Is your garage door making a strange noise when you press the button on your garage door opener? Is the door moving awkwardly?
You would like to repair it but aren’t sure how to determine precisely what is broken. The motor and springs appear to be working as usual. It’s difficult to identify the cause of the problem.
A garage door system is very complex for someone who may not be mechanically inclined. It’s more than just a door riding on tracks. Indeed, it has different types of hardware that all contribute to its function.
Before repairing any of those working parts, you should know their core function and where they are positioned in your garage.
Have you taken the time to look at the mechanisms of a garage door when it moves? Probably not. Knowing the various parts of your garage door system can help you detect when one of them is damaged.
What are the main garage door hardware systems?
Cables
Located on each side of the garage door, they work with the springs to counterbalance the weight. Cables are an important part of your system because they help your door move steadily by transferring the energy from the spring to facilitate operation. That’s why they are also called lift cables.
IMPORTANT! Don’t confuse lift and safety cables!
Safety cables are installed with extension springs to keep you safe from a spring-related accident. They prevent damage or injury if a spring breaks because they are inserted through the center of the spring to keep pieces from flying.
Springs
There are two main types of operating systems used to counterbalance garage doors: torsion or extension springs. It’s essential to know the difference between torsion springs and extension springs to help you understand how your door functions.
Torsion springs
Torsion spring are installed on a steel shaft above the door opening. Depending on the size and weight of the door there may be just one or a pair of springs on the shaft. Compared to extension springs, they are quieter and safer when installed correctly.
Safety cables aren’t necessary because a shaft runs through the center of the spring(s). Lift cables are connected to bottom brackets on the door and wind around drums at the ends of the shaft as the door opens.
When opening, the torsion spring unwinds releasing stored force to facilitate the lift process. As the door closes, the spring constricts creating energy for use the next time it’s called upon to help raise the door.
Extension springs
Extension springs are used mainly for smaller doors when there is limited header space above the door opening. Cables are connected to bottom brackets on either side of the door like the torsion system, but then travel through pulleys before connecting to the springs.
The system is positioned over the horizontal tracks that the door moves on with a spring on each side for uniform operation. Extension springs are also known as stretch springs because they extend to capacity when the door is closed creating tension which is used as counterbalance when opening the door.
It’s essential to install safety cables because the springs are constantly under pressure. When one breaks there is a chance it could violently shatter and cause serious injury or harm to anyone or anything nearby.
Torsion (on the left) and extension springs (on the right) appear similar but operate differently.
Regardless of which part of your garage door system you need to replace, we highly recommend buying it from a garage door specialist. Doing so ensures high-quality and durable components.
How do you know when to replace your garage door cables?
A garage door cable can break for different reasons. Cable replacement is needed frequently, and there are ways to anticipate it. Typically, cables start to fray over time because they are in use every time your garage door moves.
If the door is misaligned in the track, it may weaken other parts of your garage door system. There is constant friction when a garage door moves up and down, so frequent inspection is recommended.
Also, moisture can start to develop if you don’t have good insulation, especially if you live in an area where it often snows or rains. Remove dirt and insects trapped in your cables to keep them clean and reduce the process of corrosion and rusting.
Do you like this look? This garage door is a Cambridge CS Design, 10' x 7', Ice White door and overlays, Clear Panoramic windows.
Preventive maintenance
A frequent visual inspection of your garage door by a professional can help prevent costly emergency repairs. Depending on how often you use your garage door, the frequency of preventive maintenance needed will vary. A key factor is the number of cycles per year.
Signs of wear and tear are easily visible by a professional during an inspection. The sooner, the better! You can avoid further escalation of a problem and prevent potential harm.
Garage door technicians look at your entire garage door system when they come for annual maintenance. They ensure that your garage door components are operating correctly, which reduces deterioration on individual parts.
However, it would be best if you took time to inspect cables and other parts monthly. You can follow this checklist to help prevent components from breaking and maintain your garage door like a pro.
Here are 5 simple tasks you could do:
- Follow the manual guide
- Inspect all the parts every month
- Balance your garage door
- Lubricate your hardware
- Clean the tracks
Why should you get help from a professional to fix garage door cables safely instead of doing it yourself?
It’s possible to fix your garage door cables yourself but the risk of injury to you or a loved one is high. A simple lack of resistance to the tension on the springs can lead to severe damage.
Trained garage door technician will have the proper tools for the job. They also have experience on their side. With their expertise, he knows how to replace any garage door part without missing an important step.
Avoid damaging your garage door system even more by trying to fix it on your own! You may increase your repair costs as well as your chances of harming yourself.
Potential hazards associated with do-it-yourself garage door repairs
- Bodily injuries
Did you know that a garage door can weigh 150 pounds (68 kg) on average for a single width door? Cables and springs are under constant tension, as are the parts they connect to. If not handled properly, any number of components could become a destructive force
- Property damages
If your car or other belongings are under your garage door when a cable breaks, the damage could be costly. Not only will you need to repair the faulty garage door but also your newly crushed possession.
- 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.
Do you like this look? This garage door is in the North Hatley LP Design, 9' x 8' size, Moka Brown color, with Clear windows.
Get in touch with garage door experts
For any garage door service, contact a GARAGA dealer in your area.
They are indeed experts in garage doors. They are certified to perform any garage door replacement. They will inspect, adjust, and test your garage door system during their visit.
Find the door of your dreams already? Ask us for a quotation by email.
You’d like to shop online a bit first?
You can browse our residential photo gallery. Do you like interactive design apps? If so, grab your smartphone and try our Design Centre. You’ll have fun building your dream door.
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