Winter Garage Door Maintenance: Keep Your Door Running Smoothly

Winter can be hard on garage doors, with cold temperatures, ice, and snow creating wear and tear that might affect its performance.

Tim our technician manager made a winter maintenance guide that helps ensure that your garage door operates safely, reliably, and smoothly throughout the coldest months of the year. Here are essential tips to maintain and winterize your garage door.

Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts

Cold weather can cause metal components to contract, potentially leading to creaks and stiffness. Regularly inspect and lubricate all moving parts, including:

• Hinges
  
• Springs
  
• Tracks
  
• Rollers

Tip: Use a garage door-specific lubricant or a silicone-based spray. Avoid using heavy grease as it can thicken and gum up in colder temperatures.

Check and Replace Weather Stripping

Weather stripping around the edges of your garage door helps keep cold air, moisture, and snow from entering your garage. Over time, the weather stripping can crack or wear out, allowing drafts and moisture to seep through.

• Check for cracks, tears, or gaps in the weather stripping.
  
• Replace damaged weather stripping to maintain a tight seal.

Tip: Proper weather stripping not only keeps your garage warmer but also reduces heating costs if you have an attached garage.

Keep Tracks and Sensors Clean

Snow, dirt, and salt can build up on the tracks and sensors, obstructing the door's operation.

• Wipe down the tracks to remove any debris or buildup.
• Check for alignment and ensure tracks are free of obstructions.
• Clean the photo-eye sensors on either side of the door. They need a clear line of sight to function correctly.

Tip: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean sensors and tracks to avoid scratching or damaging them.

Test the Door Balance

Cold weather can affect the balance of your garage door, which may put extra strain on the opener.

• Disconnect the door from the opener by pulling the release handle.
• Manually lift the door halfway up. If it stays in place, the door is balanced. If it falls or rises, you may need to adjust the tension on the springs.

Tip: Only attempt minor adjustments yourself. If the door is unbalanced, it’s best to contact a professional for help.

Inspect and Tighten Hardware

With frequent opening and closing, the hardware on your garage door can loosen over time.

• Check all bolts, brackets, and hinges to ensure they’re securely tightened.
  
• Pay special attention to roller brackets and bolts holding the door tracks in place.

Tip: Regularly checking hardware prevents operational issues and extends the lifespan of your garage door.

Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature

The auto-reverse function is critical for safety, especially during winter when ice or snow may obstruct the door's path.

• Place a sturdy object (like a block of wood) in the door’s path and close the door. It should automatically reverse when it touches the object.
• If it doesn’t, check the sensors, or consider calling a professional to ensure this safety feature is functioning correctly.

Monitor and Adjust the Opener Settings

Cold weather can affect the force settings on your garage door opener. If your door struggles to open or close, you might need to adjust the opener’s force and sensitivity settings.

Tip: Refer to your garage door opener’s manual for guidance on adjustments, or contact a professional if you’re unsure.

Keep the Garage Door Clean

Salt, dirt, and debris from winter weather can damage your garage door’s finish and cause rusting.

• Wash your garage door with mild soap and water, especially the lower portion that comes into contact with snow or salt.
  
• For metal doors, apply a protective wax to prevent rust. Wooden doors may need sealing to keep out moisture.