Winter weather can take a toll on different parts of your home, and your garage door is no exception. Investing in winter maintenance for your garage door ensures it remains in working order while providing peace of mind. As a homeowner, you want to rest easy knowing that your garage door is just as reliable in the winter as any other time of year. Understanding how to prepare your garage door for winter and its importance can be helpful.
Why Winterize Your Garage Door
Winterizing your garage door is more than just a seasonal chore. It is an investment in its longevity and reliability. During winter, cold temperatures, moisture, and ice can cause components to freeze, contract, or wear out. A well-maintained garage door can withstand the elements and continue running smoothly and effectively no matter the weather.
By scheduling winter maintenance, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. A garage door that quits working when there’s a snowstorm or frigid weather can be a big hassle. You may find your car potentially trapped inside the garage. A garage door that is frozen and stuck open could also leave your home vulnerable. Preventative care helps you avoid all these headaches while ensuring your door remains functional.
Although winter preparation can cost money, it can save you money in the long run. Regular checks and tune-ups often catch minor issues before they become bigger, more expensive problems later. You’ll get the most out of your garage door for years by taking a proactive approach. Additionally, optimizing the functionality of your garage door means no unwanted interruptions to your daily routine.
Steps to Winterize Your Garage Door
Winterizing your garage door involves a few key steps to ensure it operates without a hitch. Taking these steps can help protect your garage door from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
Inspect and Clean the Tracks
Check the tracks on both sides of your garage door for debris, dirt, and obstructions. Clean them thoroughly to ensure your garage lifts and closes. Dirt or ice buildup in the tracks can prevent the door from moving correctly, straining the motor. As such, it can cause the door to stick or wear out the motor. This simple step can greatly affect how well your garage door operates in winter.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Properly lubricating all moving parts is essential to keep your garage door running well. This helps everything work effortlessly and prevents problems. Apply a high-quality, silicone-based lubricant to the hinges, springs, and rollers. Doing so can avoid unnecessary stiffness or noise caused by the cold. Lubrication also helps reduce friction, which prolongs the life of your garage door’s parts. Your garage door should be quiet and easy to use regardless of season.
Check the Weather Stripping
Although garage doors are usually colder than the rest of your home, there are ways to warm them up. For instance, you should start by checking the weather stripping around your garage door. As time goes by, the weather stripping can crack and wear out. Inspect it for any signs of damage and replace it if needed. Proper weather stripping improves the efficiency of your garage door by reducing drafts and adding protection from cold temperatures.
Tighten Hardware
Cold weather can cause metal parts to contract, which can lead to loose screws and bolts. Inspect the brackets, hinges, and other hardware. Tighten any loose components as needed. If anything is loose, you run the risk of the garage door not operating as it should. Loose screws and bolts could also cause the door to come off the track, which can lead to potential injuries. Furthermore, if anything is loose, it could cause the door to become misaligned, which is damaging.
Test the Balance and Auto-Reverse Functions
A balanced garaged door is easier to open and close, putting less strain on the motor. Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway up to test the balance. If it stays in place, the balance is set correctly. If it moves, you should adjust the springs. Also, test the auto-reverse feature to ensure it stops and reverses when it encounters an object. Ensuring the auto-reverse feature works is crucial for your and your family’s safety.
Benefits of Winterizing Your Garage Door
Although saving money is a significant benefit of winterizing your garage door, it is not the only one. The goal is to ensure that your garage door is in proper working condition throughout the coldest months of the year.
Enhanced Safety and Security
A garage door that does not work properly is a safety risk for you, your family, and your home. If the garage door is not in working order, it can increase the risk of accidents. Also, it is important to consider that burglars often look for opportunities to enter your home. A garage door that is stuck open provides a welcoming opportunity for a burglar looking for an easy target.
It is important to remember that burglars often target homeowners distracted by the holidays. That is why you should ensure your garage door is winterized and in working order before Old Man Winter comes knocking. A professional can help you winterize your garage door and ensure it is safe and secure enough to protect you and your home.
Prolong the Life of Your Investment
Just like you invest in maintenance for your car to keep it running longer, you should do the same for your garage door. Winterizing your garage door to protect it from the elements helps to get the most out of it. You can prolong the lifespan of your door, which delays the need for expensive replacement services. Investing in a new garage door is often costly and something many homeowners are unprepared to do. Winterization and regular maintenance are far more affordable.
Why Choose Us for Your Garage Door Maintenance
Here at Door Pro America, we understand the importance of keeping your garage door in excellent condition throughout winter. With over 50 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for providing top-quality service at affordable rates. Our team is dedicated to delivering reliable and thorough maintenance that ensures your garage door remains functional, safe, and energy-efficient, even in the harshest winter conditions.
What sets us apart is our commitment to making garage door care more accessible to everyone. We offer financing options on approved credit to fit a variety of budgets. We also often offer discounts and promotions to help you save even more. Whether you are looking for a quick tune-up, need help with repairs, or wish to invest in a new garage door, we are here to help. We will provide exceptional customer service and fast, reliable services to meet your needs.
Contact Door Pro America today to schedule your winter garage door maintenance. This will ensure your home stays warm, secure, and relaxing all season long.
