Garage Maintenance 101: When to Replace Garage Door Cables

A garage door is a complex mechanism that includes several components essential for opening and closing the door in a controlled manner. A broken garage door can seriously disrupt a homeowner’s life, not to mention the safety and security risk. To avoid this scenario, homeowners should replace broken or worn garage door cables as soon they notice wear or damage.

The trick is knowing when the door cables and springs need further assistance. Keep reading to learn when to replace garage door cables.

What do the garage door cables do?

The garage door’s mechanism includes cables and high-tension springs responsible for the seamless movement of the door. The cables and springs operate in unison to counterbalance the door’s weight. The springs are powerful enough to control the lifting and the shutting of the door, while the cables ensure their safe operation.

What can go wrong with the garage door cables?

The garage door cables are heavy-duty, but they are under pressure. Over time, the cables or the springs can break due to normal wear and tear. Regardless of the door’s quality, this is bound to happen at some point, and it’s the most common reason garage doors might fail.

Another common issue with the garage door cables is fraying. Frayed cables can be hazardous and cause a wide range of problems.

When to replace garage door cables

Ideally, homeowners should replace the garage door cables before they give out. Regularly inspecting the door can help with identifying potential issues. When checking the door, pay attention to:

If the cables and springs aren’t replaced in time, they can break.

Homeowners will typically hear a loud popping noise when a spring breaks. The cable then acts as a safeguard, allowing the spring to slide down and not injure a person or cause damage.

However, if the garage door cable breaks, the door will become unbalanced, a safety hazard. Some indications of a snapped cable are crooked or shaking garage doors.

How long do garage door cables last?

On average, garage door cables should last from eight to 15 years. Several factors affect cable longevity:

How to replace garage door cables

Cables form an integral part of the garage door mechanism. Any replacement or repair of such large and significant mechanism parts calls for a certified and skilled garage door technician.

If the door cables snap, it’s best to avoid using the door until the technician arrives. A reliable garage door repair company should have a 24-hour emergency service, assuring a quick response time.

A professional technician will determine which cable broke, remove it, and install a new one. They will also inspect the garage door thoroughly and identify other issues or safety hazards that might have occurred.

Get professional garage door maintenance

Identifying worn cables or springs might be challenging for the untrained eye so homeowners can rely on garage door repair companies for regular maintenance. It’s crucial that homeowners keep the cables in good working condition, and having a standard maintenance plan is the best way to go about it.

Discover Why It’s a Good Idea to Use a Garage Door Design Tool

Most homeowners remain clueless about where to start when shopping for a new garage door. Some may have some idea about the style they want but nothing about the specific details. A new garage door is a significant investment, and modern customers like to make an informed decision before spending their money.

Several brands, materials, and styles of garage doors are available in the market. Therefore, finding the perfect door that enhances the curb appeal and works best for the home is difficult. 

What is a garage door design tool? 

A garage door design tool comes in handy in such situations. Several garage door companies now offer online tools to help homeowners determine the perfect design, color, and style for their garage doors. These convenient, easy-to-use interactive software tools allow homeowners to browse different sizes, styles, and colors to find the perfect match. Additionally, people can visualize how the door will appear before purchase and without leaving their homes.

Garage door design tools help people narrow down their design ideas. These tools also help them see how the finalized garage door would look on their home by uploading a picture of their house and matching the selected garage door.  

Why do people love garage door design tools?

Here are a few reasons to love garage door design tools:

Vital points to consider when selecting a new garage door

Upgrading to a new garage door significantly increases the home’s resale value. A new garage door boosts the curb appeal and gives the house a unique style that potential home buyers value. Homeowners should wisely choose a garage door that looks beautiful and is highly functional. Use these tips to select the perfect garage door:

Choose a suitable design

The garage door design plays a vital role in defining the home’s look. Use garage door design tools to choose from different types, colors, and looks and select a style that perfectly complements the house and goes well with the neighborhood theme. Additionally, consider factors like ease of maintenance, durability, and aesthetics. 

Do not overlook energy efficiency

An insulated garage door can help in significantly reducing the energy bills, especially if the garage is attached to the house. These doors save energy and help the heating and cooling system work more efficiently. It also allows homeowners to use the space for activities other than parking cars.   

Consider the local weather condition

A vital aspect in choosing the right garage door is considering the local climate. It plays a role in deciding the materials which work best for the garage door. Select a door that can withstand the harsh weather conditions and other elements that affect the area and can impact the durability and lifespan of the door.

