Garage door maintenance is essential to ensuring your door operates safely and efficiently. As winter settles in, it is important to ensure your garage doors continue to function smoothly despite the harsh cold. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and heavy winds can take a toll on garage doors, causing wear and tear that could lead to costly repairs if not addressed.
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Garage Door Maintenance at Home
To prevent issues, it’s essential to perform routine winter maintenance on your garage door. Here are some important tips to help you keep your garage door in top condition throughout the winter months.
Inspect and Clean the Door Tracks and Surroundings
The tracks that guide your garage door are crucial for smooth operation. Over time, dirt, debris, and grime can accumulate in the tracks, leading to problems with the door’s movement. In winter, snow and ice can build up, causing the door to stick or become misaligned. Snow and ice can also build up around the garage door, making it difficult to open or close the door properly.
Maintenance Tip:
Keep the area around the garage door clear of snow and ice. If you live in an area that experiences heavy snow, consider using a de-icing agent around the bottom of the door to prevent ice buildup. Clean the tracks with a damp soapy cloth to remove dirt and debris and dry thoroughly. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents. Check the tracks for any damage or bends that could affect door operation. If you spot any issues, consider calling our team for any professional for repairs.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Cold temperatures can cause metal parts to seize or become less efficient, so regular lubrication is key to keeping your garage door operating smoothly. Focus on the moving components, such as rollers, hinges, and the springs. When these parts are well-lubricated, they reduce friction, helping the door move smoothly and prevent undue strain on the opener.
Maintenance Tip:
Use a silicone-based lubricant or a garage door-specific lubricant for best results. Avoid using grease, as it can attract dirt and debris, which can clog the moving parts. Spray the lubricant on the rollers, hinges, and other metal parts, ensuring they are well-coated. Wipe off any excess lubricant to avoid attracting dust and grime.
Check the Weatherstripping and Insulation
Weatherstripping is crucial for insulating your garage from the cold weather. It helps to keep drafts, snow, and rain out of your garage, while also preventing energy loss. Over time, weatherstripping can wear down, crack, or come loose, reducing its effectiveness.
Maintenance Tip:
Inspect the weatherstripping along the bottom edge of the garage door and on the sides where the door meets the frame. If you notice any cracks or gaps, replace the weatherstripping to ensure a tight seal. This will not only help with temperature control but also reduce energy costs during the colder months.
Examine the Garage Door Springs
The springs are an essential part of your garage door system, as they balance the weight of the door and assist in lifting and lowering it. Cold weather can affect the tension and performance of the springs, potentially leading to breakage or malfunction.
Maintenance Tip:
Check the springs for any signs of wear, such as rust or visible damage, do not attempt to adjust yourself, this can be dangerous. If they show signs of damage, contact us and one of our experienced technicians will help!
Test the Garage Door Opener
Your garage door opener is the heart of the entire system. Cold temperatures can affect the electronics and motors in the opener, so it’s important to test the system during your garage door maintenance.
Maintenance Tip:
Test the door opener by using the remote control and the wall switch. The door should open and close smoothly without jerking or making strange noises. If you notice any issues, such as the opener struggling to lift the door, it could be a sign of mechanical or electrical problems. In that case, contact us, our technicians will inspect the opener and can perform and necessary repairs.
Lakeside Doors is Here to Help
For more information about garage door maintenance click here or contact us and one of our team members will be happy to answer any questions you may have!