Your garage door is one of the heaviest moving objects in your home, and the cables are key to its smooth and safe operation. We at Halton Garage Doors know it’s necessary to take care of these things to help prevent the need for more expensive repairs and get the most mileage out of your door. If you are a hands-on homeowner, here are some essential DIY tips and safety precautions for garage door cable maintenance to ensure everything works smoothly and safely.
Get to know the Function of Garage Door Cables
Garage door cables work with the springs to raise and lower your door. They carry significant pressure and weight, which means they are essential to your door. However, cables can become worn, frayed, or broken and pose safety hazards or otherwise malfunction. That is why routine checks and maintenance are crucial.
Visual Inspections Should Be Performed Frequently
Take a look at the cables every few months for that to be sure:
- Check for fraying, rusting, or corrosion.
- Look for any damaged strands or kinks.
- Make sure that the cables are correctly seated in the drums. If you see any of them, it is time to get professional help — no amateur should ever attempt to repair damaged cables.
Keep the cables and moving parts lubricated
Though you don’t want to lubricate the cables (as dirt lodges in grease), it’s important to lubricate the moving parts of the garage door:
- Apply garage door lubricant to rollers, hinges, and springs.
- Ensure that the tracks are not clogged with leaves. This lessens stress on the whole setup, meaning your cables will perform even better.
Test Door Balance
Putting on an imbalanced garage door will strain the cable and different components. Unhook the opener by pulling on the emergency release handle, then manually lift the door about halfway. If it holds, it is correctly balanced! If it falls or rises independently, contact a professional to adjust the springs.
Prioritize Safety
Garage door cables are stretched under high tension. Trying to fix or replace them independently without the right tools and knowledge can be hazardous. Always use gloves and eyewear when checking or working with cables, and never try to adjust cables yourself. Let professionally trained technicians replace and repair insulation.
Know When to Call the Experts
Our technicians at Halton Garage Doors can easily handle cable repair and replacement. If you see wear, your cords are loose, or the door is jerky as it opens and closes, don’t compromise your family’s safety. Let us do the heavy lifting.
Conclusion
Maintaining your garage door cables is crucial for ensuring that your doors operate smoothly and is an important safety function that protects your home. You can extend the life of your garage door system by following these simple DIY inspection and maintenance suggestions — and knowing when to call in the pros.
If you are looking for the best garage door cable repair services in Halton and beyond, call Halton Garage Doors. We’re here for when you need to ensure your garage door is functioning correctly, safely, and reliably.
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