Are you starting to get curious about that odd noise coming from your garage door? And that odd little dance it’s doing that it never used to?
It’s possible that your garage door might need a tune up. Just like a car, when odd noises start happening, it’s necessary to look into the cause.
Don’t worry! For the average person without any mechanical background, the system of a garage door is very complex. The system has many types of hardware that all supply to its function.
However, before you tackle repairing any of those individual parts, you need to know what the function of each part is and where they are located in your garage.
Knowing how each part of your garage door system contributes to the overall functioning of the door will help you detect when a part is damaged.
First, Learn More About the Main Garage Door Hardware Systems and How They Work
Cables
The cables are located on each side of the garage door and work in unison with the springs to help counterbalance the weight of the door. The cables help the door lift smoothly up and down. That’s why they are called lift cables.
Crucial to understand: lift and safety cables are not the same. Do NOT confuse them.
Safety cables and lift cables are not the same things. Safety cables are installed alongside extension springs - another part we will explain soon - to prevent injury from happening if the spring ever breaks. Hence, safety cables.
Springs
There are 2 types of springs utilized in garage door systems- torsion and extension springs. The weight and size of the door will determine which one is necessary. Once you the know the difference between torsion and extensions springs you will have a more clear understanding of the overall function of your garage door.
Torsion springs
Torsion springs are used for most normal size garage doors where there is an ample amount of room above the door before the ceiling of your garage. They are safer and less noisy when installed correctly. You may find either one spring or a set of two springs depending on the size and weight of your door.
Safety cables are not needed for torsion springs but are needed for extension springs. A metal rod runs through the center of the springs and drums are connected to both ends of the rod. The cables spin around the drums as the door opens. The opposite end of the cables is connected to brackets on the bottom of the garage door.
When the door opens, the torsion springs are forced to unwind. Stored energy is then released which helps the door to open. When the door closes, the spring goes back into its usual constricted state, storing energy for the next time the door needs to open.
Extension springs
Extension springs are used for smaller doors when there is not a lot of space above the door. Cables travel through pulleys from the bottom brackets of the door to then connect to the springs.
This spring system occurs above the horizontal tracks that the garage door slides on. A spring is placed on both sides of the garage door, so the door moves in unison. When the door is closed, tension is created in the springs since they are stretched to capacity. This acts as a counterbalance for when the door opens. Extension springs are also called stretch springs because of this function.
Safety cables are absolutely necessary because if a spring ever breaks when it is under so much pressure it could cause serious damage or injury to anyone or anything nearby.
Torsion (on the left) and extension springs (on the right) appear similar but operate differently.
Whether you need to replace the springs or cables, we highly recommend buying your parts from a garage door specialist. Doing so ensures high-quality and durable components that will not break and cause you damage.
Second, Learn How to See It’s Time to Change Your Garage Door Cables
It may be difficult to spot when your cables need to be replaced but every time, they are being used they are being worn down. It’s important to keep an eye on the quality of the springs to prevent them from snapping and causing damage.
One thing to look out for is the alignment of the door on the track. If it is not aligned properly, it may cause other parts of the garage door system to weaken. Since your door can be misaligned at any time, it is recommended to frequently inspect this matter.
Also, moisture can start to develop if you don’t have good insulation, especially if you live in an area where it often snows or rains. Remove dirt and insects trapped in your cables to keep them clean and reduce the process of corrosion and rusting.
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Preventive maintenance
To avoid all of these issues from occurring, it is wise to book an appointment with a garage door specialist to inspect all parts of your garage door system. The number of cycles per year will determine how often you need preventative maintenance.
Don’t put off an inspection! Noticing signs of damage is difficult to an untrained eye but comes naturally to a trained professional. Waiting may increase the damage which increases the risk of your safety.
Garage door technicians don’t just look at the individual part that is broken- they look at the whole system as a whole. If all parts are working properly, then deterioration will be delayed.
Although annual maintenance is necessary, it is ideal to inspect cables and other parts every month on your own. Refer to this checklist to maintain your garage door like a pro.
Here are 5 easy things you can start doing today:
● Inspect all the parts every month
● Follow the manual guide
● Ensure your garage door is balanced
● Lubricate your hardware
● Keep the tracks free of debris
Third, What You Have to Consider Before Fixing Garage Door Cables Yourself
Springs can break very suddenly and without warning. When they do, serious destruction can occur. That’s why it is very important to let a trained garage door technician help you fix your garage door instead of trying to do it yourself.
Professional garage door technicians are trained in this area so you can avoid hurting yourself and others around you. With their knowledge and expertise, you can put your trust in their hands.
Not to mention, trying to fix something yourself can usually result in it becoming even more broken. This will end up costing you more in the end in time and money.
Potential hazards associated with do-it-yourself garage door repairs
● Injuries and Death
At the least, garage doors weigh 150 pounds. Since the cables and spring are constantly under intense tension- if anything is mishandled, these components will become a damaging force, they will hurt you for sure. They could even kill you.
● Property damages
You could easily damage your property or your belongings by attempting to fix a garage door yourself. If so, you will then have to add extra costs since you now have to replace or fix those damages.
● Thieves
If your garage door suddenly becomes more damaged then it was, you will be opening your home to potential intruders and putting your family’s safety at risk
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Get in Touch with Your Local Garage Door Experts
No matter what your garage door needs are, you can put your trust in garage door professionals like ours. They will inspect, adjust, and test your garage door system because they are certified to do so.
Our garage door services include maintenance and repair - you can opt to be a part of our annual maintenance program or pay by the hour.
Give yourself a stress-free life with help from Cadillac Garage Door & Seamless Gutter and Grand Traverse Garage Door. They will always make sure your garage door is operating safely and smoothly.
For any garage door service, contact us now at 231-775-3239 in Cadillac or 231-943-9970 in Grand Traverse!
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No need for that because you already know the garage door you want? Then it’s time to request your emailed free quote!
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