As the weather gets colder and snow and rain sets in, homeowners understand the impact the cold can have on their homes. Heating your home could cause wood to expand and contract. Snow accumulation can weaken the integrity of your roof. The same applies to your garage door; the cold weather and excess moisture can cause issues. That’s why preventative maintenance is essential to avoid costly repairs during the winter season.

Winter Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Winter can be hard on garage doors, with frigid temperatures, snow, ice, and rain causing wear and tear. Cold weather affects everything from the springs and tracks to the seals, making maintenance crucial for keeping the door functioning smoothly and safely throughout the season. You can try to tackle it yourself or call us to schedule your garage door maintenance today

Here are some winter maintenance tips to keep your garage door in top shape:

Inspect Rollers, Springs, and Cables:

If your garage door is not opening and closing correctly, it may be because one or more of the components is damaged. These issues are more likely to occur in winter as metal parts contract and expand with warm/cold fluctuations. Common winter issues include broken springs, defective rollers, and shifting doors and tracks.

Contact us to schedule service, as repairing or replacing these components is extremely dangerous.

Lubricate All Moving Parts:

Lubricating all moving parts of your garage door ensures that it will remain operational in cold and wet weather. As many components work together to operate your garage door, you want to ensure all the components are in tip-top shape during winter.

• The tracks are made of steel. Lubrication helps keep the door moving smoothly.
• The torsion springs, also made of steel, require lubrication to avoid rust and facilitate movement.
• The rollers, which contact the tracks, require lubrication to facilitate smooth motion.
• The hinges require lubrication at their pivot points for the whole operation.

Clean and Inspect Weather Stripping:

Weather stripping helps seal and prevent cold air and moisture from entering your garage. Inspect your weather stripping for cracks and deterioration. Clean off any dirt and debris that would impede the stripping’s ability to completely block out air and moisture. If it looks excessively worn and ripped, it’s better to replace it entirely.

Tighten up parts before winter:

We highly recommend tightening them before winter sets in to ensure nothing is loose, which could become dangerous as cold weather makes it easier for moving parts to stick.

Look and Listen:

Keep an open eye and an open ear during the winter season. It is simple and easy; in fact, you should do it every time you open or close your garage door.

• Watch the door open and close to look out for an unbalanced door or rough movement.
• Listen for loud or unusual noises.

Once you notice or hear an unusual sound, call us immediately before the problem worsens.

Avoid strain on your garage door opener:

A misaligned or unbalanced garage door can put unnecessary strain on the opener and other components.

Conduct a simple balance test by disconnecting the opener and manually opening and closing the door. The door may be unbalanced if it doesn’t stay in place when partially open. Addressing this issue promptly can prevent additional stress on your garage door system.

Inspect and Clean the Gutters:

Keep your gutters clear of debris and ensure they direct water away from your garage. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool around the garage, potentially leading to structural damage over time. Regularly clean and repair your gutters to maintain proper water flow, protecting the foundation and structure of your garage.

Clear The Snow:

Snow can be heavier than you think. Make sure to clear away any snow and ice buildup around the base of the door, as it can prevent a proper seal and even damage the door if it’s forced open. Keep an eye on the tracks for any ice buildup as well.