Broken Cable Repair
Garage door cables play a critical role in keeping your garage door safe and functioning. Each side of your garage door has cable drums that maintain equal tension on door cables. If one of these cables snaps or frays, your door will no longer function properly. Unfortunately, replacing your cables isn’t a do-it-yourself job due to the garage door’s weight and the safety hazards involved. If your garage door cables break, don’t hesitate to call Hostetler & Askew Door for immediate repairs.
What Causes a Cable to Break?
Garage door cables are under constant stress. Each time you open or close your garage door, the cables move across a system of pulleys or wind on a spool or cable drum. Time and use are the primary culprits for a cable break. That’s why it’s crucial to inspect your cable system periodically for signs of wear.
Moisture near the bottom of the door can hasten the wear as well, so if you live in an especially wet area, your cables may be prone to breakage. If your door is out of adjustment, the cable may also rub against the track or another piece of hardware. It would be best if you also looked out for rust and corrosion. Hostetler & Askew Door can perform an immediate inspection to pinpoint any potential causes of fraying or excessive wear.
How Do I Know if My Garage Door Cable is Broken?
Door cables are made from heavy-duty galvanized wire that is designed to last for years. However, if the door is out of alignment or another issue occurs, you may need to replace it well before its time. Here are a few telltale signs that your cables need inspected and likely replaced.
- Your door is slanting to one side: If a frayed cable comes loose, your garage door may open unevenly. This can lead to additional strain and could damage your garage door system even more.
- The door no longer opens: If your door stops operating, it may be because the broken cable has triggered a safety feature in your garage door that prevents it from moving. The only way to open the garage door is to perform the necessary repairs.
- The door jerks closed and moves inconsistently: If your garage door is moving too fast, it may be because the cables are not working as intended. Cables should move smoothly and consistently from beginning to end.
Why You Should Call a Professional for Cable Repairs
If your garage door is malfunctioning, continued use can cause additional damage and potential harm to anyone in the vicinity. Because of the extreme amount of tension that the spring and cables are under, reattaching or attempting to repair cables on your own is a dangerous task best left to professionals. At Hostetler & Askew Door, we’ve been repairing garage doors for over 40 years. Our expert technicians know how to get the job done right. If you find damage or suspect your cables have broken, contact Hostetler & Askew Door immediately to prevent further damage or severe injury.