When you think of garage door repairs, you probably envision problems with the garage door sensors, opener, springs or perhaps the panels. Certainly, these components tend to be vulnerable to wear due to frequent use, but they are not the only parts you should be concerned about. Critical components that are often underrated but play a key role in the overall functionality of the garage door are the cables. The cables are connected to the garage door's pulley system and are tasked with two main jobs. First, the cables work to lift and lower the garage door as needed. Moreover, the cables are responsible for supporting the weight of this door. Consequently, when the cables are defective, your garage doors can quickly become a safety hazard in your home. Check out the following warning signals of looming garage door repairs originating from compromised cables.
The garage door cables have acquired physical damage
The great thing about garage door cables is they are in plain sight. Thus, it is advisable to routinely inspect these components for physical damage, as this would indicate the need for immediate repairs. One of the most common forms of damage the cables are susceptible to is fraying, which is due to the friction they are exposed to when they are in use. Furthermore, you should also check the cables for corrosion, as this would be indicative of damage to the metallic materials inside them. Failure to seek immediate garage door repairs puts the cables at risk of snapping, which can lead to your garage door slamming shut while it is still in use.
The garage door's movement is erratic
A garage door that is operating at optimum should open and close seamlessly. Any changes to this operation should be a cause for concern since it is indicative of an array of underlying issues. Usually, this issue will crop up due to damaged tension springs. However, if the springs are in working order, the problem may lie with the cables. Degraded cables lose their ability to properly handle the weight of the garage doors. As a result, you will notice the garage door raising or lowering much slower than normal. It is also worth noting that depending on the extent of damage to the cables, the movement of the garage door could be faster than usual, which poses the risk of the door crashing down. Bearing that in mind, any changes to the garage door's operation should prompt you to seek garage door repairs.
For more information on garage door repairs, contact a professional near you.
Share16 June 2022
When my garage door stopped working, I didn't have the first idea of what the problem might be. I contacted a local garage door repair service and they said they would send a contractor out to examine the door. Once the contractor had taken a look, he reported that the springs within the door mechanism were broken. He then got to work repairing the problem. Within an hour or two, my garage door was operational again. The contractor explained that he thought I had been opening the door incorrectly and placing too much strain on the springs. He gave me lots of useful tips which will help to avoid this problem in the future.
