How Garage Door Repair Pros Handle Broken Springs and Cables
Imagine pressing your garage door opener and nothing happens. And the worst part? You hear a loud noise as you try to open it forcefully. Now your door has refused to open properly.
Broken springs and cables can affect your garage door. They can even cause severe safety hazards. A door under extreme tension may fall unexpectedly. It can damage your property or cause injury to someone.
But here’s the good news: garage door repair pros can help. They have the tools and skills to repair broken springs and cables safely. This article will give you important information on how professional technicians safely and efficiently handle broken springs and cables.
Let’s get started!
Key Highlights
- Garage door springs are important parts of your door system.
- Safety cables are the backup support system for your garage door springs. They support your garage door system and provide a safety precaution in case of spring failure.
- Repairing or replacing garage door springs and cables involves a safe step-by-step process.
Understanding the Role of Springs and Cables in Garage Door Functionality
Your garage door has a balanced system of springs and cables. They work together to lift and lower your door.
These components help to offset the weight of the door. They make it significantly easier for the opener to do its job. They also help you to manually operate your door when you want to.
The mechanics behind your garage door springs
Garage door springs are important parts of your door system. They help to balance the weight of the door and ensure it works safely. There are two primary types of garage door springs. They are the extension springs and torsion springs.
Extension springs are mounted on either side of the door and stretch as the door closes. They also store energy that helps to lift the door when you open it.
Standard torsion springs, on the other hand, are located above the door opening and work by twisting and storing energy. When the garage door is lowered, the torsion spring tightens. Then it releases the stored energy to assist the lift.
Both of them serve the same essential function. However, they work under different mechanics. You should understand the difference because it will help you easily identify a potential problem. This also helps when discussing repairs with garage door pros.
A broken spring requires immediate attention. This is because it renders the door practically inoperable and creates a potential safety risk.
Why cables are integral to garage door safety
Your springs carry your door’s weight, but they also need some help. Safety cables are the backup support system for your garage door springs. They support your garage door system and provide a safety precaution in case of spring failure.
These cables are threaded through the springs or attached to the bottom corners of the door and run along the tracks.
Safety cables are designed to catch and control the door if a spring breaks, preventing it from falling freely. They are under high tension, especially when the door is closed, and work to slow the descent of the door and minimize potential damage or injury.
Garage door pros can help you to regularly inspect your cables and ensure it doesn’t get frayed or become disconnected. This is because a compromised cable cannot perform its safety duty properly.
Identifying Common Issues with Springs and Cables
Many homeowners usually forget to take care of their garage door until something goes wrong. But that’s not good. You should understand the signs that indicate issues with your springs and cables. This will help you to address the problems before they escalate into major costly repairs.
Signs your garage door springs need attention
A telltale sign of a failing garage door spring is a sudden loud bang from your garage. This is usually a sign that a spring has broken due to the constant stress of opening and closing.
Sometimes you may notice that your door feels unusually heavy or refuses to open. This may be because of a broken spring.
It could also be visible damage to the spring. This includes gaps in the coils or a noticeable separation in the spring itself. If you see any of these, it may be time for a garage door spring replacement.
That’s not all. Your door may open unevenly with one side rising faster than the other. This could mean a problem with one of the springs.
Remember, garage door springs are under immense tension and should never be adjusted or repaired without proper training. If you see any of these signs, call garage door repair pros at once.
Symptoms of failing or broken cables
Garage door cables work silently with your springs. They are very important because they help to ensure your door works properly.
One of the first signs is usually a change in the way your door operates. Especially if your door is opening or closing unevenly, getting stuck, or moving jerkily. This may be because of a broken cable.
You should visually check your cables. Look for any signs of fraying, looseness, or damage. Also check for cables hanging loose, particularly on the side of the door, as this is a clear indication of a problem.
If you notice a broken spring, your cables may also be damaged even if they appear intact.
With the severe dangers associated with a failing garage door system, it’s always best to contact a qualified garage door technician. They will help you to repair your door and prevent further damage.
The Risks of DIY Repairs on Springs and Cables
The internet has DIY solutions for almost everything. However, it’s best to allow garage door repair pros to fix your spring and cable. The high tension in these components makes them extremely dangerous, even for someone with general handyman skills.
