Seasonal Garage Door Preparation

Garage doors have become an integral part of our lives in this modern age. The constant and fro motion of vehicles and people into and out of garages is made much easier by these automated doors.

However, constant weather and climate conditions throughout the year can significantly affect the functioning of your garage door. This lack of functionality can put you and your family at risk and block traffic flow in your garage.

Conducting thorough seasonal garage door maintenance can prolong its lifespan and save you the inconvenience of spending unnecessary amounts on costly maintenance.

Preparing Your Garage Door For Winter

Severe temperatures, excess moisture, and heavy winds are just some of the catastrophes that can befall your door and its opener in the winter. To ensure its proper functioning, garage door maintenance is imminent.

Neglected garage doors can weigh down the openers and sometimes refuse to open or close. Consequently, you can find yourself stranded outside in chilly winds too!

Preparing Your Garage Door For Winter

You can prepare your garage door for the harsh winter seasons by taking the following steps:

1. Examine door operations

Every time you try opening or closing your garage door, observe its movements for any jerkiness or instability. Listen closely to check for unusual noises such as grinding, screeching, or scraping.

2. Tighten any loose hardware

Averaging about 1500 times per year, the opening and closing of garage doors can cause much of the hardware to come loose. Crucial parts of the door, such as springs, cables, rollers, etc., should be inspected and repaired regularly. Signs of corrosion and weakened tension should be checked for too.

3. Testing the Garage Door’s Balance

No one wants their garage door going off-balance, as it can be very hazardous to any passerby. To test your door’s balance, lift the door yourself and hold it midway. Release it and observe its response. If the door stays in place, it is appropriately balanced. If it flies or sags downward, you might have a slight problem with your hands.

Testing the Garage Door’s Balance

4. Replace weatherstripping

The weatherstripping on the bottom of your garage door tends to insulate and protect it from air transference. It also prevents moisture from penetrating your garage. If this crucial piece is damaged or cracked even slightly, it should be replaced immediately to ensure the door keeps working at its optimum.

5. Lubricate door parts regularly

Suppose you want to prolong the functioning of each part of your garage door; lubricating them now and then is the best solution. This simple step can improve the efficiency and lifespan of your garage door exceptionally. You can consult your local garage door expert for advice if you’re uncertain about what type of lubricant to use.

6. Clean any buildup of debris and dirt

Ensuring no buildup of dirt on your garage door is crucial. It keeps the movements of your door smooth. Specific parts, such as the photo-eye sensor, should be cleaned regularly. For those unaware, the black box at the base of your door causes the door to rise if it detects any obstacle in its path during its closure.

7. Maintaining the Garage Door Finish

Other than Improving The Curb Appeal of your garage door, a well-maintained finish can affect the performance and quality of your door too. Keep a constant check for any cracks and crevices or worn-out finishes in the case of steel or aluminum doors. If you discover any signs of corrosion or rust, prime and repaint that specific section of your door.

Other Seasonal Door Maintenance Tips

Considering that summer is just the opposite of extreme weather, you can use almost all the tactics used for winter preparation for the summer preparation of your garage door.

• Direct sun exposure and extreme heat can negatively affect your garage door.
• Before the summer season starts, thoroughly examine and inspect every door feature. Look for signs of corrosion or wear-down in your garage door hardware. Make sure to add a layer of lubrication to every moving part.
• If your area has frequent storms and hurricanes, make sure your garage door is thoroughly reinforced and there are no holes or cracks in the door. Such minor anomalies can significantly affect your house’s internal pressure and cause internal damage.
• Washing your door with mild detergent and water is also an intelligent way of removing any built-up grime or dirt.

Other Seasonal Door Maintenance Tips

Scheduling Regular Professional Maintenance Services

Although self-maintenance is crucial in protecting your garage and its door, once-a-year professional maintenance done by an expert is also necessary. They can pinpoint small yet significant anomalies that you might have overlooked.

A professional will conduct examinations and report anything wrong with your door. This helps save a lot of money and prolongs the lifespan of your garage door too.