Have you ever wondered how your garage door lifts so smoothly? The key is having several parts work together, which include the garage door cable drums. These drums, often ignored, are crucial to how your door works. Without them, it would be very tough and maybe even dangerous to open and close your garage door. If you just moved in or are a local in the greater Los Angeles area with a broken garage door, learning about cable drums can help you keep your door in great shape. In this Fixxed Garage Doors blog, let us look at what garage door cable drums are and how they help your door work seamlessly.
What Are Garage Door Cable Drums?
Each end of the torsion bar above your garage door has a round device that looks like a spool. These are called garage door cable drums. Their primary role is to help lift and lower the garage door by winding and unwinding the garage door cables.
How Do Garage Door Cable Drums Work?
When you press your garage door opener or manually lift the door, the cable drums work with the garage door springs to handle the door’s weight. The torsion springs give the door the force it needs to open, and the cable drums wind the wires to help lift it evenly. As the door closes, the drums unwind the cables, and the springs help control the closing process so that the door does not slam shut.
The drums’ unique shape helps control the cables, which makes sure that both sides of the door move at the same time. It is crucial because any imbalance could lead to jerky movement. But the worst part is that it can damage or even make the system collapse.
Types of Garage Door Cable Drums
There are different types of garage door cable drums, each made for specific lifting needs and garage setups. Check out each one below:
Standard Lift Cable Drums
These are the most common types used in residential garage doors. Standard-height garage doors perfectly suit their design, as they do not require high lifting.
High-Lift Cable Drums
As the name suggests, these drums are common in systems where the door needs to lift higher than the standard level before it starts rolling back. Garages with tall ceilings use these drums.
Vertical Lift Cable Drums
These are special drums used for garage doors that open straight up without bending.
Now that you know the different garage door cable drums, it is also essential to choose the right one for your setup. That is where we come in.
How Fixxed Garage Doors Can Help
Fixxed Garage Doors in Valley Village, CA, understands the importance of residential garage doors, and we are here to ensure it lasts and works well. Would you like to install new cable drums or replace old, worn-out ones? Our skilled techs know how to do the job with speed and precision. We will handle the crucial garage door maintenance to avoid unexpected breakdowns that can ruin your day.
Interesting Facts About Garage Door Cable Drums
Garage door cable drums play a crucial role in the door’s operation—here are some interesting facts about them.
Material and Durability
Most cable drums, made of high-quality aluminum or steel, can withstand a lot of strain and last for a long time. Although they are strong, they need regular checks and maintenance because even minor issues can become big ones.
Balance is Everything
For smooth operation, make sure that the cable drums are at the perfect level and position. If there is an imbalance in the drums, the door can become crooked, which is dangerous and annoying.
Weight Distribution
A garage door weighs around 130 to 400 pounds on average. The springs and cable drums work together to spread the weight out evenly, which makes it easy to open and close the door with little effort.
Frequency of Use
A garage door typically opens and closes 1,500 times a year in US households. For these reasons, the quality and state of the cable drums are even more important.
The Future of Garage Door Technology
Believe it or not, even garage doors are getting smarter. While the basic principles of cable drums remain the same, new technologies are making garage doors more efficient and user-friendly.
For example, some modern systems now include sensors that can detect when cables are about to slip off the drum. How cool is that? At Fixxed Garage Doors, we stay up-to-date with the latest advancements to serve our Studio City and Burbank clients better.
Signs Your Garage Door Cable Drums Need Attention
Watch for these warning signs that your garage door cable drums might need repair or replacement.
Uneven Door Movement: If your garage door moves or looks crooked, it could mean that there is a problem with the cable drums.
Strange Noises: If the door opens and closes with grinding or squealing sounds, it may show that the drums or cables require lubrication or have worn out.
Notable Damage: Frayed cables or rusted drums are clear signals you should call a garage door technician. Not paying attention to these signs could cause the door system to stop working completely.
Door Stops in the Middle: If your door stops moving or moves slowly, it could be because of a problem with the springs or drums.
Contact a garage door repair company like Fixxed Garage Doors if you notice any of these signs. We do full checks and fixes on your garage door to make sure it works safely and smoothly.
Regular Garage Door Upkeep Is Important
Regular maintenance is important to keep your garage door in great shape. Fixxed Garage Doors suggests getting a professional to check your garage door at least once a year. Our team can spot potential problems early on and make crucial repairs or replacements, like adjusting the springs or fixing a torsion spring cable drum. Routine maintenance not only ensures your garage door system runs with ease but also helps it last longer.
Garage Door Service Near Me
Your garage door is a vital part of your home, and when it stops working smoothly, it can disrupt your entire day. Do not take chances with DIY fixes—leave it to the experts at Fixxed Garage Doors. Our licensed team in Valley Village, CA, specializes in diagnosing and repairing all garage door problems, including cable drum malfunctions. Ensure your door is safe, reliable, and functioning at its best. Contact us today for a fast, friendly, and expert garage door service you can trust.
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