Garage Door Maintenance Tips for Winter

On the TV show “Game of Thrones,” the phrase “winter is coming” is uttered with ominous undertones. This expression strikes fear into the hearts of homeowners, too. To them, “winter is coming” means a great deal of maintenance to keep their home in good shape so it will survive whatever the season throws at it. Your garage door needs maintenance, too. Read on for tips on how to care for your garage door during the coldest part of the year.


Don’t Let Rust Bring Moving Parts to a Halt
In much of North America, winter brings some form of precipitation. And when many forms of metal are exposed to oxygen and water for long periods of time, rust forms. Rust causes metal to weaken, which is exactly what you don’t want for your garage door.

Lubrication prevents rust from forming. The lubricant protects metal from air and moisture. Inspect all of the metal parts of your garage door (springs, chains, rollers, etc.) and apply lubricant to the parts that need it.

Get Rid of the Grease
Yes, lubricant keeps your garage door operating smoothly. But, make sure you don’t have too much of a good thing.

While you’re applying the lubricant, clean off any greasy buildup from moving parts. Too much grease will interfere with the garage door’s ability to open and close. It’s like Goldilocks and the Three Bears - you want the amount of lubrication to be just right.

Protect Your Weatherstripping
At the bottom of your garage door, there’s a piece of rubber known as weatherstripping. Its purpose is to keep the cold air, rain, and snow out of your garage.

Over time, the weatherstripping can crack and even come loose. Check it carefully for tears, missing pieces, cracks and any parts where the weather stripping has begun to detach from the door.

Clear Away Ice and Snow Right Away
It’s tempting to wait until the weather warms up to clear away ice and snow from your garage door. If you’re going to be outside in the winter, it’s one of the least appealing things you could be doing.

However, waiting until the mercury rises to tackle the ice or snow buildup in front of your garage door isn’t a good idea. When the weatherstripping at the bottom of the garage door is exposed to ice or cold water for too long, it becomes damaged. If it can’t do its job, your heating bills will rise because of poor insulation.

Give Your Windows Some TLC
Some garage doors have windows.Windows lend a touch of sophistication as well as natural lighting to garages. In the winter, they can also let in water and cold air if they’re not properly insulated.

Examine the seal around each window for cracks or tears. If the seal is broken, replace it to prevent leaks.

Take Care of Your Home
Just because winter is coming doesn’t mean you have to fret. Be proactive about garage door maintenance so you can enjoy the snow, too.



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