Check Your Garage Door Cables. 5 Signs You Should Replace Them

What Are Garage Door Cables?

Before checking the signs for replacement, let’s learn first what a garage door cable is.

Most garage doors use springs and pulley systems to lift the garage door up and down. The garage door cables are the items that attach the door and the pulley drums so the energy by the spring can raise and lower the door. In other words, garage door cables engage and move every time you open or close your garage door.

Since they are crucial for a garage door system, they often need replacements. Fortunately, there are some signs to look for that can help you know the best time to replace these components.

Do not try to replace the cables using DIY methods. Always contact an Apache Junction garage door repair service to avoid accidents or wrong installations.

Visually Inspect Your Garage Door Cables

Inspecting your garage door cables for damage is a straightforward process that you should perform regularly to ensure safety and proper operation. Begin by visually examining the cables on both sides of the door while it is closed. Look for signs of fraying, corrosion, or rust on the cables, as these indicate wear and potential failure points.

Pay close attention to areas where the cable loops around the bottom brackets and up high near the drums, as these sections experience the most stress. Additionally, check for any kinks, bulges, or unraveling strands, which can weaken the cable's integrity. If you notice any damage, it’s crucial to avoid using the door until the cables have been professionally inspected or replaced.

Always remember that garage door cables are under high tension, so never attempt to adjust or repair them yourself without proper knowledge and tools, as this could result in serious injury. If you are unsure and would like a proper inspection performed, call Same Day Garage Door Services for your Ahwatukee garage door repair.

Here are five signs you should replace your garage door cables:

Safety 

Damaged or weakened cables can lead to sudden failure, which could cause the garage door to fall unexpectedly. This poses a significant safety risk to anyone nearby, including people, pets, or vehicles. Safety is always our number one priority, and if your garage door cables are damaged at all, they must be replaced.  Cables hold all of tension of the springs and will cause extreme damage, injury, or even death if they are not replaced and installed correctly. They require a professional and experienced technician to replace them. 

Wear and Tear

Over time, the cables can become frayed, worn, or corroded due to constant use and exposure to the elements. Worn cables can snap, causing the door to become inoperable or potentially dangerous. If your garage door has not been serviced in a long time, it would be a fantastic idea to have the garage door cables and other moving components inspected and serviced. 

Your garage door cables can fray at almost any age from the time of installation (depending on the quality of the garage door installation). Minimum recommendation for servicing your garage door is once a year. 

Traumatic Event

Hey, accidents happen. Sometimes a car will bump into the garage door, or the kids are playing too rough and run into the garage door with their bikes. This can cause the garage door sections to bend and create alignment issues.  

You should be able to notice if the door alignment is off. You may even hear the garage door scraping against other materials when the alignment is off. Sometimes is it something rubbing against the garage door cables and that will eventually cause the cables to fray and break if not replaced promptly. Pay special attention to the alignment to know if your cables need replacement. 

Broken Spring

When a garage door spring breaks, it places immense strain on the entire garage door system, including the cables. The sudden release of tension from a broken spring can cause the cables to fray, stretch, or even snap, compromising their strength and integrity.

Replacing the cables after a spring breaks ensures that the door is supported by components that are in good condition, preventing additional damage and ensuring the door operates safely and smoothly. This proactive approach not only restores the door's proper function but also helps prevent costly repairs or accidents in the future.

Being Proactive

Replacing the garage door cables is an excellent proactive measure that can save you from unexpected issues and costly repairs down the line. Even if the cables haven't shown obvious signs of wear, replacing them before they fail can prevent sudden malfunctions that could disrupt your daily routine or, worse, create safety hazards. Proactively replacing cables ensures that your garage door system remains in top condition, reducing the strain on other components like the springs and opener.

This preventive maintenance approach not only extends the lifespan of your entire system but also provides peace of mind, knowing that your garage door is reliable and safe for your family and home. Taking action before problems arise is a smart investment in the long-term functionality and security of your garage door.

Hire A Gilbert Garage Door Repair Service That Won’t Let You Down

If you notice any of these signs, call a professional to repair your garage door cables as soon as possible. At Same Day Garage Door Services, we ensure fast and reliable service to ensure your garage door keeps working properly. We offer quality door installations and repairs at a great price, so call us now to get started!

Same Day Garage Door Services, LLC

Email: samedaygaragedoorservices@gmail.com

ROC #308754

ROC #349928

Gilbert Location

1176 East Warner Road #117

Gilbert, AZ 85296

Phone: 480-573-2359

Tempe Location

5861 S Kyrene Rd Suite 1

Tempe, AZ 85283

Phone: 480-750-7975

Mesa Location

4710 E Falcon Dr

Mesa, AZ 85215

Phone: 480-382-1989