opener and try lifting the door manually. If it feels like it weighs several hundred pounds and barely moves, a spring failure is the likely culprit.
Q: How long do garage door springs typically last? A: Standard springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles. roughly 7 to 10 years with typical daily use. High-cycle springs can last 15 to 20 years. In Universal City's humid climate, actual lifespan can be shorter if springs aren't lubricated periodically.
Q: Can I just replace one spring to save money? A: Technically yes, but most professionals advise against it. When one spring fails, the other is typically at a similar wear level. Replacing just one leaves the system unbalanced and risks a second failure. and a second service call. within months. Replacing both at once is almost always the more economical choice in the long run.