Garage door cables are one of the most critical components that allow your garage door to operate safely and smoothly. However, like any mechanical part, they can eventually wear out and need to be repaired or replaced. Here are some telltale signs that it’s time to consider garage door cable repair:
- The door becomes difficult to manually open or close
- You hear grinding, scraping, or other unusual noises during the operation
- The cables appear frayed, kinked, or are hanging looser than normal
- The bottom of the door is noticeably unlevel
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s crucial to have the cables inspected and repaired by a professional garage door service as soon as possible. Failing cables can completely disable the door and potentially cause injury or damage.
The Two Main Types of Garage Door Cables
There are two primary types of cables used on residential garage door systems:
Standard Lift Cables
These are the most common types found on typical house garages. They utilize a simple extension system ideal for standard overhead clearance requirements.
High Lift Cables
High lift cables have a different cable configuration that provides extra travel to allow the door to clear overhead obstructions like protruding beams or low ceilings.
Both cable varieties are manufactured from durable galvanized or stainless steel wire to withstand frequent tension and outdoor elements. While stainless steel costs more upfront, it offers enhanced corrosion resistance for a longer service life.
The Professional Cable Repair Process
When engaging a professional garage door company for cable repair, here is an overview of the typical process:
- The opener is safely disengaged to allow manual operation of the door.
- The old cable(s) are carefully removed and all related hardware is inspected.
- New cables are cut to length and proper gauge based on door weight/size.
- The fresh cables are rerouted through all sheave pulleys and secured around the winding drum with crimp sleeves.
- The opener is re-engaged, the tension re-adjusted, and complete operation is tested.
Experienced technicians have the knowledge to match the ideal cable type and specifications to your garage door system. Some of the most trusted garage door cable brands include Genie, LiftMaster, Linear, Guardian, and Overhead Door.
The Importance of Preventative Maintenance
To maximize the lifespan of your garage door cables, it’s highly recommended to have regular preventative maintenance performed. During this service, technicians thoroughly inspect, lubricate, and make minor adjustments to:
- Cables
- Rollers
- Pulleys
- Drums
- Door springs
This helps reduce friction and wear on moving parts while catching potential issues before they escalate. Proper spring balance is key as improperly adjusted springs create excessive cable strain.
Garage Door Cable Repair Costs
On average, to simply repair or replace the lift cables on a standard 7ft tall residential garage door, you can expect to pay between $100 to $200. This cost covers the cable(s), any miscellaneous hardware like sheaves or drums that require replacement, labor and a service call fee.
Total costs can be higher if upgrading to premium stainless steel cables or if there are accessibility issues like extremely high or custom garage door installations involved.
Why Choose Garage Door Repair Oakland
For reliable, prompt garage door cable repair in the Oakland area, Garage Door Repair Oakland at (877) 203-9708 is a smart choice for many reasons:
- Fast response times (2 hours maximum)
- Same day service available 7 days a week
- Experienced, certified garage door technicians
- Fully stocked service trucks for most repairs
- Honest, upfront pricing with no hidden fees
- Complete satisfaction guarantee on all work
Don’t let failing garage door cables put your safety at risk.
Reach out to the experts at Garage Door Repair Oakland for a free upfront quote on garage door cable repair or replacement. Call (877) 203-9708 now.
