A garage door is probably the most significant moving object at home. It opens several times a day, and that is why it is vital to maintain it well so that it can serve you for many years. You can do many things to keep your garage door in good condition.
As the weather gets colder, many things, including the garage door, can get affected. The cold weather can make the door stiff and challenging to open. As Metro Garage Door Repair or other reputable companies explain, you should prepare the door and the opener for the winter.
Here is how you should prepare your garage door for the winter:
1. Check the Door Balance
A garage door that is not in balance will put a lot of strain on the opener, leading to premature wear and tear. During the cold weather, things could worsen as the door will be harder to open. That is why it is important to check the door balance and ensure it is in the right position. You can do this by disconnecting the door from the opener and then trying to lift it manually. The door should be easy to lift and stay in place when you let go of it. If it is not, then you will need to adjust the springs.
2. Lubricate the Door
As you well know, humidity is higher during the winter months. If the door’s metal parts are not adequately lubricated, they will rust. In order to prevent this from happening, you should lubricate the door regularly. You want to use a good quality lubricant that will not freeze in cold weather. You should also avoid using too much as this can attract dust and dirt, which can lead to problems.
3. Tighten up the Hardware
If you never touched the hardware because there was no sign of looseness, you should check them now and see if they need to be tightened. The winter is hard on all objects, including the garage door’s hardware. Over time, they can become loose, which can cause problems. By tightening them up, you will ensure that everything is in its place and that there will be no issues. You want to first focus on the roller brackets and the tracks before moving to the springs and the cables.
4. Check the Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is very important as it helps seal the door and prevent drafts from coming in. If the stripping is damaged, you will feel it when you stand near the door in winter. Not to mention that your energy bills will go up as well. You want to ensure that the stripping is in good condition and that there are no gaps. If there are, you should replace them with new stripping.
5. Check the Seals
You don’t want the hot air to escape from the garage and cold air to come in. That is why it is important to check the bottom seal and the door sweep. If they are damaged, you should replace them. You have to ensure that the seal is tight so that no air can pass through.
6. Inspect and Replace the Rollers
The rollers play a critical role in the proper functioning of the door. They need to be in good condition so the door can move smoothly. You should inspect them regularly and see if they need to be replaced. Rollers usually last about 10,000 cycles, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be damaged earlier. You want to ensure that you replace them before they cause any problems.
7. Clear the Sensors
Winter doesn’t only affect the door but the opener as well. The sensors can become frozen, preventing the door from opening or closing. They might also get blocked by snow or ice. In order to avoid this from happening, you should clear the sensors regularly. You can use a brush to remove the snow and ice and then wipe them with a cloth.
8. Check the Opener
The opener is one of the most critical parts of the door, and you want to ensure it is in good condition. You should check it regularly and see if there are any loose parts. You also want to make sure that the batteries are still working. If they are not, you should replace them.
9. Get Professional Help
If you are unsure how to do any of the things we mentioned above, you should get professional help. There is no shame in admitting that you need help and can’t do everything alone. By getting professional help, you will ensure that everything is done correctly and that there will be no problems.
The garage door deserves the same attention as any other part of your house. You have to prepare it for the winter to function properly during the cold months. By following the tips we mentioned above, you will ensure that your door is ready for the winter.