As temperatures drop, many homeowners battle the effects of cold weather on their homes. One area often overlooked during winter prep? Your garage door. Cold weather can wreak havoc on your garage door’s components, leading to inconvenient breakdowns and costly repairs. Here’s a closer look at the common issues caused by freezing temperatures and what you can do to keep your garage door functioning smoothly all winter long.
Common Cold Weather Problems for Garage Doors
1. Frozen Parts
Metal components like springs, tracks, and rollers can freeze when temperatures plummet. This can cause your garage door to stick or refuse to open altogether.
2. Hardened Lubricants
Garage door mechanisms rely on proper lubrication to work smoothly. Cold weather can harden lubricants, increasing friction and causing wear on moving parts.
3. Damaged Weather Stripping
The rubber weather stripping at the bottom of your garage door can crack or become brittle in freezing temperatures, leading to drafts and higher energy bills.
4. Malfunctioning Opener Sensors
Extreme cold can impact the sensitivity of your garage door opener’s sensors, potentially causing it to misalign or stop working.
5. Shrinking Metal
Cold weather can cause metal parts to contract, which may lead to misalignments or gaps in the door’s operation.
Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Garage Door
1. Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts
Use a silicone-based lubricant to coat the springs, rollers, and tracks. Avoid using grease or oil-based products that can thicken in the cold.
2. Check Weather Stripping
Inspect the weather stripping for cracks or gaps. Replace any damaged sections to keep cold air out and prevent water or snow from seeping in.
3. Tighten Hardware
Cold weather can loosen screws and bolts. Check and tighten all hardware to ensure your garage door operates securely.
4. Test the Garage Door Opener
Ensure the sensors are aligned and free of debris. Adjust the sensitivity settings if needed to account for temperature changes.
5. Keep Tracks Clear
Remove any ice, snow, or debris from the tracks to avoid jams. Consider using a de-icing spray if ice buildup is a frequent issue.
When to Call a Professional
While regular maintenance can prevent most cold weather issues, some problems require professional expertise. If your garage door springs are broken, your opener isn’t functioning, or you notice unusual noises during operation, it’s time to call in the experts. Addressing these issues early can save you time, money, and frustration down the road.
Why Winter Maintenance is Worth It
Taking the time to winterize your garage door ensures smooth operation and prolongs the life of its components. It also helps maintain energy efficiency by keeping your garage better insulated, which is especially important if it is attached to your home.
Don’t let cold weather catch you off guard this winter. With a little preventative care and the right professional support, your garage door will handle the season like a pro.
Schedule Your Winter Garage Door Tune-Up Today!
If you’re ready to safeguard your garage door against the challenges of winter, our team is here to help. Contact us for a professional inspection and maintenance service to keep your door running smoothly, no matter how low the temperatures drop.