Winter Garage Door Care
Posted on February 16th, 2024
Your garage door may seem like a simple, straightforward part of your home. It’s easy to overlook your garage’s complex system of moving parts that play a crucial role in both the security and functionality of your home.
Proper maintenance of this intricate device is essential. This is especially true considering the demanding winter conditions of northern Illinois. Without regular care and attention, the wear and tear on your garage’s components can lead to unexpected breakdowns. These breakdowns are inconvenient, while also potentially compromising your home’s safety and security.
With the importance of a functioning garage in mind, we’ve compiled several winter garage door tips. Following these tips will help you prevent garage door repairs while ensuring your garage door works smoothly all winter long.
Inspect and Replace Garage Door Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping on the bottom of your door keeps the cold out and the warmth in. Over time, it can crack, harden, or break, letting in cold air and moisture. Check it carefully and replace any damaged or missing sections. This not only keeps your garage warmer but also protects stored items from frost and dampness.
Lubricate Garage Door Parts
Cold weather can make your garage door stiff, leading to wear and tear. Use a silicone-based garage door lubricant (never grease!) on the springs, tracks, hinges, and rollers of your garage door. A light spray is all you need to keep everything moving smoothly, preventing annoying squeaks and a hard-to-open door.
Tighten Up Hardware
The constant up-and-down movement of your garage door can loosen its hardware. Grab a socket wrench and tighten up any shaky bolts and roller brackets you find. This simple step can prevent a lot of issues down the road, making your door safer and more stable.
Garage Door Balance Test
An unbalanced garage door puts unnecessary strain on your opener, which can burn out the motor. Follow these steps to test your door:
- Close the door completely.
- Disconnect the opener by pulling the emergency release handle (usually a red cord) to disengage the trolley.
- Lift the door manually until it is halfway open (about 3–4 feet off the ground) and let go.
A balanced door should stay in place or move very slightly. If it slams shut or shoots upward, the springs are out of balance. Do not attempt to adjust or repair garage door springs yourself. They are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury. If the door fails the balance test, contact a professional technician immediately.
Clear the Garage Door Tracks
Make sure the tracks on either side of the door are free of blockages and rust. Any blockage can cause the door to operate unevenly or not at all. A simple brush-out can make a big difference. However, if you spot rust or damage, we recommend reaching out for professional help.
Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
This safety feature stops and reverses the door if it hits an object on the way down. Place a block of wood or a roll of paper towels on the ground in the path of the door. If the door doesn’t automatically reverse after touching the object, it’s time to call a professional repairman to take a look.
Inspect for Wear and Tear
Take a good look at the cables and garage door springs. If you see any signs of wear, fraying, or rust, don’t try to fix these yourself. These parts, like the torsion spring, are under high tension and can be dangerous to replace. Instead, call in the garage door repair experts.
Contact Absolute Garage Builders for Professional Services
Don’t let winter wear down your garage door. With these easy preventive maintenance tips, you can ensure it runs smoothly all year long. On the other hand, if you’re thinking of a garage expansion or Chicago garage construction, Absolute Garage Builders is here to help with a wide array of garage plans.
Serving the greater Chicago area, we’re your go-to option for the highest-quality garage construction. Call us today at 773-583-8800 or reach out online for a free, no-obligation estimate.
