A garage door is a complex mechanism that includes several components essential for opening and closing the door in a controlled manner. A broken garage door can seriously disrupt a homeowner’s life, not to mention the safety and security risk. To avoid this scenario, homeowners should replace broken or worn garage door cables as soon they notice wear or damage.
The trick is knowing when the door cables and springs need further assistance. Keep reading to learn when to replace garage door cables.
The garage door’s mechanism includes cables and high-tension springs responsible for the seamless movement of the door. The cables and springs operate in unison to counterbalance the door’s weight. The springs are powerful enough to control the lifting and the shutting of the door, while the cables ensure their safe operation.
The garage door cables are heavy-duty, but they are under pressure. Over time, the cables or the springs can break due to normal wear and tear. Regardless of the door’s quality, this is bound to happen at some point, and it’s the most common reason garage doors might fail.
Another common issue with the garage door cables is fraying. Frayed cables can be hazardous and cause a wide range of problems.
Ideally, homeowners should replace the garage door cables before they give out. Regularly inspecting the door can help with identifying potential issues. When checking the door, pay attention to:
If the cables and springs aren’t replaced in time, they can break.
Homeowners will typically hear a loud popping noise when a spring breaks. The cable then acts as a safeguard, allowing the spring to slide down and not injure a person or cause damage.
However, if the garage door cable breaks, the door will become unbalanced, a safety hazard. Some indications of a snapped cable are crooked or shaking garage doors.
On average, garage door cables should last from eight to 15 years. Several factors affect cable longevity:
Cables form an integral part of the garage door mechanism. Any replacement or repair of such large and significant mechanism parts calls for a certified and skilled garage door technician.
If the door cables snap, it’s best to avoid using the door until the technician arrives. A reliable garage door repair company should have a 24-hour emergency service, assuring a quick response time.
A professional technician will determine which cable broke, remove it, and install a new one. They will also inspect the garage door thoroughly and identify other issues or safety hazards that might have occurred.
Identifying worn cables or springs might be challenging for the untrained eye so homeowners can rely on garage door repair companies for regular maintenance. It’s crucial that homeowners keep the cables in good working condition, and having a standard maintenance plan is the best way to go about it.
