When Your Garage Door Cable Breaks: Why Professional Repair is Crucial

When the garage door cable breaks, it can cause more than just a temporary inconvenience—it can lead to serious damage to your door system and even put your safety at risk. A malfunctioning garage door caused by a snapped cable could result in the door falling off its tracks, potentially causing severe damage to your property and putting your family in harm's way. This is why it’s crucial to address a broken or malfunctioning garage door cable as soon as possible.

Common Signs of a Broken Garage Door Cable

The key to preventing further damage and keeping your garage door system working smoothly is identifying the problem early. Here are a few signs that your garage door cable may be about to break or already has:

1. Squeaky Noises: If your garage door is making squeaky or unusual noises when it opens or closes, the cable may be fraying or becoming weak. This is a warning sign that a problem is developing.

   
   

2. Heavier Door Movement: If your garage door feels heavier than usual and is becoming difficult to lift manually, the cables are likely starting to fail. This is one of the first signs that the lifting cables are losing their strength.

   
   

3. Door Not Moving Properly: If the door doesn’t rise evenly or gets stuck halfway, it’s a clear indication that one of the cables has snapped. In some cases, you might even see the cable visibly frayed or broken.

If any of these issues sound familiar, don’t attempt to fix the problem yourself. A broken garage door cable is not just a simple inconvenience—it’s a safety hazard.

Types of Garage Door Cables

There are two main types of cables involved in the operation of a garage door:

1. Lifting Cables: These cables are responsible for lifting and lowering the door. They are attached to the torsion spring system and the bottom of the door. Lifting cables are the most prone to snapping over time due to wear and tear.

   
   

2. Retaining Cables: These cables are found inside the extension springs and serve as a safety feature. They prevent the springs from causing injury or damage if they break. While retaining cables rarely snap, they are essential for maintaining the door’s safety.

   
   

Causes of Cable Failure

Several factors can contribute to the failure of garage door cables, with wear and tear being the most common cause. Here are some other potential causes of cable failure:

• Exposure to Moisture and Cold: Water, moisture, and extreme temperatures can weaken the cables over time, leading to breaks.

  
  

• Poor Maintenance: Lack of proper lubrication and regular maintenance can cause cables to become worn out or damaged more quickly. Without adequate oiling, the metal components in your garage door can become rusted or corroded.

  
  

• Component Failure: Sometimes, other parts of the garage door system, like the springs or tracks, can fail, putting additional stress on the cables, causing them to snap.

Why Professional Help Is Essential

While you might be tempted to handle a snapped cable yourself, it’s important to understand that garage door cable replacement is not a DIY job. This task requires specialized tools and knowledge to avoid further damage to the door system or injury. Garage doors are heavy and have high-tension springs, which can be dangerous if mishandled. Attempting to replace the cable without proper training could result in accidents or additional damage to the door.

At Spartan Garage Doors, our experienced technicians are trained to handle broken cables safely and efficiently. We provide a thorough inspection to determine the cause of the failure and replace the damaged cable. If necessary, we’ll also replace any other damaged components to ensure your door functions safely and smoothly.

Call Spartan Garage Doors for Reliable Service

If your garage door cable has snapped or is showing signs of wear, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Call Spartan Garage Doors at (724) 400-0200 today! Our team of professionals is ready to provide fast, reliable service to get your garage door working like new again. Whether you need a quick cable replacement or a full garage door repair, we’re here to help you keep your home safe and secure.

Snapped Cable Replacement