Common Causes in Calgary Conditions
Why Garage Door Cables Break?
Garage door cables work under constant tension and must lift 150–300 lbs several times per day. Over time, several factors can cause weakening or sudden failure:
Cables run along drums and pulleys, and friction naturally wears the steel strands. Eventually, the cable begins to fray and loses structural integrity.
Calgary’s winter climate and melting salts cause corrosion. Rust weakens cable strands, making them more likely to snap.
- Corrosion from Moisture & Road Salt
If the door is not properly balanced or if the springs lose tension, cables endure uneven load and can slip off the drum.
- Misaligned or Unbalanced Doors
Most cables have a predictable lifespan — usually 7–12 years depending on usage. As they age, the steel becomes brittle.
Worn pulleys create additional friction, accelerating cable damage.
Understanding these causes helps prevent repeat breakdowns — and we always include a full system diagnostic to identify the root problem, not just the symptom.