A homeowner in Omaha, NE, contacted us for a garage door repair. Our technicians immediately saw that the garage door was not level. It was only partially open due to a broken lift cable. The other lift cable was barely supporting the heavy door. We advised the owner that cable replacement must be done immediately to prevent further damage to the garage door. Our recommendation was to replace both lift cables to avoid future problems. The client was relieved when their garage door operated smoothly after the repair.
The counterbalancing system of garage doors is not complete without garage door cables. They keep the door in place and allow it to open and close smoothly. However, when they become loose, the door will not work properly.
Garage door cables are under great tension, and this force is transferred to the opener. Broken or loose cables can make it difficult or impossible to open and close the garage door. It is because the tension in the spring will no longer provide any lifting force. With a tangled cable around the drums, an overhead garage door with loose cables will hang halfway in the opening or be stuck closed.
As your garage door ages, the cables that help to lift it can become worn and eventually snap. It results from normal wear and tear and does not foretell any issues with your door. However, it is crucial to be aware that this can happen so that you can take steps to prevent any accidents.
There is an unequal weight distribution and slack in the wires on one side of the garage door when it is set down on something. It can cause problems with the cables jumping across the grooves in the drums. Also, it often happens when you close the door on top of something, creating a crooked garage door in the opening.
Torsion springs are essential for garage doors, as they provide the tension necessary to lift and lower the door. However, broken torsion springs can cause serious problems. Without the spring's tension, the door will not be able to function properly, and the cables may even slip out of their grooves. Therefore, it is always best to have two torsion springs in case one breaks so that you can make repairs quickly.
Garage door cables are susceptible to breaking due to rust. Rust can quickly eat through a cable, causing it to corrode. Corroded cables can cause the door to malfunction or even break.
One of the reasons garage door cables can snap is fraying. It happens when the individual wire cables that make up the larger, thicker cable become twisted and break. When this happens, it can cause the surrounding cables to fray, ultimately leading to the snapping of the main cable.
As a homeowner, it is important to inspect your garage door cables regularly for fraying or kinks and to check the pulleys. Frayed cables can be caused by something sticking out of the cable along its path. To determine the cause of the frayed cable, follow its path and remove whatever is causing the damage. In addition, cables should be kept clean of debris and free from lubricants, as these can attract dirt and grime, which can interfere with proper functioning.
Hiring professionals like Omaha Garage Door Repair is highly advisable when carrying out garage door cable repair. We provide a wide range of services, including garage door repair and cable replacement. We will take care of everything from fixing a broken spring to replacing a worn-out cable so you can enjoy your space without any worries. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!