Hello everyone! If your garage door is letting in drafts, moisture, or even pests, then it’s likely that the weather seal at the bottom needs replacing. Replacing and maintaining your garage door weather seal is more important than you might think—it helps keep your garage insulated, protects your belongings, and even helps redu ce energy bills. The good news is that it is a relatively simple fix! Let us walk through the steps and get that seal replaced properly.
Why is Garage Door Cable Maintainance Important?
Garage door cables are responsible for supporting the heavy weight of your door. When these cables wear out, the entire system becomes compromised, posing safety risks. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure the longevity of your garage door components.
- Safety Concerns: Cables under extreme tension can snap, leading to potential injury.
- Longevity: Well-maintained cables last longer, reducing the need for costly repairs.
Regular maintenance not only enhances the safety of your garage but also prolongs the lifespan of the door system.

How Often Should You Inspect Garage Door Cables?
Regular inspections of your garage door cables should be performed at least every six months. These inspections are vital in identifying early signs of wear, rust, or damage that could lead to bigger problems.
What to Look For
During your inspection, check for:
- Fraying: Look for broken strands or unraveling fibers.
- Rust Spots: Corrosion can weaken the integrity of the cable.
- Kinks or Bends: Physical deformities can affect the smooth operation.
- Tension Issues: Loose or sagging cables indicate the need for adjustment.
If you spot any of these issues, take immediate action before they worsen.
Why is Lubricating Your Garage Door Cables Important?
Garage door lubrication is essential for reducing friction between moving parts, preventing rust, and ensuring smooth operation. Cables, pulleys, and rollers should be lubricated regularly to avoid premature wear.
How to Properly Apply Lubrication on your Garage Door Cables?
- Choose a High-Quality Lubricant:
Opt for a garage door-specific lubricant that is designed to resist moisture and grime buildup.
- Application Process:
Apply the lubricant sparingly to the cables and wipe off excess residue. Be careful not to over-lubricate, as this can attract dust and debris.
- Avoid Common Mistakes:
Avoid using grease, as it can accumulate dirt and eventually damage the cables.
Regular lubrication will significantly extend the life of your garage door cables.
Why Should You Keep Your Garage Door Cables Clean?
You should keep your garage door cables clean because over time, garage door cables can accumulate dirt, debris, and moisture, which can lead to corrosion and weaken their structural integrity. Regular cleaning helps preserve the cables and prevents costly repairs.
How to Clean Garage Door Cables
- Dry Cloth Method:
Wipe the cables with a clean, dry cloth to remove surface dirt and dust.
- For Stubborn Debris:
Use a mild cleaner or degreaser to tackle built-up grime or rust spots.
- Re-lubricate:
After cleaning, always re-apply a thin layer of lubricant to keep the cables in optimal condition.
Maintaining clean cables will help them perform efficiently for longer periods.
Why Should You Check Your Garage Door Cables Tension?
Proper tension is essential for the smooth operation of the garage door. Cables that are too loose or too tight can cause misalignment, wear, or damage to the system.
Steps to Check Cable Tension
- Visual Inspection:
Look for cables that sag or appear overly tight.
- Manual Check:
If your door seems difficult to open or close, the tension may be off.
- DIY vs. Professional Adjustment:
Adjusting the tension is a delicate process. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it’s best to hire a professional to avoid injury or damage to your door.
A properly tensioned cable ensures that the door opens and closes smoothly, reducing wear on other components.
Why is Monitoring the Balance of Your Garage Door Important?
An unbalanced garage door can put excessive strain on the cables, leading to faster wear or breakage. Checking the balance is an easy way to ensure your door is functioning correctly.
How to Check Door Balance
- Manual Test:
Disconnect the garage door opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, it is balanced. If it falls or rises, the balance is off.
- Professional Assistance:
If your garage door is unbalanced, contact a professional to adjust the springs and cables.
Balanced doors put less stress on cables, which prolongs their lifespan and ensures safer operation.
When Should You Replace Your Garage Door Cables?
Over time, even with the best maintenance practices, garage door cables will eventually wear out. If you notice any of the following, it may be time to replace your cables:
- Fraying:
Visible wear on the cable strands.
- Rust or Corrosion:
Extensive rust spots that compromise the cable’s strength.
- Stiffness:
Cables that no longer move smoothly.
- Age:
Cables older than five years are more prone to breaking.
Safety Considerations
Garage door cables are under a lot of tension, making DIY replacements dangerous. It is advisable to call in a professional for cable replacement to avoid injury or damage to the system.
Why Are Professional Garage Door Maintenance Services Recommended?
While homeowners can perform regular maintenance like inspections, cleaning, and lubrication, certain tasks, like cable adjustments and replacements, are best left to professionals. Hiring a qualified technician ensures your cables and other garage door components are handled safely and correctly.
What Do Professional Services Include?

- Thorough Inspections:
Technicians will check every component of your garage door, including cables, springs, rollers, and tracks.
- Lubrication:
They will apply high-quality lubricants to all moving parts.
- Cable Replacement:
- If necessary, they can replace worn or damaged cables to prevent future issues.
Winston Doors offers comprehensive maintenance services, ensuring that your garage door operates safely and reliably.
FAQs About Garage Door Cable Maintenance
Q1: How long do garage door cables typically last?
Garage door cables generally last between 5 and 7 years, depending on use and maintenance.
Q2: Can I replace garage door cables myself?
Replacing cables can be dangerous due to the tension they are under. It’s recommended to hire a professional.
Q3: How often should I lubricate my garage door cables?
You should lubricate your garage door cables every six months or after cleaning them to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
Q4: What causes garage door cables to break?
Cables can break due to fraying, rust, improper tension, or general wear over time.
Q5: How do I know if my garage door cables need adjustment?
If your door is hard to open or close, or the cables appear sagging or too tight, they may need adjustment.
Q6: Are there any safety precautions when inspecting garage door cables?
Yes, avoid touching the cables while the door is in operation, and be cautious when inspecting them as they are under high tension.