Hire professionals

Garage door professionals can help select the perfect garage door and have the experience and expertise to install the door correctly. They are the experts to rely on for handling even the most complex projects with ease.

Try out a garage door design tool to begin the exciting journey of designing a personalized garage door. Then hire a local garage door service company for proper installation.

Don’t Wait for Spring Breaks: Replace Garage Door Springs Before They Fail

Garage door springs are so reliable that most people don’t notice a problem until the springs completely malfunction. However, waiting until it’s too late may cause further damage to the door or cut off the homeowner’s access to the garage, compounding the issue.

Here are the most common reasons why garage door springs suffer damage, along with some helpful maintenance tips.

Rust buildup

The springs need regular lubrication to function correctly. As the rust spreads, it eats away at the steel and weakens the springs. Over time, the coils won’t withstand constant movement, causing the springs to break. Older doors come with only one spring, and when damaged, homeowners are left with no way of opening their doors.

Springs exposed to wet or humid climates are particularly prone to rust accumulation. Engaging a professional ensures that both the door and springs remain in perfect condition.

Colder weather

Sudden temperature drops impact the life span of garage door springs. The coils become more fragile due to the cold and snap easily. The increase in moisture also raises the chances for corrosion.

Increased usage

We measure the durability of garage door springs with a certain number of cycles. Whenever the springs work to open and close a garage door, it counts as one cycle. The standard spring can perform up to 10,000 cycles, equating to about 6-10 years of operation. However, when homeowners use their garage as an additional home entrance, the springs will quickly go through their cycles.

Frequent use may damage the steel or stretch out the coils, causing the door to malfunction. It’s best to use the garage door only when necessary to help the springs last longer.

Door jams

Dust, dirt, and waste latch onto the edges of the door, infiltrating the cracks and crevices. When this buildup grows, it stops the roller and jams the garage door. This puts pressure on the springs, wearing them out until they stop working correctly. Alternatively, they could cease functioning altogether or leave the door halfway open.

Improper maintenance

Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the door springs twice a year will combat rust and maintain the garage door system’s high performance. When trouble occurs, fixing the issue without professional help can be dangerous and expensive. Inexperienced homeowners without the proper tools could damage other elements of the door system.

Garage doors are also weighty, and mishandling them can lead to bruising, abrasions, and even severe injuries.

Not replacing all the springs

Homeowners usually have a technician replace only the malfunctioning spring. However, the first failure is a warning sign that the second spring will soon fail. Replacing both springs helps the door system last longer and spares homeowners from the cost of additional repairs. Also, using a newer spring in tandem with an old one puts pressure on the door roller and may result in more extensive damage.

Contact a reputable garage door service today

Broken springs endanger the other elements of the garage door system and the home’s safety. Once homeowners notice a problem with the springs, it may be too late to avoid costly replacements.

Reaching out to a professional team ensures that the springs are healthy and working correctly. Through regular inspections, they’ll identify the weak spots and replace the damaged springs before they can harm other parts of the door system.

Garage Door Failures

Garage Maintenance

The garage is an integral part of the home, keeping cars and objects safe from the elements. But, like all objects, the garage door may experience problems after extended use. That’s when homeowners must take action.

Here are some common garage door failures and possible solutions.

The garage door is stuck open or closed

If the garage door doesn’t respond to a remote control’s commands, it presents an urgent security issue as thieves can enter the garage and steal anything inside, including the car.

There are several possible reasons for a stuck garage door. For instance, the remote control may have bad batteries, the opener motor is damaged, or a fuse was blown. Checking each of these possible avenues of error may yield the cause. If not, calling a professional to pinpoint the issue may save time and money.

The motor runs without moving the door

The remote control and garage door are both in working order, but the door refuses to move when the button is pressed. However, the motor still functions as intended.

This situation may occur when the garage door isn’t connected to the motor belt. You’ll have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reattach the belt. It’s possible someone accidentally activated the emergency release cord.

A noisy garage door

After extended use, the garage door may make unusual noises when operating. These sounds are often symptoms of underlying issues with the hardware.

Unusual operating speeds

Sometimes, the garage door will open or close but will move slowly. The culprit is likely unlubricated rollers or debris in the tracks. The door should travel at average speeds once you give the tracks a good wipe.

This issue occurs typically during winter or in dry locations. Frost will make it difficult for the door to slide, while dry places may make lubricant dry up quickly. Consistent cleaning and lubricating may solve the problem.

While many of these failures can be prevented with regular cleaning, some require specialized tools and knowledge. If there are problems beyond your ability, you can hire a professional company to help. Their skills and experience will solve the problem effectively.

