We’ve all been there – you hit the garage door opener expecting it to smoothly glide up, but instead, it stays stuck or jerks unnaturally. Chances are your garage door cables need some TLC. These humble cables are the unsung heroes holding the whole system together and allowing that heavy door to effortlessly lift.
At Garage Door Repair Newton, we know garage door cable problems are no joke. Neglecting repairs puts your safety at risk and can lead to expensive repairs down the road. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your cables in tip-top shape.
Red Flags Your Cables Need Attention
Like any hard-working component, garage door cables eventually show signs of wear and tear. Be on the lookout for these telltale indicators that it’s time for repairs:
- The door opens/closes unevenly or gets stuck partway
- You hear popping, grinding, or other wonky noises
- The cables are frayed, kinked, or show other visible damage
- The door feels extremely heavy when opened manually
If any of those sound familiar, don’t ignore it! Dodgy cables increase risks like:
- The door crashing down unexpectedly
- Further component damage from the uneven operation
- You getting stuck outside in a storm
The good news? Experienced professionals like our team at Garage Door Repair Newton can nip those problems in the bud with reliable garage door cable repair service.
Understanding Garage Door Cables
Let’s break down the two main cable types found on most residential garage doors:
Standard Lift Cables
As the name implies, these are used for standard 7-foot tall garage doors. Durable galvanized steel cables wind around a torsion tube to lift the door’s full weight.
High Lift Cables
For garages with higher ceilings, high lift cables have a unique curved design that arcs higher before redirecting horizontally. Stainless steel is preferred for its strength and rust resistance.
Both cable styles are precision-engineered from high-quality materials to safely handle hundreds of lift cycles – but nothing lasts forever. Heat, cold, moisture, and general wear and tear add up over time.
The Garage Door Cable Repair Process
When our technicians arrive to repair your garage door cables, they follow a detailed, multi-step process to ensure a safe and long-lasting fix:
- First, our techs thoroughly inspect your entire system to identify any damage or alignment issues.
- From there, it’s a multi-step process:
- Carefully releasing tension on the opener spring system
- Removing the old, compromised cables
- Replacing with new cables from trusted brands like Amarr, Clopay and Wayne Dalton
- Resetting the spring tension and testing for proper operation
In some cases, other components like the springs may need adjusting or replacing for safety. Our team always takes a comprehensive approach to ensure smooth, reliable performance.
Easy Preventive Maintenance
Like anything mechanical, a little routine upkeep goes a long way in prolonging the life of your garage door cables. Our advice?
- Check cables monthly for signs of fraying or damage
- Lubricate the pulleys and other moving parts annually
- Book a professional tune-up with us every few years
It’s a small investment that saves you the headache (and potential dangers) of surprise garage door breakdowns.
Affordable, High-Quality Garage Door Cable Repairs
Not sure about pricing for a garage door cable repair? Don’t worry – it’s one of the more economical garage door services out there. Basic cable replacements from Garage Door Repair Newton typically run $100-$200 on average.
More extensive repairs like simultaneous spring replacements will increase costs, but trust us – it’s well worth it to bring your system back to safe, reliable operation. Skimping on garage door maintenance is just asking for trouble.
Why Choose Garage Door Repair Newton?
When it comes to garage door cable repairs and maintenance, you need a team you can trust – and that’s exactly what Garage Door Repair Newton delivers:
- Maximum 2-hour response times
- Prompt same-day service
- Open weekends/holidays for emergencies
- Extensive product knowledge
- Honest, upfront pricing
- Experienced, fully insured technicians
Your garage door’s performance depends on properly functioning cables. At the first sign of issues, let our experts at Garage Door Repair Newton solve the problem quickly and affordably. Call 617-981-7852 today!
FAQs
1. How do I know if my garage door cables need replacing?
Warning signs include the door sticking partway, frayed/damaged cables, or a heavy feeling when manually lifting. Any unusual sounds are also cause for concern.
2. What happens if I just leave bad cables alone?
Putting off cable repairs is extremely risky, as the door could crash down unexpectedly. Uneven operation also causes extra strain that damages other components.
3. How long do garage door cables typically last?
With proper maintenance and climate conditions, you can expect 5-10 years of service from garage door cables before replacement is needed.
4. Should I try fixing garage door cables myself?
Definitely not! These are under extreme tension, so amateur cable work is extremely dangerous. Always hire professional garage door technicians.
5. Does insurance cover cable repairs?
While homeowners’ insurance generally doesn’t cover routine maintenance like cable replacements, it may cover certain garage door repairs necessitated by storms, fires, vehicle impacts, etc.
