Fall Garage Door Maintenance: 5 Essential Steps to Prepare for Winter

As the leaves begin to change and temperatures start to drop, it’s time to think about preparing your garage door for the harsh winter months ahead. Proper fall maintenance can prevent costly repairs and ensure your garage door operates smoothly throughout the winter season.

1. Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts

Before winter sets in, examine all moving components of your garage door system. Apply a high-quality garage door lubricant to the hinges, rollers, tracks, and springs. This prevents freezing and reduces wear during cold weather operation.

2. Test Your Garage Door Opener

Cold weather can affect your garage door opener’s performance. Test the remote control, wall switch, and safety features. Replace the opener’s battery backup if your system has one, and ensure the photo-eye sensors are clean and properly aligned.

3. Check Weather Stripping and Seals

Inspect the weather stripping around your garage door for cracks, tears, or gaps. Replace damaged seals to prevent cold air, moisture, and pests from entering your garage. Pay special attention to the bottom seal, which takes the most abuse.

4. Balance and Alignment Check

A properly balanced garage door reduces strain on the opener and extends its lifespan. Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, it’s properly balanced. If it falls or rises, contact a professional for adjustment.

5. Clean and Inspect Tracks

Remove debris, leaves, and dirt from the garage door tracks. Check for dents, rust, or misalignment that could cause the door to bind during operation. Clean tracks ensure smooth movement even in freezing temperatures.

Additional Winter Preparation Tips

• Keep ice melt or rock salt handy for icy conditions
• Never force a frozen garage door open
• Consider upgrading to a insulated garage door for better energy efficiency
• Schedule professional maintenance if you notice any unusual sounds or movements

When to Call the Professionals

While basic maintenance can be done by homeowners, some tasks require professional expertise. If you notice broken springs, damaged cables, or significant alignment issues, it’s time to call in the experts.

Don’t let winter weather catch you off guard! Proper fall maintenance ensures your garage door will function reliably throughout the cold months. For professional garage door maintenance, repairs, or emergency service, call us today at (888) 794-6420 to schedule an appointment with our experienced technicians.