Your garage door might look like a normal entryway. However, when winter approaches, it does more than let you in and out. On top of this, it serves as a crucial barrier. This is usually against cold, moisture, and harsh weather conditions.
However, the only way it’s able to ensure this is with proper maintenance. Failure to do this can lead to expensive repairs or even total failure.
Since you don’t want such situations, it makes sense to prepare your garage door in the fall. This is the only way to make sure it runs smoothly. It also ensures it’s able to withstand the winter months ahead.
This article gives a fall maintenance checklist that you should implement to prepare your garage door for winter.
Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts
Does Your Garage Door Let The Cold Air In?
You need to inspect all moving components. These include hinges, rollers, and tracks. The goal here is to look for signs of rust or looseness. You also need to ensure there is no wear and tear that could interfere with smooth operation. This is especially important during winter. The main reason behind this is that temperature drops could accelerate existing wear.
You should also consider lubricating metal parts. This helps prevent friction. It also promotes quieter movement. When doing this, avoid using grease or heavy oil. The reason for this is that they can thicken in the cold and attract dirt.
Check Weatherstripping and Seals
You need to do this to make sure no drafts or moisture will seep through during the colder days. It’s a crucial thing to do because over time, these materials can crack or peel away. Once they do this, they end up reducing their ability to keep out cold air and water.
Since you don’t want this, it’s crucial that you do a proper inspection. To go about this, run your hand along the edges. This helps you get a feel for any gaps or brittle spots. If you notice any issues, consider replacing work sections. You need to install new weatherstripping for a snug fit.
Test Balance and Auto-Reverse
It’s essential that you test the balance and auto-reverse functions. This helps ensure there will be smooth and safe operation during winter. This is important because you don’t want your door failing during the colder months.
A balanced system moves evenly and doesn’t strain the opener. This is quite different from what you get with an unbalanced one. This is because it will make opening and closing quite hard. It might even cause damage to other components.
You can check by disconnecting the opener and lifting manually. The only thing you want to see here is the door staying in place halfway without falling or rising.
You also need to test the auto-reverse feature. You can do this by placing a small object under the path. Once the door comes in contact, it should immediately reverse. Failure to do this, you need to call in the specialists for servicing.
Clean and Inspect the Tracks
Over time, small obstructions can accumulate along the metal rails. The result of this is increased friction or misalignment. These two issues can end up straining the system.
To go about the assessment, the first thing you should do is wipe the tracks. This is something you can do using a damp piece of cloth. By doing this, you should be able to eliminate any buildup. Once done with that, get a level to confirm they are straight and even.
If you notice any bends or gaps, this is an issue that needs to be promptly addressed. You need to do this before things worsen.
Examine the Opener and Battery Backup
Make sure the opener responds quickly and operates smoothly. It needs to do this without making strange noises or delays. You also need to replace any worn-out batteries in remotes and keypads. Doing this should help prevent inconveniences when temperatures drop.
For the backup, test to confirm it can still lift the system during a power outage. This will ensure you aren’t left stranded on a freezing winter day.
Winter is a season that requires a lot of preparation. One such action you can take is making sure your garage door is in top condition. Doing this goes a long way in ensuring protection for your home and vehicles from the harsh conditions.
To ensure you don’t miss anything, consider operating with a checklist. By following one, you can be sure that your door runs smoothly and efficiently all season long.
