A garage door cable is a small but essential component of your garage door. They are designed to keep the torsion springs from binding up. When you’re having trouble opening or closing your garage door, chances are it’s not just a problem with the opener. It might be that one of the cables has come loose. Knowing how to repair a garage door cable might save you time, money, and frustration.
Can You Repair a Garage Door Cable Yourself?
Many garage door cables are not easy to repair. This is especially true for wires made of polyester and polypropylene. Some garage door cables are also steel, which can be bent and shaped. It’s a good idea to open your garage door as little as possible to avoid any unnecessary wear on the lifting cord. Consider installing a safety device, like a breakaway kit, so that you can still open and close your door. In emergencies, it will lift automatically.
But if you’re unsure about your skills or the cable type, it’s best to get help from a professional Open Sesame technician.
How Long Should a Garage Door Cable Last?
The lifespan of a garage door cable varies depending on the frequency of use. High cycle cables will last 10-15,000 cycles of opening your garage door. This translates into 8-15 years depending on how frequently you use your garage door. However, you can extend this lifespan with annual maintenance. If you live in an area with extreme weather, it’s best to replace your cables every three to five years. In milder climates, the average lifespan is around seven to ten years.
What Causes Garage Door Cables to Break?
Cables can break due to age, corrosion, and wear and tear. When a cable snaps or becomes loose, it will no longer be able to exert the tension needed to open and close your door.
What Happens If a Garage Door Cable Breaks?
If one of the cables breaks, it can lead to various problems. You may not manage to operate your garage door, it may take a long time for the door to move, or it may never move. If you’re having problems getting your door open or closed, chances are there’s a problem with one of the cables.
How Do You Open a Garage Door With a Broken Cable?
The first step is making sure that all the cables and springs are intact. But if the spring is broken, or if the cable is broken it is better to call a professional rather than doing it yourself. You also don’t want to proceed if the garage door is damaged in any other way.
Garage door cables are one of the essential parts of a garage door. They are responsible for lifting the door and without them, you can’t get in or out of your home. Call us at Open Sesame for professional help and get an estimate today!