Garage door cables are one of the most important parts of your door’s lifting system. They work hand in hand with the springs to raise and lower the door safely and evenly. When a cable breaks, it may seem like just a minor inconvenience — but continuing to use your garage door in this condition can lead to serious damage and safety risks. Here’s why it’s critical to repair a broken cable right away.
The Role of Garage Door Cables
Every time you open or close your garage door, the cables carry the full weight of the door while the springs control the tension. These steel cables ensure that the door moves smoothly and stays balanced. Over time, constant use, moisture, and wear can weaken them. When one finally snaps, the entire system becomes unbalanced and unsafe.
Risk of Sudden Door Collapse
A garage door can weigh anywhere from 150 to 400 pounds. If one of the cables breaks, the door may become uneven or even slam shut without warning. This can damage the door panels, tracks, or floor — and worse, cause serious injury to anyone standing nearby. Continuing to use the opener when a cable is broken can make this even more dangerous, as the opener is not designed to lift the door’s full weight.
Damage to Other Components
When a cable fails, other parts of the system must work harder to compensate. This can quickly lead to spring strain, roller misalignment, and opener burnout. What starts as a simple cable issue can spiral into a full system failure, costing far more to fix. Timely cable repair helps protect your investment and keeps every part of your garage door functioning properly.
Difficulty Operating the Door
A broken cable can make the door uneven, heavy, or completely stuck. Attempting to force it open manually or with the opener can cause further damage — or cause the door to come off its track. If your door feels unusually heavy or doesn’t move smoothly, stop using it immediately and call a professional.
The Importance of Professional Repair
Garage door cables are under high tension and should only be repaired or replaced by trained technicians. Professionals have the tools and experience to safely remove old cables, rebalance the system, and ensure everything operates correctly afterward.
Final Thoughts
Ignoring a broken garage door cable is never worth the risk. It compromises safety, damages your door system, and can lead to expensive repairs. If you notice uneven movement, hanging cables, or difficulty opening your garage door, stop using it and call a professional right away. Prompt repair ensures your garage door stays safe, balanced, and reliable year-round.
This article was written by a professional at 1 Stop Garage Doors. We proudly serve homeowners and businesses with top-quality garage door repair in Bolingbrook IL. We install premium doors and openers from trusted brands, ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction. Our expert team provides cost-effective solutions, arriving with fully stocked trucks to handle repairs on the spot, including torsion spring replacements, drum and roller fixes, and general maintenance to keep your garage door functioning smoothly.