A compressed spring holds a lot of energy. If released the wrong way, it can break with great force, causing severe injury or death.
People who are not trained should not handle garage door spring repairs. This is because even simple tasks like adjusting tension or replacing a spring can be dangerous.
That’s not all. Repairing or replacing springs and cables involves working with the door in a partially open or closed position. This will be dangerous without the right knowledge, tools, and techniques.
Moreover, the cables themselves require precise adjustments to ensure smooth and safe door operation. You should allow the professional to address these repairs. They will provide you with safe and proper repairs.
Steps Involved in Professional Spring and Cable Repair
Repairing or replacing garage door springs and cables involves a safe step-by-step process. Skilled technicians will carefully follow a series of steps to ensure accuracy and reduce risk. Here are some of the steps they will follow:
Securing the garage door and releasing tension
Before initiating any repairs, the technician will ensure the garage door is secure and stable. This involves disconnecting the automatic opener. They will also use clamps or vices to prevent the door from moving unexpectedly.
Once the area is secured, the technician will begin the process of carefully releasing tension from the springs or cables. This step is crucial for preventing sudden releases of stored energy which is dangerous.
The improper release of tension can cause the spring or cable to snap back with significant force. This will potentially cause severe damage to the door or surrounding property. It can also lead to serious injury.
Using specialized tools, the technician will slowly and properly reduce the tension. This will reduce the risk of injury to themselves and anyone nearby.
It’s important to control this release of energy as it helps the technician maintain a safe working environment throughout the repair process.
Removing and replacing the broken springs
Once the tension is safely released, the technician can proceed to remove the damaged or broken springs. This involves carefully removing the springs from their mounting points while controlling the door’s weight.
The specific process may vary depending on the type of spring (torsion or extension) and the configuration of the garage door system.
The technician will remove the old springs. Then they will install new springs of the correct size and type. This ensures compatibility with the weight and size of your garage door.
Selecting the right springs is crucial for proper balance and safe operation. If you use the wrong size, it can lead to premature wear and tear. That’s not all. It may even create dangerous situations.
Precision during this step is critical for ensuring that the new springs are installed correctly and operate as intended. The expert will properly attach the springs to their mounting points. They will also adjust the tension according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Addressing cable damage and ensuring proper alignment
In addition to spring replacement, the technician will also address any issues with the garage door cables. This may involve replacing frayed or damaged cables. It could also be a simple readjusting of existing cables to ensure proper alignment and tension.
If a broken spring is the culprit, the cables likely experienced significant stress during the failure. Even if they appear intact, replacing them is a safe precaution.
Properly installed safety cables act as a fail-safe mechanism. They control the descent of the door and reduce damage or injury in the unlikely event of another spring failure.
Once the new springs and cables are in place, the technician will thoroughly lubricate all moving parts of the door system.
Reach Out to A Garage Door Repair Pro Today!
You should call reputable garage door repair pros for your broken spring or cable repairs. They will provide you with safe and quality repairs. Experienced technicians like Dave Moseley The Door Guy arrive with the understanding that each garage door system is unique.
That’s why they will start the repair process with a proper assessment. This helps them to determine what caused the problem.
This careful step allows them to provide accurate diagnoses. It also means that they’ll provide you with the best solutions for your garage door repairs.
Here in New Jersey, Dave Moseley The Door Guy is the right emergency garage door repair technician for you.
We can help to properly repair your spring and cable issues. That’s not all. If you need garage door installation, garage door opener services, or any other garage door repair services, we can help.
Our experts will provide you with quick and safe garage door services. And guess what? We are certified and our services are affordable too. Reach out to us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace garage door springs or cables myself?
Due to the high tension in garage door springs and cables, DIY replacement is strongly discouraged.
Without proper training and tools, it can cause dangerous situations and serious injury. You should contact a professional garage door company.
How long does a professional repair take?
Garage door repair services, even emergency garage door repair, are typically completed quickly by experienced garage door technicians with time efficiency in mind.
While a precision garage door service can often be done within a few hours, the exact time depends on the complexity of the repair.
What tools do professional garage door technicians use?
These tools might include winding bars, spring pullers, safety cables, clamps, and various hand tools specific to garage door maintenance.
