Whether you have a garage door that uses a torsion spring or an extension spring, it’s important that the cables on your door are in good working order. Without them, your garage door would be difficult to open and close — and could possibly fall down.
The main purpose of a garage door cable is to transmit the energy from one or more garage door springs to your door itself. It also helps to keep your door in the right position and ensures that the high-tension springs stay in place while opening or closing.
There are many reasons for your garage door to have broken cables. These include age, regular use and weather conditions. It is important to remember that your garage door cables should last 8-15 years before they need to be replaced.
It is also important to inspect your garage door cables on a regular basis, and to replace them when they show signs of fraying, kinks or rusting. This will help prevent the need for garage door repair in the future, as well as extend the life of your garage door.
When a garage door cable breaks, it can cause damage to your garage door, opener and other components in the system. If you notice signs of a broken cable, be sure to call a professional garage door technician.
Signs Your Cable Has Broke
You’ll know your garage door cable has broken if the garage door won’t close or open at all. This happens when the cable that connects the drum to the bottom of the garage door is broken. It can also happen when the cable connecting the top of the drum to the opener is broken.
A broken garage door cable can be a costly and dangerous repair, so it’s best to call a professional. They can determine if the problem is with the cable or the garage door itself and provide an estimate for repair.
How to Replace a Broken Cable
Garage door cables are very complex and are under tremendous tension. This means that they require specialized training, experience and the right tools to fix them. If you attempt to replace your cables, you can end up injuring yourself or causing further damage.
There are several different types of cables on your garage door, and each type has its own unique purpose. The most common type of cable is the garage door lift cable, which attaches to the bottom of your door and is then routed to one or more counterbalance springs.
Another type of cable is the extension spring cable, which attaches to the long extension springs that run along both sides of your garage door track. The extension springs can be color-coded by tension, or strength level, to ensure that they match when you replace them.
Garage door cables have a high rate of wear and tear due to regular use and exposure to harsh weather conditions, which can lead to them breaking. They should be checked regularly for fraying, kinks or stains and cleaned of any debris or grime. If you notice signs of wear or a buildup of lubricants, you should contact a technician to replace the cable as soon as possible.
