Wondering where that strange noise is coming from every time you try to open your garage door? Have you also noticed the door is not moving the way it used to?
The noise is starting to drive you crazy so you’re really eager to fix the problem, but you can’t narrow down exactly what the problem is. The garage door opener and springs seem to be working as they usually do, so you are just extra confused!
If you are not a mechanic, it can be very tricky to know how a garage door works. It’s more than just a door riding on tracks. A garage door system is built of several hardware components that all simultaneously work together.
We are here to tell you the main functions of all of these important parts so you can understand exactly how a garage door is repaired.
Knowing how each part of your garage door system contributes to the overall functioning of the door will help you detect when a part is damaged.
Main Hardware Systems of a Garage Door
Cables
The cables are located on both sides of the garage door. They work with the springs (which we will explain the function of soon) to cancel out the weight of the garage door. The cables serve as a piece of hardware that transfers the energy from the springs to lift the door open. Because of this, cables are also called lift cables.
REALLY IMPORTANT! Do NOT confuse lift and safety cables!
To prevent injury from an accident caused by a spring mishap, safety cables are installed. They are placed through the middle of the spring to prevent pieces from flying.
Springs
In order to counterbalance garage doors, 2 types of operating systems are used - torsion or extension springs. Knowing the difference between the 2 is necessary when understanding how your garage door functions.
Torsion springs
Torsion springs are located above the garage door where it opens, on a steel rod. There will be either one spring or a pair of springs depending on the size and weight of the door. Torsions springs are much quieter and safer compared to extension springs, if correctly installed.
Unlike extension springs, safety cables are not necessary. This is due to a metal pole that runs through the middle of the spring or springs. Drums are connected to each end of the pole and the lift cables wind around the drums when the door opens. The other end of the lift cables are connected to bottom brackets on the bottom of the garage door.
When the garage door opens, the stored tension that was in the spring is released when the spring unwinds and begins to lift open the door. When the door closes, the spring then constricts to store tension for when it needs to open again.
Extension springs
Extension springs are used for smaller doors when there is not a lot of space above the door. Thanks to their design, these springs are installed above the horizontal tracks that the door slides on. Cables travel through pulleys from the bottom brackets of the door to then connect to the springs.
Each spring is positioned over the horizontal tracks that the door slides along to allow for synchronized operation. The springs become stretched to capacity when the door is completely closed which creates tension for when the door needs to open. This is why extension springs are referred to as stretch springs.
Safety cables are absolutely necessary because if a spring ever breaks when it is under so much pressure it could cause serious damage or injury to anyone or anything nearby.
Torsion (on the left) and extension springs (on the right) look the same but operate differently.
Whether you need to replace the springs or cables, we highly recommend buying your parts from a garage door specialist. Doing so ensures high-quality and durable components that will not break and cause you damage.
When Should You Replace Your Garage Door Cables?
It may be difficult to spot when your cables need to be replaced but every time, they are being used they are being worn down. It’s important to keep an eye on the quality of the springs to prevent them from snapping and causing damage.
Since your garage door is constantly moving up and down, there is constant friction among all the parts. If the door ever becomes misaligned on the track, other parts of the system can suffer from too much friction and break more easily. Because of this, frequent inspection is necessary.
Moisture is another factor to look out for especially if you live somewhere where it often rains or snows. On top of that, dirt and insects trapped in your wet cables can cause some serious rusting and corrosion.
Love how this house looks? This garage door is a Cambridge CS Design, 10' x 7', Ice White door and overlays with Clear Panoramic windows.
Preventive maintenance
To save yourself time and money, hire a professional to frequently inspect your garage door system. The number of times you will need an inspection depends on how often you are using your garage door. The number of cycles per year is a key factor.
Don’t procrastinate an inspection! You may not notice any signs of wear and tear until it’s too late but, with the help of a professional, you can get them identified right away.
Garage door technicians don’t just look at the individual part that is broken- they look at the whole system as a whole. If all parts are working properly, then deterioration will be delayed.
For times when you can’t always rely on a technician, we have put together this checklist that you can do yourself. Try completing it once a month.
● Inspect all the parts every month
● Follow the manual guide
● Ensure your garage door is balanced
● Lubricate your hardware
● Keep the tracks free of debris
Why You Should Depend on a Professional to Fix Your Garage Door
Deciding to fix your garage door cables yourself is never a good idea - the chances of injuring yourself or a loved one are very high. Severe damage can occur if the tension of the spring loosens.
A trained garage door technician will be able to solve your problems and you won’t have to worry about possibly injuring yourself. They have the tools, knowledge, and experience to get the job done.
Avoid damaging your garage door system even more by trying to fix it on your own! You may increase your repair costs as well as your chances of harming yourself.
The Risks Associated with Do-It-Yourself Garage Door Repairs
● Bodily injuries
Did you know that a garage door can weigh 150 pounds (68 kg) on average for a single width door? Cables and springs are under constant tension, as are the parts they connect to. If not handled properly, any number of components could become a destructive force
● Property damages
If your car or other belongings are under your garage door when a cable breaks, the damage could be costly. Not only will you need to repair the faulty garage door but also your newly crushed possession.
● Thieves
A garage door that is not functioning properly can be easy access for intruders and put you or your loved ones in danger. Your home may be unprotected from people with bad intentions.
See how the deep dark brown of this garage door enhance the beige stone of this house exterior. This garage door is a North Hatley LP Design, 9' x 8', Moka Brown, Clear windows.
Contact Garage Door Experts
You can trust our certified garage door professionals with any work that needs to be done. During your appointment with them, they will inspect, adjust, and test your whole system.
Please don’t try to fix your garage door system on your own! It is very likely that you will damage it more which will then increase your repair costs and could potentially cause you serious harm.
Have peace of mind knowing that your garage door is operating safely and smoothly all year round with Georgian Door & Gate!
For any garage door service, contact us now at 705-733-1211!
Last, but certainly not least, if you are thinking about replacing your garage door, we provide more than 35 designs and 10 colours divided into the 3 well-known styles of garage doors, so you can find the one that fits your home easily. If you want, our team can assist you in choosing the best color, design, and accessories to suit your style and your budget.
Have you already found the garage door of your dreams? Why not ask us for get a free quote by email?
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