2024-01-10 7 min read Washingtonville Garage Doors
Ohio winters are notoriously harsh, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing and significant snowfall throughout the season. These conditions can wreak havoc on unprepared garage doors, leading to costly repairs and inconvenient breakdowns at the worst possible times. Taking proactive steps before winter arrives can save you money, prevent headaches, and extend the life of your garage door system.
Your garage door faces unique challenges during cold weather: metal components contract, lubricants thicken, weatherstripping becomes brittle, and moisture can freeze in tracks and around seals. Understanding these challenges is the first step in preparing your door for winter.
The weatherstripping along the bottom and sides of your garage door creates a seal that keeps cold air, snow, rain, and pests out of your garage. Over time, this rubber seal becomes cracked, brittle, and less effective.especially after exposure to summer heat and winter cold.
Before winter arrives, inspect all weatherstripping carefully:
1. Close your garage door and look for gaps where light comes through 2. Check for cracks, tears, or sections that have pulled away from the door 3. Feel for drafts around the door's perimeter 4. Replace any damaged weatherstripping before the first freeze
New weatherstripping is relatively inexpensive and makes a significant difference in your garage's warmth and energy efficiency. If you're not comfortable installing it yourself, our technicians can complete the job quickly during a maintenance visit.
Cold weather causes lubricants to thicken, which can make your garage door sluggish, noisy, or strain the opener motor. Applying the right lubricant before winter ensures smooth operation throughout the season.
Use a silicone-based lubricant or white lithium grease on:
- All roller stems and bearings, Hinges and pivot points, Torsion spring (coat lightly) - Track edges where rollers make contact, Opener chain or screw drive
Avoid using WD-40 or similar products as your primary lubricant.while they're excellent for cleaning and penetrating rust, they don't provide lasting lubrication. After lubricating, operate the door several times to distribute the lubricant evenly.
A properly balanced garage door places minimal strain on the opener motor and ensures smooth, safe operation. Cold weather can affect spring tension, throwing off your door's balance. Here's how to check it:
1. Disconnect the opener by pulling the emergency release cord 2. Manually lift the door halfway and let go 3. A balanced door will stay in place with minimal movement 4. If the door rises or falls significantly, the springs need adjustment
Warning: Never attempt to adjust garage door springs yourself. Torsion springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if mishandled. Contact a professional for any spring adjustments.
Your garage door opener motor works harder in cold weather due to thicker lubricants and heavier door movement. Protect it by:
- Ensuring proper lubrication throughout the system (reducing motor strain) - Checking that the opener light bulb is rated for cold temperatures, Verifying the safety sensors are clean and aligned, Considering a battery backup for power outages
If your opener is more than 10-15 years old, consider upgrading to a newer model with cold-weather features and improved efficiency.
During winter, make it a habit to clear snow and ice from:
- The area directly beneath the garage door, The tracks on either side of the door, Any drainage areas near the garage
Snow and ice buildup can prevent your door from closing properly, damage weatherstripping, and even freeze the door to the ground. A few minutes of clearing after each storm prevents major problems.
The best way to prepare your garage door for winter is with a professional maintenance visit. Our technicians will:
- Inspect all components for wear or damage, Lubricate moving parts with winter-grade lubricant, Check and adjust spring tension and door balance, Test safety features, Tighten all hardware, Identify potential problems before they become emergencies
Don't wait until your garage door fails on the coldest day of the year. Schedule your winter tune-up today and enjoy peace of mind all season long.