Wondering how to prepare your garage door for the winter? The short version is limited to one word: garage door maintenance. But the long version would also interest you. Why? Because not all garage doors are the same. Not all locations are alike. And the harsher the winter, the bigger the possible garage door problems. So, let us get started.
Maintenance tips to winterize garage doors
- Careful garage door inspection
It’s vital that all garage door parts are checked thoroughly. It’s equally crucial that the door is inspected. Sometimes, problems start when the wood garage door is rotten or warped on the edges. Leave nothing out – neither the panel nor the garage door cables, the spring, the tracks, the rollers, and the opener.
- Proper cleaning & lubrication
The garage door tracks get dirty. That may cause several problems, regardless of the weather. Lack of lubrication will also cause problems, especially when the weather is cold. Removing debris from the tracks and making sure all the moving parts are lubed are both important. Lubes protect steel parts and allow the door to move without making squeaky noises. Don’t forget that when the temps drop below zero, the springs may freeze and break. Wouldn’t it be best if they were lubed prior to that?
- Close look at weather seals
Garage door weatherstripping is paramount. Especially in the winter. So, check the bottom seal carefully. This weather seal is worn faster than the side and top ones. But check all weather seals around the door to make sure your garage is not affected by the cold weather.
- Full attention to the safety features & balance
When the weather is cold, nothing works with ease. Make the life of your electric garage door easier by checking the travel limits and the safety features. Make sure the safety sensors are aligned. Make sure the overhead door goes all the way up and closes down firmly. If it doesn’t, you may need to adjust the travel limits.
In order to test the reverse system, put an object on the floor and press the button to close the door. It should reverse and not crash on the object. If it does crash, you should find a garage door opener repair tech right away. Then check the safety system again by passing your foot or hand under the descending door. It should also reverse.
Check the balance of the garage door. To do that, you need to disconnect the garage door opener. Then you need to lift the door mid-way up and see if it stays there. If not, you need to find a pro to adjust the garage door springs.
The best time to prepare garage doors for the winter
It’s best to inspect and maintain garage doors before it gets cold. The whole point is to avoid additional problems that occur due to the low temps. Also, to have a functional overhead garage door during the difficult months. Of course, if time flew and you didn’t get the chance to either inspect the garage door yourself or (even better) find a pro to maintain it, remember that it’s never too late.
Additional tasks to be able to use the garage door in the winter
Be prepared to shovel the snow right outside of the garage door or in the driveway. Garage doors often get stuck if snow builds-up and freezes. Do you have the right tools?- Is this an insulated garage door? If not, you may want to consider adding insulation. In this case, make sure the door weight hasn’t changed. If it does, you may need to change the springs too.
What are you trying to achieve?
Peace of mind. The cold weather affects garage doors. It puts a strain on them and may cause significant damage, especially if the door is old. If the door is affected and won’t move, you won’t be able to drive the car out. If the door is not winterized, some parts may snap. And then, it’s the matter of keeping the indoor space energy efficient and minimize problems with the snow that will also elevate the moisture levels in this area, affecting the panel or some parts. So, don’t think about it. Winterize your garage door today.
