If you’ve got an automated garage door, chances are good that it runs on a cable system. Cables connect the springs of your garage door to the motor that powers it and allow for smooth up-and-down movement. But after a few years of wear and tear, those cables might need to be replaced – and if you don’t replace them in time, you could be putting yourself at risk. Let’s take a look at some of the signs it’s time to replace your garage door cable.
Garage Door Basics
A garage cable is a metal cable that attaches to the springs on a garage door. The cables help the door open and close smoothly by providing tension to the springs. These cables are typically made of galvanized steel, and over time they can wear down, become rusty, or fray. If you don’t replace your cables when they need it, you could be putting yourself at risk for an accident.
The other main parts of a garage door system include:
– Springs
– Motor
– Movement Sensors
All of these parts can malfunction or have issues, it’s important to call a repair service soon if you notice anything “off” or different about the function of your garage door. Pay close attention to avoid a domino effect of one broken component causing further issues. Nipping the problem in the bud will save you time and money in the long run.
Visible Wear and Tear
The first sign that you should replace your garage cable is visible wear and tear. If you can see fraying or cracking in the material, then it’s probably time for a replacement. This kind of wear is caused by regular opening and closing of the door over time, as well as exposure to moisture or extreme cold or heat. When this cable starts to show signs of age, it won’t just be a visual nuisance – it will also weaken its structural integrity and put extra strain on other components within your garage door system.
Uneven Movement
If you’re noticing that your garage door doesn’t always move smoothly and uniformly when opening or closing, then you may need to check your cables for any potential issues. Uneven movement could be caused by a faulty cable that has become too worn down over time and will need replacing if this is the case. Keeping an eye out for these warning signs is very important to prevent injuries to yourself, your pets, or your family.
Strange Noises
If your once-silent garage suddenly starts making loud noises when opened or closed, then there could be something wrong with the cable system. Rattles, screeches, groans, clangs – these are all warning signs that something isn’t quite right with your garage door system. If left unchecked, these strange noises can become louder over time as more tension is put on the cables during operation. In some cases, they can even lead to the complete failure of the entire system if left unrepaired long enough. You’ll want to avoid the unfortunate surprise of coming home one evening only to find your garage door will not open.
Loose or Snapped Cables
If you notice that your cables are loose or sagging when opened/closed, then this could indicate an issue with their tensioning mechanism that needs resolving before further damage occurs due to excessive strain on the system itself. A snapped cable can result in severe damage to not only the cables but also potentially other components like tracks & rollers etc., so make sure to get this sorted out quickly before any further problems arise. Call a garage door repair specialist to get your broken garage cable repair done properly.
Frequent Repairs
Finally, if you find yourself having to make frequent repairs to broken or worn parts within your automatic garage system over short periods of time (i.e., every few months) then chances are good that replacing the cables would save you money in the long run. By replacing all affected parts at once rather than one by one as they fail, you can ensure that all parts are compatible with each other and lessen the stress on both individual components as well as your wallet!
As we’ve seen here today, there are a few primary signs that indicate when it might be time for an upgrade or replacement for your automatic garage door cable system: visible wear and tear; strange noises; and frequent repairs being made over short periods of time, among many others. Taking care of any problems with your garage door now will help ensure that any potential issues down the road can be avoided – so don’t wait until it’s too late! Be sure to keep an eye out for these warning signs so you can keep yourself safe while enjoying worry free access to your home with your vehicle.
