What’s the best garage door repair? The one that saves you from more expensive repairs. The best way to save money on garage door repair is to take a proactive approach. The good news is there is maintenance you can do yourself to your garage door that will help it to last longer, function better, and need fewer repairs in the long run.
INSPECT YOUR GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS & CABLES
The truth is regular inspection is a critical component of garage door repair. In fact, when it comes to garage door springs and cables, you really shouldn’t do the garage door repair itself. This can be extremely dangerous. You should leave the job to a trained and licensed garage door repair professional. But you can inspect your garage door cables and springs for potential repair problems. Here’s what to look for.
Garage Door Cable Repair
Like an annual doctor visit, you should schedule a professional inspection of your garage door cables on an annual basis. This is best done by a garage door repair professional. If cables are fraying, repairs will be necessary. You can notice on visual inspection that some of the wires are broken as the cables begin to separate. If cables are fraying, they will need to be replaced.
If cables are frayed, check the balance of the garage door. Often, the springs have weakened due to the added weight of the side of the door where cables are frayed.
Inspecting Cable Loops: An Essential Garage Door Repair
Some of the best maintenance you can do to your garage door is just inspecting parts to ensure they are working properly. You’ll also want to inspect the cable loop that attaches to the bottom bracket that is mounted to the bottom panel of the garage door. The loops connect the cable, drums, and spring system to the door. They are what makes raising a hundred pound door feel as light as a carton of eggs.
Watch for Rust & Other Garage Door Repair Issues
Also look for any rust building up on the cables. Rusty garage door cables should be replaced due to potential weakness. This is one reason you should consider having your garage inspected by a professional on an annual basis.
Pro tip: Spray the cables at least once a year with a lube to minimize rust.
Fair Warning About This Garage Door Repair
Garage door repair can be an essential safety issue. What you don’t want is for the cables to break when a door is closing or opening. This can cause the garage door to go sideways or off track, which could damage many of the components of your garage door.
Keep in mind that garage door cable repair should always be done by a professional. The cables are under extreme tension. If they should be suddenly released, they can cause serious bodily harm, even death. If you think your cables may need replaced, give us a call. We offer same day repairs, and even do emergency house calls.
Proactive Garage Door Repairs You Should Do Regularly
In addition to a professional inspection, there are a number of self maintenance repairs you should be making to your garage door at least every 3 months. Take a socket wrench and tighten down any loose parts, especially when it comes to hinges as well as the brackets that connect the rail. Make sure the track is in a perfectly vertical position. If its positioning is off, you’ll need to realign it by loosening the brackets and straightening out the track. This will prevent your garage door from going off track.
Finally, oil the springs, chain, and any moving parts with a garage door lubricant. Do not use WD40, which can cause the components of your garage door to prematurely rust. Instead use a silicone spray and perhaps a brush to get into the tight fitting nooks and crannies.
Stay up on garage door repair. In the long run, you’ll save money and have a longer lasting garage door that works beautifully.