We’ve all experienced that sinking feeling when something seems “off” with an important piece of machinery or equipment around the home. For many homeowners, that uncertain feeling arises when their garage door opener starts acting strangely – becoming difficult to open, making odd noises, or failing to operate smoothly. In numerous cases, the root cause turns out to be damaged or broken garage door cables.
These vital components allow your garage door to travel along its overhead track system, and any signs of wear, fraying, or breakage demand immediate professional attention from a qualified garage door repair service.
Understanding the Critical Role of Garage Door Cables
Before discussing our repair procedures, it’s important to understand why garage door cables are so crucial. In a typical garage door configuration, the door itself is counter-balanced by stout torsion springs mounted above the opening. These springs provide the lifting force needed to offset the door’s substantial weight.
However, cables are what transfer this lifting motion from the torsion springs to the door panels, wrapping around cable drums to raise and lower the door every time you hit the garage door opener.
There are two main types of cables involved:
- Lift Cables: Running from the bottom bracket hinges to the cable drums, lift cables directly connect the door panels to the torsion spring system.
- Safety Cables: These thinner cables run through the extension spring assemblies, designed to provide backup support in case a spring or cable fails.
Our Multi-Step Cable Repair Process
Based on information from Clopay, a leading garage door manufacturer, the lift cables on a typical 7-foot tall garage door must support between 100-200 pounds of tension from the counterbalance springs.
When you call CO Garage Door Repair Federal Heights for cable replacements or repairs, our technicians follow a thorough, safety-focused process:
- Inspection: We start by fully inspecting your entire garage door system, including the cables, pulleys, drums, springs, and all related hardware to identify any potential issues.
- Preparation: Proper safety gear like gloves and safety glasses are a must when working with garage door components under high tension. We’ll also disconnect the garage door opener for the repair.
- Cable Replacement: If cables are visibly worn, frayed, or broken, replacements will be installed using the correct tools and winding bars to ensure proper tension and smooth operation.
- Component Checks: We inspect related parts like cable drums, torsion tubes, and bearings for any signs of wear that could contribute to premature cable failure down the line.
- Testing and Adjustments: With new cables in place, we re-tension the torsion springs as needed and carefully test the full range of motion to verify smooth, safe garage door travel.
Throughout this process, we always prioritize workplace safety protocols to mitigate any potential hazards posed by the high-tension springs and components involved in garage door systems.
Why Replacing Cables is Not a DIY Job
While some homeowners may consider replacing garage door cables themselves to save money, we strongly advise against attempting this type of repair without professional training and experience. These components are under extreme torsional force that can easily cause injury if mishandled.
Frayed or damaged cables can partially break at any time, causing the bundled cables to whiplash violently. Our garage door repair technicians rely on specialized winding bars, safety tools, and extensive knowledge to perform cable replacements safely.
Contact the Pros at CO Garage Door Repair Federal Heights Today!
Don’t take unnecessary risks with a crucial home system like your garage door. If you notice frayed lift cables, broken safety cables, or any other signs of cable-related issues, call the knowledgeable team at CO Garage Door Repair Federal Heights right away at (720) 545-0105.
We’ll promptly diagnose the problem and implement a reliable, long-lasting cable repair solution to restore full functionality and safety to your garage door. With our expertise and commitment to quality workmanship, you can count on smooth, dependable garage door operation for years to come.
