Preparing Your Garage Door for Winter: A Complete Guide
Winter brings unique challenges for garage doors. Cold temperatures affect lubricants, metal contracts, and weatherstripping stiffens. Here's how to prepare your garage door for the cold months ahead.
Pre-Winter Checklist
Inspect Weather Stripping
- Check bottom seal for cracks or gaps
- Examine side and top seals
- Replace if you see daylight or feel drafts
- Consider upgrading to thermal seals
Lubricate All Moving Parts
Use a silicone-based lubricant (not WD-40) on:
- Rollers and hinges
- Springs and bearings
- Tracks
- Lock mechanisms
Check the Balance
Cold weather affects spring tension. Test the balance and schedule adjustment if needed.
Inspect the Opener
- Test battery backup
- Check for unusual noises
- Ensure proper force settings
Common Winter Problems
Door Won't Open
- Metal contracts in cold, causing binding
- Lubricant thickens and fails
- Ice forms on weatherstripping
Slow Operation
- Cold affects opener motors
- Thick lubricant slows movement
- Safety sensors may be foggy
Strange Noises
- Metal shrinkage causes new sounds
- Dry parts squeak more in cold
- Ice creates unusual sounds
Winter Emergency Kit
Keep these items handy:
- Silicone spray lubricant
- Ice melt (safe for concrete)
- Flashlight
- Professional's phone number
Professional Winter Prep
Our winter tune-up service includes:
- Complete lubrication with cold-weather formula
- Balance and tension adjustment
- Weather seal inspection and replacement
- Full safety system test
- Opener performance check
Don't wait for the first freeze. Schedule your winter prep service today and avoid being stuck in the cold!
