Winter weather can take a toll on your garage door, leading to potential malfunctions and safety hazards. To prevent these issues and ensure your garage door operates smoothly all winter long, it’s important to perform regular maintenance. Here are some tips on how to maintain your garage door during winter.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Cold temperatures can cause metal components to contract, which can lead to increased friction and wear on moving parts. Before the winter sets in, inspect all moving parts of your garage door, including hinges, springs, rollers, and tracks. To prevent this, it’s important to lubricate all moving parts, including hinges, rollers, and tracks. Use a silicone-based lubricant, as it won’t attract dirt and dust like oil-based lubricants.
Check weatherstripping
Weatherstripping helps to keep the cold air and moisture out of your garage. Over time, weatherstripping can become worn or damaged, which can affect its effectiveness. Check your weatherstripping before winter starts and replace any damaged or worn pieces.
Check for Wear and Tear
Winter weather can exacerbate wear and tear on your garage door, so it’s important to inspect it regularly for any signs of damage or wear. Check for cracks or splits in the door panels, frayed cables, loose hardware, or any other issues that may affect its operation.
Clean the tracks
Debris such as leaves, dirt, and other debris can build up in your garage door tracks over time. This can cause your garage door to become unbalanced and potentially cause damage. Before winter starts, clean out your tracks thoroughly to ensure that they are free of debris.
Test the door’s balance
An unbalanced garage door can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the opener and other parts, as well as potentially cause the door to become stuck. Test your garage door’s balance by disconnecting the opener and opening and closing the door manually. The door should open and close smoothly, without any sticking or binding.
Adjust Spring Tension
Cold temperatures can cause the springs in your garage door system to lose tension, which can lead to the door not opening or closing properly. To prevent this, it’s important to adjust the spring tension according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Keep the Door Clean
Winter weather can bring salt, sand, and other debris onto your garage door, which can cause rust and other damage. Keep your door clean by washing it with a mild detergent and water, then rinsing it thoroughly.
Inspect Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is essential for keeping cold air, snow, and other debris from entering your garage. Check the weatherstripping around the perimeter of your door to ensure it’s in good condition and replace it if necessary.
Test Safety Features
Winter weather can also affect the safety features of your garage door, such as the photo-eye sensors and auto-reverse function. Test these features regularly to ensure they’re working properly and make any necessary repairs or adjustments.
Schedule a professional inspection
If you’re unsure about how to maintain your garage door, or if you notice any issues, it’s best to schedule a professional inspection. A garage door technician can identify and repair any problems, ensuring that your garage door is in top shape for the winter season.
By following these maintenance tips, you can help prevent potential malfunctions and safety hazards during the winter months. If you’re unsure about any aspect of garage door maintenance, it’s always best to consult a professional for assistance.