Garage Door Cable Maintenance and Replacement Guide
A broken garage door can be inconvenient, but more importantly, it can pose a safety hazard. Your garage door contains many parts that work together to lift the whole system. Garage door cables are critical components that lift and lower the door safely. Problems with these cables can cause issues for the entire door.
One of the essential pieces to your garage door opener is the cables. Maintaining and replacing these lines is critical to the smooth operation of your door.
Regular garage door cable maintenance and timely replacement are essential for preventing serious problems and ensuring smooth operation. This garage door cable guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cable upkeep, repair and when it’s time to call a professional.
Understanding Garage Door Cables
Garage door cables are vital components that work with the spring systems to lift and lower your door. They bear the door’s weight, allowing the garage door opener to move it effortlessly. The springs transfer energy to the cables. The cables, located on each side of the garage door, then pull the door up or lower it. There are two types of cables based on different spring systems:
- Torsion springs: The torsion springs store energy by coiling. When the spring transfers energy to a drum, the drum uncoils the cables to lower the garage door. The cables recoil when the door lifts.
- Extension springs: Extension springs store energy by extending. They run parallel to the garage floor, and they extend when the door closes to recharge. They have a pulley that contains a cable, which does the lifting or lowering of the door.
The steel cables are located on both sides of the door and connect to either torsion or extension spring systems. In torsion systems, the cables wrap around drums that turn as the springs wind up. In extension spring systems, the cables are attached to the bottom brackets and run through pulleys, which lift and lower the door.
Why Does Garage Door Cable Maintenance Matter?
Garage door cable maintenance is crucial for safety and preventing costly repairs. Since cables lift your heavy garage door, they are susceptible to wear and tear that can lead to snapping, causing the door to fall unexpectedly.
It’s important to regularly check for fraying, kinks and proper tension to make sure the door operates properly. Routine upkeep allows you to identify and address issues early to avoid more extensive damage to the door, springs and opener. It helps you save on costs in the long run and extends the lifespan of your garage doors. This also prevent accidents.
How to Maintain Garage Door Cables
Maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your door functioning optimally. To make sure your cables are in good condition, you should:
- Use lubricant sparingly because cables can accumulate dirt.
- Examine your cables for fraying and kinks.
- Ensure you keep your cables clean of dirt, grime and other particles over time.
- If you have extension springs, check your pulleys for wear and tear.
When to Replace Garage Door Cables
You may be wondering when you should replace garage door cables. The lifespan of your lines will depend on their quality. It’s a good idea to examine them once a year. Cables carry a heavy responsibility, and sometimes malfunctions happen. Consider replacing your cables if:
- A cable has snapped or broken.
- There is unbalanced tension between the cables on each side of the garage door.
- The cables are unwound.
- The cables are fraying.
While some people attempt to replace or reattach their garage door cables on their own, doing so can be difficult and dangerous. Incorrectly installing them could lead to problems later on, too. It’s best to get your garage door cables replaced by a professional.
Contact A Better Door Co., Inc for Garage Door Maintenance Services
Your garage door depends on quality replacement work. For reliable cable replacement and other services you can trust, contact A Better Door Co., Inc. We have decades of experience serving homeowners in the Long Island area, specifically Nassau and Suffolk counties. Our dedicated team is prepared to service your home.
To get started, fill out a contact form or request an estimate today!