Garage doors make for a beautiful addition but when it comes to safety, you need to ensure that it’s in proper working order or suffer the most common garage door injuries like falling doors.
While there are certain signs that it might be time to replace your old garage doors, more often than not you just need to fix one component to bring it back to full functionality.
Not sure how to fix things if the garage door cable came off? Here are a few steps you need to follow:
Step #1: Find The Problem
Before you do any fix anything, you need to identify the source of the problem first. Do the garage door cables keep coming off? Is it malfunctioning because of the cables or because of the operator?
Most garage doors will come with a manual. There is a troubleshooting portion that you can follow to help the experts identify where the problem originated. For example, you can help check if the cables are the problem by visually checking for loose or broken cables.
Be careful not to touch the cables, ensuring only to check things visually.
After all, problems with the cable are easy to solve but it is still important to call for the assistance of professionals. When you determine that it’s due to the cables malfunctioning, you can now call the experts to start troubleshooting it.
Step #2: Calling the Experts
If the garage door cable came off, don’t try to follow DIY steps in fixing it. Even if the problem looks simple, you should hire professionals to do the job for you. Even the slightest mistake could lead to accidents, like the garage door coming loose and falling on someone’s head.
Expert repairmen will have the sufficient training, experience, tools, and parts to fix the garage door cables. They’ll also guarantee that the repairs get done in a safe and accurate manner. Doing things on your own could lead to disastrous results but we’ll tackle the reasons for this down below.
Step #3: Check the Tracks
In its most basic form, garage doors open and close through its movement along the metal tracks on each side. Check the metal tracks and see if there’s an obstruction. A common problem is that the brackets holding the tracks might have come loose.
Another problem is the presence of crimps on the metal. Professionals will use a wrench to tighten the brackets. As for the crimping, they’ll need a rubber mallet to smooth it out and return it to its working order.
While waiting for the professionals to arrive, don’t attempt to fix the tracks. Give it a look to get visual confirmation of the problem but let the experts handle the repair job.
After checking it, make sure it’s clean and all debris cleared.
Step #4: Get Professionals to Replace the Cables
Once you’re sure that the cables you have got damaged and worn, you need to replace them as soon as possible. To accomplish this, professionals will take the old cables out of the brackets and loosen the bolts holding the wires in place in the pulley.
You can always buy cables and other replacement parts at the nearest Walmart without any problems. However, it is better to ask the professionals first. They may have better recommendations and could get cables at a discount for you.
The final process is for the professionals to test the cables and see if they work.
The Benefit of Calling in the Professionals
While DIY can save you a lot of money, there are more benefits to reap from calling professional garage door repair companies. Here are some of the advantages you need to consider:
No Risk of Injury
Consider the fact that a normal residential garage door weighs around 400 pounds. Imagine it crashing down to your hand or limb because of a small mishap. Now, you can always make all the safety precautions, but nothing beats years of proper training and experience to ensure safety.
There’s also the issue of proper safety gear. If you do it by yourself, you may not have the right protective equipment. You could harm yourself conducting the repairs.
Experts will have the right hazmat gear to ensure their safety – and yours – while they do the job.
No Lack of Experience
Expert repairmen have years of experience. They can identify what’s wrong with your garage door cables with a simple visual checkup or by going through a maintenance checklist. They’ll have the knowledge and training to ensure they can fix the problem in their first try.
No Risk of Making the Problem Worse
Proper training isn’t the same as watching YouTbe instructional videos. Most homeowners without proper training can still make critical mistakes if they’re not sure about what they’re doing. Also, fixing your garage door without professional help can void any warranty you might have, which can lead to financial ruin in the long run.
No Risk of Garage Door Compromises
There are times that “adequate fixes” on the door can cause other problems. For example, if you don’t ensure that the garage door closes all the way, you waste the insulation on your garage door. That means you’ll have increased heating and cooling costs as the temperature isn’t regulated properly.
You might also invite thieves and other unscrupulous individuals if you have a garage door that doesn’t close completely. It’s possible to slip in a wire under the gap to press the emergency release and break in. If you don’t get professionals, you might not notice these small details until it’s far too late.
Garage Door Cable Came Off? Let’s Fix That Today!
If the garage door cable came off, don’t fret yet. They’re easy to fix and this guide will help you identify the cause of the problem. With the right safety precautions and the aid of experts, you can repair your garage door without problems or mishaps.
Not sure where to start? Don’t know who to call?
If you need professional garage door cable repair, contact us today. We have the right training and know-how to fix your garage door problems without the worry of accidents and new problems.