Garage door cables serve as the connection between your door and the spring system. Your cables experience extreme strain during every operation, making them prone to breaking or snapping. The most obvious sign your cables are broken is when your doors stop opening. Before it gets to that point, call a professional.
Similar to everything else in the garage door system, there are three different types of cables. Each cable is suitable for different garage spaces, sizes, and springs.
Torsion Spring Cables works best with torsion spring systems. The spring cables are generally located above the garage door, where a metal bar passes through them. Each side of this metal bar uses one cable on each side, making winding and unwinding easier. As a result, lifting and lowering your garage door runs smoothly all the time.
Extension spring cables are perfect for a garage with little headroom. This type of cable is found at the side of your garage door. It is connected to the springs and the bottom of your garage door. Extension cables contract when you open the garage door and stretch when closing it.
An emergency release cable is handy during a power blackout and your opener motor starts to malfunction. It helps you manually operate the opening and closing of your garage door.
While every type of garage door cable is reliable, it is important to make sure that the one you have is compatible with your system. Each garage door system is unique in its own way, with different compatible parts that go along with it. Trying out a cable unsuited for your garage door’s size, design, space, and spring system is a bad idea.
The garage door cables work hand-in-hand with your springs to smoothly and safely lift and lower your garage door.
Cables are crucial and integral parts of your entire garage door system. While it’s created to be strong and withstand several obstacles, it’s not indestructible. In fact, several different causes can make your cables frail, loose, or snap.
The most common cause of cable damage is wear and tear. As one of the parts responsible for lifting and lowering your garage doors, cables exert so much force for a smooth door performance. So, it is no surprise if your cables are damaged over the days, months, and years of service.
Garage door cables are fragile but strong components of your garage door system. Its fragility depends on whether or not it is installed on your system properly. Improper installation can cause cables to snap, which can lead to a dangerous accident. Make sure you get professionals to handle cable installation.
Garage door cables and springs work hand in hand with each other. For this reason, there is exclusive compatibility between cables and springs. You cannot mix and match cables and springs.
Additionally, broken springs can pose a danger to your daily garage operations because there won’t be anything to counterbalance the weight of your garage door.
Rust is inevitable regarding metal components, and garage door cables are no different. It basically eats away the metal components of your cables, which will eventually weaken them. So, if you notice rust forming anywhere near your garage door system, it’s time for a professional assessment and replacement.
Failing to properly maintain your cables can weaken them prematurely. Therefore, garage door cable maintenance is simply important. While professional maintenance will extended your system’s longevity, you can also do your part with regular lubrication and maintenance checks.
Understanding the different causes of cable damage can help you take proper care of your entire garage system. It can also prevent any surprising repairs and replacements, which can be expensive. Easy Garage Door Repair encourages regular maintenance to keep your garage door system in top shape. Additionally, we believe in educating our customers about how they can prolong their cable lifespan.
Several telltale signs indicate something is wrong with your garage door system, especially your cables. While your cables are often overlooked and hard to see when not operating, there are still particular signs telling you something is wrong.
The following video walks you through how to properly and safely open your garage door manually. With several possible problems such as a broken or snapped cable, learning how to open your garage door is an essential for every homeowner.
Garage door cable replacement service can range between an average of $100 to $500 depending on cable type, repair process, and labor cost.
The cable replacement process can take 4 hours or more depending on the changes technicians have to make. Ideally, an entire replacement service takes around 4-6 hours. However, if cables aren’t the only thing that needs work, it can take several hours.
The cable replacement process can take 4 hours or more depending on the changes technicians have to make. Ideally, an entire replacement service takes around 4-6 hours. However, if cables aren’t the only thing that needs work, it can take several hours.
Many DIY enthusiasts have no problem when it comes to replacing garage door cables by themselves. However, if you have no knowledge about the garage door system, it’s best to let the professionals handle cable repairs and replacements.
If your technician notices irreparable damage or potential breakage, a replacement is almost always advisable to prevent potential accidents.
Garage door cables have an average lifespan of 8 to 15 years. An annual inspection is also recommended to extend its longevity with proper care and maintenance.
It’s strongly advised that you do not attempt to use a garage door that has a broken or loose cable. Doing so places a huge amount of tension on the remaining cables, and may cause them to snap and send the door crashing down on top of whatever or whoever is underneath it.
Your garage door technician may recommend that you replace both cables. This is pretty standard, and many garage door cables are sold as sets. They’re relatively inexpensive after all, and the problem with replacing one and not the other is that you create an imbalance that can cause them to wear faster.
Address: 5757 Woodway Dr. Unit 301B Houston, TX 77057
Our Office Hours Are: Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sat & Sun: Closed)
Emergency Lines Open 24/7
Swift, Reliable Repairs
At Easy Garage Door Repair Services, we’re a family-owned and operated business proudly serving the Houston area. Dedicated to your satisfaction, we ensure reliable and stress-free service every time.
1. Get a Free Quote
Whether you need a new garage door installation or a quick repair, we provide fast, free, and accurate quotes customized for you.
2. Schedule at Your Convenience
For installations, we’ll work around your schedule to make the process seamless. Need a repair? Count on us to fix it promptly and efficiently.
3. Enjoy the Results
Sit back and relax! Whether it’s a brand-new door or a perfectly repaired one, you’ll love the convenience and reliability we bring to your garage.
Garage door cables serve as the connection between your door and the spring system. Your cables experience extreme strain during every operation, making them prone to breaking or snapping. The most obvious sign your cables are broken is when your doors stop opening. Before it gets to that point, call a professional.
We’re dedicated to providing Houston residents with superior garage door repair, installation services, and new garage doors & openers.
