Common Types of Garage Door Cables
A garage door consists of several moving parts that assist in its safe and efficient functioning. Cables are one of the critical components of every residential garage door system, which, along with springs, control the door’s motion and tension. Garage door cables and springs support the door’s weight and help it to lift and lower. Therefore, the cables need to be in optimal condition to ensure safety.
What Materials Are in Garage Door Cables?
These cables consist of long strands of metal wire woven together. The more strands the cable has, the thicker it is. The cables on your garage door are located at the bottom of the garage door on each side and are available in varied styles, lengths, diameters, and strengths. Cables are rated based on the weight they can carry. Homeowners should learn about the different garage door spring cables to understand which one is right for their property.
Types of Garage Door Cables
Garage Door Torsion Cables
Torsion spring cables are the most commonly used for garage door operation. These cables attach to the door’s bottom corners on each side to help the springs to wind up. These are secured and wounded in a specific way, and the length usually depends on the garage door height. When a garage door opens, the springs unwind and release the energy that allows the door to lift. With a broken garage door torsion cable, the springs will fail to unwind.
Extension Spring Cables
Extension cables are an ideal choice when garages lack sufficient headroom. They work differently than torsion spring cables. This cable contracts when the door opens and stretches when it closes. They are placed at the side and connect to the springs and the bottom of the door. However, extension spring cables are more dangerous, and if a cable breaks, the spring can separate from the pulley system, leading to damage and injuries.
Safety Cables
The extension spring door system uses retaining or safety cables to prevent the broken springs from falling or flying off. When the primary garage door spring cable breaks, safety cables act as a failsafe device. The torsion spring cable system does not have a safety cable. Therefore, when a retaining cable breaks, the extension cable may fail to lift the door.
Emergency Release Cable
An emergency release cable or an emergency release cord helps to operate the garage door manually. It can come in handy when there is no power, the motor of your garage door opener malfunctions, or the circuit breaker trips.
Although garage door cables are reliable and robust, they do not last forever. When a cable breaks, the door will lean at an angle or jam from the side of the broken cable. Due to this, the door functions incorrectly or fails to work entirely. The only way to fix a fraying or broken cable is to get a garage door spring cable replacement. Finding the right one is crucial when the garage door needs a new cable. Garage door cable replacement is best left for garage door technicians to ensure correct installation
Garage Door Troubleshooting Tips
While it’s best to call professionals for complex issues, here are a few DIY troubleshooting steps you can try:
- Check for visible damage: Inspect the cables, especially around the cable drum, for signs of fraying, rust, or kinking. If damaged, it’s best to call a professional to avoid further issues or injury.
- Check for cable misalignment: If the cables appear off track or uneven, do not attempt to fix them yourself. A professional can properly realign the cables and prevent further damage.
- Test the door balance: If the door appears uneven or one side is lower, it may indicate a loose or damaged cable. A quick visual inspection can help identify this issue, but it’s best to call a professional to properly assess and fix the problem.
- Listen for unusual sounds: If you hear grinding or scraping sounds, it may signal a problem with the cables or springs. In this case, it’s safer to call an expert for a thorough inspection.
Ensuring Safety With Garage Door Spring Cable Replacements
Regular garage door maintenance by a professional can help prevent cables from breaking unexpectedly and determine the correct time when to replace them. If it starts moving unevenly or the cables look worn out, it’s time for a garage door spring cable replacement. Fixing cables quickly keeps your door safe and running smoothly for a long time. Trusting experts gets the job done safely and prevents bigger problems down the line.
Call Quick Response Garage Door Service today—your trusted Arizona specialists for expert garage door repairs. Contact us for an estimate!