Winter Garage Door Maintenance Tips

In recent years, California has experienced increasing rain storms, as rain and windblown debris can wreak havoc with your garage door, the track it moves on, and other components. Here are tips on how you can save your home, valuables, and your garage door by preparing your garage for winter.

Check the Appearance of your Garage Door.

Look for water damage or areas where paint peels on wood garage doors. Water damage will require immediate repair.

If your garage door is steel, look for rust spots that must be sanded, primed, and painted.

After any repairs, clean your door with the appropriate cleaner and allow the door to dry.

Lubricate Moving Parts

It’s important to regularly lubricate all moving parts as these tend to stick in colder weather. Several components work together to make your garage door function properly.

• The tracks are made of steel, which is subject to thermal cracking. Lubrication helps provide insulation.
• The torsion springs, also made of steel, require lubrication to avoid rust and facilitate movement.
• The rollers, which contact the tracks, require lubrication to facilitate smooth motion.
• The hinges require lubrication at their pivot points for the entire operation.

Inspect your weatherstripping.

Always check if your weather stripping is cracked, loose, or brittle. If it is, it won’t correctly seal out the moisture from rain and snow or block the cold air from entering your home.

• Clean off any dirt and debris that would impede the stripping from completely blocking air and moisture.
• If your weatherstripping is damaged or torn, we suggest replacing it immediately!

Tighten up the Hardware

There are many moving parts in your garage door, all working hard to operate your garage door every day, all year long. We highly recommend tightening them before winter sets in to ensure nothing is loose and could become dangerous as the cold weather makes it easier for moving parts to stick.

Examine The Cables

Your garage door uses high-tension cables to operate your garage door daily. These cables are incredibly strong, yet they don’t last forever. Any signs of fraying should be a cause for concern because the bitter cold can make these cables brittle and lead to further damage.

Never attempt to repair or replace these cables yourself because the tension in the springs is dangerous and should never be adjusted by a homeowner.

Inspect and Replace your Rollers

No matter what material your rollers are made from, they must be inspected at least twice a year and replaced after seven years. These numbers may differ for each homeowner, depending on how much you rely on your garage door.

Battery Backup in Openers

Having a battery backup for your garage door opener is mandatory in California. Making sure your garage door opener is working fully and at all times is essential. A garage door opener battery backup assures homeowners that in the event of a power outage, your garage door opener will still be functional.

Remote Batteries

Just like your fire alarm, double-checking the batteries in your remote or the backup battery in your opener is always a good idea. Most homeowners don’t think about batteries until the end, thus saving you time, headache, money, and yelling at yourself.

Clear The Snow

Snow is heavy. After a severe snowstorm, keep your entryways clear and clean. The weight of the snow can cause damage to your garage door if you allow it to settle for too long. The heaviness can cause cracks and deterioration. Furthermore, moisture can lead to rust and rotting.

Performing periodic garage door maintenance will save you money and help you spot any potential problems, extending the life of your garage door. Schedule an inspection with us by calling (308) 234-3667.

A Full-Service Garage Door Company