Garage Door Cables: What Are the Different Types?
Most homeowners don’t often have to think about their garage door cable or what type they own. But if your doors suddenly stop working, you may have to make a game-time decision to replace your cables. What if you don’t know the first thing about the different types of cables or what sets them apart from one another? This guide is here to give you all the garage door cable details you need!
Torsion Spring Cables
If you own a garage door, there’s a high chance that it has torsion spring cables. They’re the most common way of opening garage doors. Every garage door cable uses springs to be operational, but torsion springs need torque to work correctly. If a torsion cable breaks, the springs won’t unwind, and you’ll have to open your door manually.
Extension Spring Cables
Extension spring cables aren’t as popular as torsion spring cables, but they’re ideal if your garage doesn’t have a lot of headroom. You’ll see this cable installed on a horizontal track. The track runs alongside your garage and connects to the bottom of your garage door. Even if they’re more useful for some garage doors, they’re generally more dangerous and require immediate attention if damaged.
Other Cables
Within these types of cables are three others that enable your door to open and close. The lifting, retaining, and emergency release cables all play integral roles in ensuring your door works smoothly and safely.
Lifting cables are responsible for allowing your door to open. Consequently, they’re also the type of cable that’s most likely to break. You might have issues with your lifting cable if you struggle to use your garage door.
Retaining cables, also called safety cables, are paired specifically with extension spring cables. If a spring gets damaged, they jump into action to keep any broken pieces where they are. Otherwise, the spring would fly off with incredible force, possibly damaging your door or property. And most importantly, retaining cables protect you and your family from injury should your spring ever fails.
Nearly every garage door comes fitted with an emergency release cable. This cable is essential if your power goes out or your garage door motor breaks. It allows you to open your garage door manually while you wait for a professional to fix it.
The Right Help for All of Your Garage Door Needs
Do you need help with your garage door? Whether you need your cables repaired, replaced, or any other garage door service, let Larry Myers Garage Doors help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!