Has your garage door started to make an unusual noise when it is opening? Is the door not moving like it used to?
You are eager to fix it, but you can’t quite figure out what is broken. You check the garage door opener and springs, and they seem to be functioning like they usually do. The problem is just too difficult to figure out!
But don’t feel too bad- a garage door system is complicated especially if you are not mechanically inclined. Several hardware pieces all play critical roles in the overall function of a garage door and if one breaks, they all break.
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.
Learn More About the Main Garage Door Hardware Systems
The 2 Types of Springs
Torsion (on the left) and extension springs (on the right) appear similar but operate differently.
Garage doors can either use torsion springs or extension springs. Each spring system has its differences and knowing how they operate will help you understand the bigger picture of how a garage door works.
Garage door torsion springs
Torsion springs are placed on a steel rod that is installed on the wall above where the garage door opens. You may find your garage door system has just one spring or it could have two springs. The number of springs depends on the size and weight of the door. The bigger and heavier the door, the more springs needed. Torsion springs are quieter and safer, compared to extension springs.
At each end of the steel rod, is a drum. The lift cables that are connected to the bottom of the garage door, wind around the drum creating stored tension in the spring.
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.
Garage door extension springs
Unlike torsions springs, extension springs are utilized for smaller doors where the space above the door is limited. Thanks to their design, these springs are installed above the horizontal tracks that the door slides on.
Cables, on each side of the garage door, connect to a bottom bracket on the door, travel through pulleys, and then connect to the springs.
The extension springs stretch to capacity when the door is closed which creates tension in the spring. Then tension acts as a counterbalance when the door opens. This is why extension cables are also called stretch cables.
When you install extension springs, it’s critical to install safety cables, as well. The safety cables protect near by objects or people if the spring ever breaks. If they break, they could violently shatter causing serious injury.
Garage Door Cables
The cables are located on each side of the garage door and work in unison with the springs to help counterbalance the weight of the door. The cables help the door lift smoothly up and down. That’s why they are called lift cables.
It is really important NOT to confuse the 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.
Now that you may have figured out which part of your garage door system needs to be replaced, we highly recommend buying your replacement parts from a garage door specialist. This will ensure that you receive high-quality and durable components.
How Can You Tell When Your Cables Need to be Replaced?
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.
The cables may wear down faster if the door is misaligned on the tracks. This can cause more friction in one specific area of the cables causing that are to wear down faster.
One other way that can increase the speed of deterioration is moisture. Moisture on the cables can develop in garages with poor insulation, especially if you live in a place with a particularly wet climate. Removing dirt and insects from wet cables will reduce corrosion and rusting thus increasing their life span.
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Preventive maintenance
To avoid all of these issues from occurring, it is wise to book an appointment with a garage door specialist to inspect all parts of your garage door system. The number of cycles per year will determine how often you need preventative maintenance.
Garage door technicians look at your entire garage door system when they come for annual maintenance. They ensure that your garage door components are operating correctly, which reduces deterioration on individual parts.
Signs of wear and tear are easily visible by a professional during an inspection. The sooner, the better! You can avoid further escalation of a problem and prevent potential harm.
However, it would be best if you took time to inspect cables and other parts monthly. You can follow this checklist to help prevent components from breaking and maintain your garage door like a pro.
Here are 5 things you can do without putting your safety at risk:
- Follow the manual guide
- Inspect all the parts every month
- Balance your garage door
- Lubricate your hardware
- Clean the tracks
3 Reasons Why Not Fix a Garage Door by Yourself
Springs can break very suddenly and without warning. When they do, serious destruction can occur. That’s why it is very important to let a trained garage door technician help you fix your garage door instead of trying to do it yourself.
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.
Potential hazards associated with do-it-yourself garage door repairs
- Bodily injuries
Did you know that a garage door can weigh 150lbs on average for a single width door? Cables and springs are under extreme and 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 you’re lucky and you don’t get hurt, cables and springs suddenly released form extreme tension could easily damage your property or your belongings. If so, you will have to add extra costs since you now have to replace or fix those damages.
- 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.
A trained garage door technician has the expertise and tools to properly get the job done without putting anyone or anything at risk of getting injured or damaged.
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Contact our Garage Door Experts
Save time and money in the long run with our garage door services, including maintenance and repair. You have the option of participating in our annual maintenance program or paying on an hourly basis.
Whatever work needs to be done for your garage door you can trust garage door professionals like ours. They are certified to perform any garage door replacement. They will inspect, adjust, and test your garage door system during their visit.
Have peace of mind knowing that your garage door is operating safely and smoothly all year round with J & S Garage Doors!
For any garage door service, contact us now at 905-882-6464!
We also have other key garage door services starting with providing information. A garage door adds personality to your house, and it’s also very convenient for your everyday use. When properly maintained, it can last for more than 25 years, so take the time to make the right choices when it comes to quality and style.
If you’re thinking about replacing your garage door, we divided our more than 35 designs into the 3 well-known home styles to help you find the garage door that suits your home exterior faster. Of course, our specialists also can help you choose the color, design, and accessories according to your budget.
If you’ve already chose the perfect garage door for you, ask us for a free estimate by email.
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