From cars taking longer to warm up in the morning to outdoor equipment needing to be winterized, when winter comes, everything slows down. Before the snow falls, learn how to take care of your garage door with these winter garage door maintenance tips.
Inspect/Repair Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is the seal that goes around your garage door. The best way to tell if it’s in good shape is to go into your garage with the door closed. If light seeps through the edges, you need to replace your weatherstripping.
Winter is cold, so it’s time for critters to find a warm, cozy place. Unless you want a new family of squirrels in your garage, it’s best to patch any holes in your weatherstripping. In addition, these openings let cold air draft into your garage, letting your expensive heat escape! Repairing your weatherstripping saves your garage from unwanted pests and saves you money.
Observe Rollers, Cables, & Tracks
When a cold weather front rolls through, it drops temperatures drastically. Fluctuating temperatures can cause the metal in your garage door system to contract and expand. Most of the time, it won’t harm your garage door, but being aware of the noise and speed of your garage door could save you time and money in the long run.
Take the time to observe your door. If it takes longer to open or is noisy, the metal might have started to bend or there could be another issue. Since these symptoms could be part of larger a beast, it’s best to call the Precision Door garage door professionals to diagnose your door.
Lubricate Moving Parts
In the winter, if you use greasy lubrication, it is likely to harden and stick. Any homeowner can easily rectify this by reapplying new lubricant. Use a silicone-based lubricant to avoid mess and get the best results. A white lithium grease or any other super greasy lubricant will oftentimes cause more harm than good.
Lubricate your tracks, springs, and hinges to keep your garage door seamless and maintained like a well-oiled machine. Yet, Precision Door professionals don’t recommend lubricating your rollers. This may attract dust and dirt into the bearing unless you are a long-time Precision Door customer because they use a fully sealed bearing that is 100% maintenance-free.
Keep the Snow Clear
It’s hard to get in and out of your garage if snow piles up in front of it! Shoveling snow and spreading ice melt is part of your garage door maintenance in the winter. Before winter hits, we recommend finding your snow shovel from last year, stocking up on ice melt, and keeping it in an easy-to-access location so when the first snow hits, you are ready to tackle it.
If you experience a garage door freeze, try using warm water to melt the ice naturally. Try to avoid using ice chippers against the door, as you might risk damaging the door or seals.
Contact the Garage Door Experts
We hope you find our tips and advice helpful as the winter season approaches. It is valuable to us that you enjoy the upcoming holidays without any garage door headaches. If a problem arises, be sure to contact us through our website or give us a call.
