A snapped garage door spring is one of the loudest, scariest sounds your house can make — usually a single bang like a small firework. Once it happens, your door is suddenly four to ten times heavier than the opener was designed to lift. Here's exactly what to do (and what not to do) until a technician arrives.
Step 1 — Stop using the opener immediately
The number one mistake homeowners make is repeatedly hitting the wall button to see if the door will move. Without a working spring, the opener is trying to lift 150–400 pounds of dead weight on its own. That destroys the opener gears, can snap the lift cables, and pulls the door off the tracks.
Unplug the opener from the ceiling outlet, or pull the red emergency release cord only if the door is fully closed. Never pull the release with the door open — it will crash down.
Step 2 — Don't try to lift the door manually
A double-car insulated steel door can weigh more than 350 lbs. With a broken spring, that's the weight you'd be lifting on your own. People are seriously injured every year trying to wrestle these doors open or closed.
If your car is trapped inside, leave it. A real technician can have the door operating safely in 60–90 minutes, which is faster than the trip to urgent care.
Step 3 — Call a licensed garage door technician
Spring replacement is one of the most dangerous repairs in the trade. Torsion springs store thousands of pounds of force, and improper winding can cause a winding bar to whip across the garage. Always hire a licensed, insured pro with the correct winding bars and the right spring size for your specific door weight.
When you call, give the technician three pieces of information: door size (single or double), whether the door is steel or wood, and whether the spring is mounted above the door (torsion) or along the tracks (extension). That helps them load the right replacement parts on the truck.
Step 4 — Replace springs in pairs
If your door has two springs and one breaks, the second is almost certainly at the end of its life — usually within months of the first. Replacing both at the same time avoids a second service call and keeps the door balanced. Ask your technician about high-cycle springs, which last 2–3× longer than standard springs for a small upcharge.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a garage door spring replacement cost in the GTA?
Most single-spring replacements run between $250–$400 installed, and double-spring (pair) replacements typically run $350–$550. Pricing depends on door weight, spring grade and travel time. Master-Tech always quotes upfront before any work begins.
Can I drive my car out before the tech arrives?
Only if you can safely lift the door with at least two adults and prop it fully open with a sturdy object. If there's any doubt, wait. A wedged car is much cheaper than an injury.
How fast can Master-Tech respond?
We dispatch 24/7 across the GTA with an average arrival time of 30–60 minutes for emergency spring failures.
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