Garage Door Replacement Facts

Replacing a garage door is among the least expensive house upgrades a homeowner can make to improve their home’s aesthetic and curb appeal. If you’re considering replacing the garage door soon, here are some interesting facts to know about this project first.

Good return on investment

According to a recent cost vs. value report, garage door replacements are among the most profitable home improvement projects. With over 90% of the price recouped in resale value, replacing the garage might be the most cost-effective renovation to perform before selling a house. Additionally, garage doors add to the house’s curb appeal, improving the odds of getting higher bids and skyrocketing its desirability on the real estate market.

However, keep in mind that not all garage doors are equivalent. High-quality doors typically require less maintenance and don’t need to be replaced as frequently. On the other hand, doors not built to withstand harsh weather might need more care and degrade more quickly, leading to additional hassles and higher upkeep costs.

Besides improving curb appeal, garage doors can improve the house’s energy efficiency, decreasing heating costs during the winter and air conditioning expenses in the summer. By spending less on heating and cooling, owners recoup some of the renovation cost over time. New garage doors can pay off even if you’re not planning to sell any time soon.

Garage doors are needed for insulation

One of the most often overlooked factors in a new garage door is its R-value, a number that shows how well the garage door insulates a house against outside air. Depending on how the garage is used throughout the year, owners might need a higher R-value garage door to keep their home warm during the winter months. A heated garage might offset some temperature loss, allowing for a lower R-value, but a better insulator will keep the house more energy-efficient year-round.

The garage can directly influence the temperature of the nearby rooms. A well-insulated door can keep the garage between 10 and 20 degrees warmer than it would be otherwise. It pays dividends to keep the garage warm during wintertime since many homeowners use it as their primary entryway.

It’s usually possible to check the R-value of a garage door directly on the manufacturer’s website or catalog.

The costs of replacements can vary 

While the average cost of a garage door replacement was $3,900 in 2021, according to Remodeling magazine, the actual costs can vary significantly from that figure. The replacement price is determined by the garage door’s size, material, style, installation requirements, and labor expenses.

Homeowners should contact multiple garage replacement services to get a more accurate quote of the work and costs involved in the process. Consider asking for references of past work, especially projects similar to the one you’re planning. This way, owners can ensure a fair price and the highest quality services for their home.

Garage Safety 101: What You Need to Know​

The garage is one of the most functional areas in any household. However, it can also be quite dangerous if the contents are hazardous or unsecured.

Take the following precautions to enhance the safety of your garage:

Lock up dangerous materials

Many garages contain hazardous substances that require appropriate storage:

Store them in a safe location, either out of reach of children and pets or inside cabinets.

Inspect the garage door and opener

The door is the most significant moving object in the garage, meaning it requires close attention. Here are a few safety tips:

Some of these tasks can be a DIY project, but it would be better to allow a reliable garage door specialist to perform them. They’ll check the condition of all components and repair them if necessary.

Wear safety gear

Restoration and repairs in the garage involve a lot of risks. Therefore, always wear adequate gear when painting, grinding, welding, and performing other jobs. Some of the items you’ll need are protective clothing, gloves, and goggles.

Store sharp and power tools safely

Unsupervised children may be inclined to play with big power tools in the garage. To eliminate this safety concern, be sure to keep sharp and electrical tools safe so that kids can’t access them.

Locked garage cabinets are generally the best solution. They prevent children from opening them and keep tools safe from theft.

Control carbon monoxide products

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer since it’s odorless and tasteless. Consequently, people don’t realize they’re inhaling it without a high-quality detector.

If you use any machines that operate on this gas, install a robust carbon monoxide detector to determine if it’s forming. Furthermore, improve the airflow in the garage by installing windows or an AC.

Anchor cabinets

Proper garage cabinets enable the owner to stay organized. But they need to have an appropriate load capacity to handle the heavy items stored inside. The best way to verify their load capacity is to consult the manufacturer.

Moreover, cabinets should be well-anchored, whether they’re ceiling or wall-mounted. Unstable cabinets can fall on your car or injure someone.

Prevent fire hazards

The average garage is home to numerous fire hazards, such as fuels, electricals, and chemicals. Vehicles are also a fire hazard, which is why it’s essential to have a fully functional fire extinguisher.

Also, ensure that you extinguish pilot lights (for example, gas water heater) before painting to reduce the risk of an explosion.

Take the necessary steps to keep your garage as a functional and safe space in your home.