All You Need to Know Before Fixing Your Garage Door Cables

Are you starting to get a little nervous about that worsening noise coming from your garage door and how it’s not moving as smoothly as it used to?

You are eager to fix it, but you can’t quite figure out what is broken. You check the motor and springs, and they seem to be functioning like they usually do. The problem is just too difficult to figure out!

But don’t fret. Knowing how a garage door works is not something that everybody knows. There are several pieces of hardware that work simultaneously and if you don’t know each piece and its function, it can be very hard to fix.

Before you consider repairing any of these pieces, it is necessary to know their principal function and where they are installed in your garage.

Knowing how each part of your garage door system contributes to the overall functioning of the door will help you detect when a part is damaged.

Main Hardware Systems of a Garage Door

Cables

Cables are one of the most essential part of the garage door system. Located on each side of the garage door, they work together with the springs to counterbalance the weight of the door. Thanks to this maneuver, the garage door can lift effortlessly. This is why cables are also referred to as lift cables.

It is crucial not to confuse the lift and safety cables!

Safety cables are installed with extension springs only and not torsion springs - which we will explain later. They are used to keep you safe from a spring related accident. Safety cables run through the center of extortion springs to prevent pieces from flying which could cause some serious damage.

Springs

Two types of springs are used for garage door depending on the size and weight of the door - torsion and extension springs. Once you the know the difference between the two, you will understand the overall mechanism of the door more clearly.

Torsion springs

Torsion springs are placed on a steel rod that is installed on the wall above where the garage door opens. You may find your garage door system has just one spring or it could have two springs. The number of springs depends on the size and weight of the door. The bigger and heavier the door, the more springs needed. Torsion springs are quieter and safer, compared to extension springs.

Unlike extension springs, safety cables are not necessary. This is due to a metal pole that runs through the middle of the spring or springs. Drums are connected to each end of the pole and the lift cables wind around the drums when the door opens. The other end of the lift cables are connected to bottom brackets on the bottom of the garage door.

When the garage door is opening, the torsion spring unwinds which releases a pent-up force. This force facilitates the life process. When the door closes, the spring constricts which generates energy for the next time the door needs to open.

Extension springs

Extension springs are used for garage doors that are smaller than most and don’t have enough space above the door to use torsion springs. One end of the cables is connected to brackets at the bottom of the garage door while the other end is connected to the springs.

This spring system is located above the horizontal tracks that the garage door moves on. A spring is placed on each side of the door which assists the door to move efficiently. When the door is closed, tension is generated in the springs since they are stretched to their maximum. This acts as a counterbalance for when the door opens. Extension springs are also called stretch springs because of this function.

Installing safety cables is necessary because the springs are always under pressure. If one snaps, it is likely that it could violently shatter resulting in serious harm or injury to anyone or anything nearby.

Torsion (on the left) and extension springs (on the right) appear similar but operate differently.

When you need to replace any part of your garage door system, it is highly recommended to purchase from a garage door specialist. This will ensure high-quality and durable products.

How Can You Know it’s Time to Change Your Garage Door Cables?

Knowing when to replace your cables can be difficult to determine but keep in mind that every time they are being used, they are being worn down. Remember to keep an eye on them so you avoid them snapping which could cause a lot of damage.

Unwanted friction can occur if the door is misaligned on the track as one part of the cables will be experiencing more friction than it should. This will result in the cables deteriorating at a faster rate. You can prevent this from happening by scheduling frequent inspections.

Moisture can also pose a problem to your garage door system. If you live in an area of an especially wet climate, you may be more at risk. Make a habit of removing dirt and insects that get trapped in your cables to reduce the process of corrosion and rusting.

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Preventive maintenance

To avoid all of these issues from occurring, it is wise to book an appointment with a garage door specialist to inspect all parts of your garage door system. The number of cycles per year will determine how often you need preventative maintenance.

Don’t procrastinate an inspection! You may not notice any signs of wear and tear until it’s too late but, with the help of a professional, you can get them identified right away.

During your annual maintenance with a garage door professional, you can expect the professional to examine your garage door system as a whole. By inspecting each and every component they are able to tell which part is affecting the system and fix it so it stops creating a larger problem.

Annual maintenance inspections are paramount. However, you should aim to inspect your cables, springs, and other parts, monthly. To help you with this monthly inspection, we have prepared a checklist for you. This list will help prevent components from breaking and you will be able to maintain your garage door like a pro!

Here are the 5 simple tasks you should complete monthly:

● Lubricate your hardware

● Clean the tracks

● Follow the manual guide

● Balance your garage door

● Inspect all the parts every month

3 Things You Must Consider Before Fixing a Garage Door by Yourself

You can greatly increase your chances of injuring yourself or your loved one if you attempt to fix your garage door yourself. It is easy for a spring to lose tension if you are not sure exactly what you are doing. This can lead to serious injury or damage.

A trained garage door technician will be able to solve your problems and you won’t have to worry about possibly injuring yourself. They have the tools, knowledge, and experience to get the job done.

Additionally, if you try to fix a garage door system by yourself without the necessary expertise, you may damage it even more resulting in more money and time wasted.

Risks associated with do-it-yourself garage door repairs

● Bodily injuries

A garage door can weigh, at the least, 150 pounds or 68 kilograms. Since cables and springs are under consistent tension, if they ever break, that 150-pound door can come crashing down on you.

● Property damages

You could easily damage your property or your belongings by attempting to fix a garage door yourself. If so, you will then have to add extra costs since you now have to replace or fix those damages.

● Thieves

A garage door that is not functioning properly can be easy access for intruders and put you or your loved ones in danger. Your home may be unprotected from people with bad intentions.

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Contact the Most Trusted Garage Door Experts Near You

You can trust our certified garage door professionals with any work that needs to be done. During your appointment with them, they will inspect, adjust, and test your whole system.

Save time and money in the long run with our garage door services, including maintenance and repair. You have the option of participating in our annual maintenance program or paying on an hourly basis.

Have peace of mind knowing that your garage door is operating safely and smoothly all year round with Laurent Overhead Door Systems!

For any garage door service, contact us now at 603-524-4778!

On top of all of our technical services, we also have great style opinions to share with you! We know that a garage door adds character to your house so choosing the one that matches your personality is key!

We offer more than 35 designs in 10 colors. So to help you choose, we divided these garage door designs into the 3 most popular home styles. You’re sure to find many models that will complement the outside of your home. Our seasoned team also can help you choose which color, design, and accessories will fit your personal style and budget.

Do you already know what a garage door you want? Get your free estimate by email in a blink.