At first glance, garage doors may seem like simple mechanisms, but interestingly, there is a whole system of springs, pulleys, and cables that are functioning seamlessly behind every smooth movement. The cables are the ones that support everything. If its maintenance isn’t performed properly, a minor issue with these cables can cause the lift to become uneven, produce noise, or even cause the door to break. This is why understanding how to care for your garage door’s cables is the main factor in keeping your door safe, functional, and dependable all the time.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
Cables support the full weight of your garage door every time it opens or closes. When dirt, moisture, or friction builds up, the metal strands weaken. Over time, this can cause fraying, stretching, or snapping, and that’s where we need better upkeep for our garage door cables. Regular garage door maintenance in Columbia, MD, isn’t just about fixing these problems, it’s about preventing them. With a little care, you can prolong the lifespan of your cables and avoid expensive repairs later.
How to Maintain Your Garage Door Cables
You don’t need to be a technician to take good care of your garage door system. Here’s what proper maintenance looks like in practice:
Inspect Every Few Months: Examine the cables near the bottom roller brackets for signs of fraying, rusting, or broken strands. Even minor damage indicates contacting a professional unless you’re just waiting for the cable to break.
Clean Around the Tracks: Dirt and dust can get into the cables and pulleys, which can cause these parts to wear out even if they are still fairly new. Take a soft cloth to the tracks, rollers, and hinges to wipe off dirt, but do not use strong cleaners or degreasers.
Lubricate the Correct Components: A silicone spray should be used to lubricate the hinges, springs, and rollers to reduce the friction . Avoid getting grease directly on the cables; grease attracts dirt and can lead to slippage.
Check Door Balance: Disconnect the opener and lift the door by hand about halfway. If it doesn’t stand up on its own, your tension is likely off, and you need to hire a professional service for garage door repair in Columbia, MD.
Schedule Professional Tune-Ups: Once a year, schedule a professional technician to inspect and adjust cable tension, springs, and alignment. They can safely assist you with the hinged door, check for signs of wear, and make small adjustments before problems arise.
Final Thoughts
While garage door cables are small and seemingly insignificant, they are actually very important. A quick check and lubrication every few months, together with a yearly inspection by a professional, will save you in the long run from costly repairs and will keep your door running for years to come. For the best and top-rated garage door cable maintenance, contact Horizon Garage Doors today!
