There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a garage door that refuses to cooperate. You press the button, hear the familiar whir, but instead of gracefully opening or closing, it either jerks erratically, gets stuck halfway, or simply won’t budge. While many things can go wrong with a complex system like a garage door, one of the most common, and often overlooked, culprits is a problem with the cables.
When one of these cables encounters an issue, the entire system can go haywire.
Emu Garage Doors brings you this quick guide to understanding how cable problems can affect your roller door and what it might cost to get it sorted.
Signs Your Cables Might Be the Problem
How can you tell if your garage door’s woes are linked to its cables? Here are some tell-tale signs:
- The Door is Crooked or Uneven: This is a classic indicator. If you notice your garage door is sitting higher on one side than the other when closed, or if it moves unevenly during operation, it’s very likely that one of the cables is compromised. You might observe a garage door cable loose on one side while the other side remains taut.
- Door won’t Open or Close Fully: If your door only opens a few inches or stops dead in its tracks while closing, a cable might be broken or jammed.
- Loud Bangs or Grinding Noises: While a sudden, loud bang can indicate a broken spring, grinding or scraping noises during operation often point to a cable that’s fraying, off its drum, or catching on something.
- Visible Fraying or Damage: Do a visual inspection of your cables. Are they looking worn, frayed, or rusted? Do you see any broken strands? This is a clear sign they need attention.
- Excess Slack in the Cable: If you notice that a garage door cable has too much slack when the door is closed or partially open, it could mean it’s come off its drum, or the tension system is compromised.
Why Do Cables Fail?
Cables endure a lot of stress over their lifespan. Here are some common reasons they can fail:
- Wear and Tear: Like any moving part, cables eventually wear out. Fraying and corrosion are natural consequences of age and use.
- Improper Installation: If cables weren’t installed correctly, they might not be properly seated on the drums, leading to premature wear or detachment.
- Broken Springs: If a torsion or extension spring breaks, the sudden release of tension can put extreme stress on the cables, causing them to snap or come loose.
- Obstructions: If the door encounters an obstruction during operation, it can cause the cables to bind, fray, or jump off their drums.
Do You Need a Garage Door Cable Replacement?
Not all cable issues can be resolved with a simple adjustment. If the cable is frayed, rusted, or broken, it’s time for a full garage door cable replacement. Continuing to use a damaged cable can be extremely hazardous and could cause the door to fall unexpectedly.
What to Do When You Suspect a Cable Issue
IMPORTANT: A garage door with cable problems can be extremely dangerous. The springs hold immense tension, and if a cable snaps while you’re attempting to fix it, it can cause serious injury.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you do NOT attempt to fix cable issues yourself.
Instead, if you suspect a cable problem:
- Stop using the door immediately. Do not try to force it open or closed.
- Disconnect the automatic opener to prevent accidental operation.
- Call a qualified professional. They have the tools, expertise, and safety training to diagnose and resolve cable issues safely and effectively. Whether it’s a simple re-seating of a loose cable or a complete garage door cable replacement, a professional can ensure the job is done right, restoring your garage door to safe and smooth operation.
Don’t let a stuck garage door ruin your day or compromise your safety. If you suspect a cable issue, act quickly and call in the experts. It’s an investment in your safety and the longevity of your garage door system.
For reliable, fast, and professional garage door repair and replacement, contact Emu Garage Doors today. Call us on 02 9030 0686 and let our experienced technicians get your garage door back on track safely and efficiently.
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