Winter Garage Door Preparation Guide: Keep Your Garage Door Running Smoothly Through the Cold
Winter is approaching, and while prepping your home for the season often includes insulating windows, sealing doors, and maybe even covering outdoor faucets, one area that frequently gets overlooked is the garage door. Cold weather can be rough on your garage door system, leading to potential issues like freezing, misalignment, or motor strain. Here’s a quick guide to prepping your garage door for winter, so it can operate smoothly no matter the temperature outside.
1. Inspect the Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is the rubber seal along the bottom of your garage door, preventing drafts, water, and pests from sneaking into your garage. Over time, weather stripping can become brittle, cracked, or worn down, which reduces its effectiveness in the cold. Check to see if there are gaps or signs of wear. If so, consider replacing it before the snow starts to fall.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts
Cold temperatures can cause metal parts to contract and potentially freeze up, especially if they’re not well-lubricated. Apply a silicon-based lubricant to all moving parts, including rollers, hinges, and the springs. Avoid grease-based products since they can harden in cold weather. Lubrication helps reduce friction, preventing potential damage and keeping your garage door operating smoothly.
3. Inspect and Tighten Hardware
Winter months often bring in storms and high winds that can shake and loosen garage door hardware. Give the door’s brackets, bolts, and screws a once-over to ensure nothing’s out of place. Tighten up any loose parts, but avoid over-tightening, as that can lead to excess wear and tear.
4. Check the Balance and Alignment
When your garage door is out of balance, the door opener has to work harder to lift and lower it, which can cause premature wear, particularly in winter. To test the balance:
- Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle.
- Manually raise the door halfway and let go.
- If it stays in place, it’s balanced. If it falls or rises, it’s time to call a professional to adjust the springs.
5. Clean the Tracks
Debris buildup in the tracks can make your garage door struggle to open and close, especially if it gets mixed with ice and snow. Clean the tracks on both sides of the door to remove any dirt, dust, or residue. Avoid using lubricant on the tracks, as this can attract more debris and clog the system. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
6. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
The auto-reverse feature is a critical safety component in every garage door opener, especially during winter when freezing could cause unexpected blockages. To test:
- Place an object, like a piece of wood, in the door’s path.
- Close the garage door. If it doesn’t reverse automatically, the opener’s settings may need adjusting.
7. Consider Insulating Your Garage Door
If you spend a lot of time in your garage, it may be worth adding insulation to your garage door. Not only does this keep the garage warmer, but it also protects your stored items, like tools and electronics, from extreme cold. Insulated garage doors also reduce noise and can help improve your home’s energy efficiency.
8. Examine the Cables and Springs
The cables and springs are essential for lifting and balancing the weight of your garage door. Inspect these parts carefully for signs of wear, fraying, or rust, especially if you’ve noticed any unusual noises. Since they are under high tension, avoid DIY repairs and call a professional if there are any concerns with the cables or springs.
9. Test the Remote Battery
A dead battery is a quick fix, but it’s worth checking to avoid getting stuck outside in the cold. Simply replace your remote battery before winter fully sets in, especially if you haven’t done so in the last year.
10. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
While there are many steps you can handle yourself, a professional inspection before winter can address potential issues you might miss. Professionals can spot subtle signs of wear, adjust the door’s balance precisely, and provide peace of mind that your garage door is ready for winter.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your garage door for winter is a simple way to avoid major issues during the colder months. By following these steps, you’ll keep your garage secure, warm, and fully functional all winter long. Your garage door works hard every day; give it the seasonal maintenance it deserves to prevent any frosty frustrations.
Contact Perfect Solutions Garage Door & get your winter maintenance done today, and make it a warm, worry-free season!
