You may not realize it, but your garage door is one of the most frequently used moving parts of your home. It comes in contact with all types of weather as you open and close the door multiple times throughout each day. 

Since we are quickly approaching the colder winter months in Colorado, now is the perfect time to start thinking about preventative winter maintenance for your garage door. It’s much better to do preventive care for your garage than wait for an issue to pop up that could cause damage or harm to your car or even your family. 

Get organized

Winterizing your garage starts on the inside! Be sure to store anything that could be damaged by colder temperatures, such as power tools, lawnmower, paint, sports equipment, etc. It’s a good idea to organize your winter tools for easy access as winter weather comes. You don’t want to be digging through things when you need your shovel or ice scrapers to get to work in the morning. 

Check the weather stripping.

The weatherstripping is the seal at the bottom of your garage door that prevents cold drafts from getting into your garage, which ultimately impacts your home’s temperature. Check to see if any cracks or tears are visible and if so, you can go to the hardware store for a replacement. You may even want to consider insulating your garage, as it can increase your home’s energy efficiency and help lengthen the life of your garage door. 

Check for leaks and cracks.

While you are inspecting the weather stripping of your garage door, be sure to also check for leaks or cracks around the entire door itself. Pay extra attention to the seals on the inside, and outside of any windows you may have.

 

Does My Garage Need Winter Maintenance? - American Garage Door

Call in the experts.

Hopefully, these DIY tips help you prep your garage for winter and complete any preventative care before the cold weather rolls in. However, if you haven’t serviced your garage door in years (or ever) by a professional, it’s time to give the team at American Garage Door a call

Our team will inspect your garage door, following our 10-point maintenance check to catch any potential issues before they become a more significant and costly problem. Our maintenance check includes steps to:

 

  • Inspect all rails, springs, chains, and cables
  • Check and adjust the door for correct balance
  • Clean, lubricate, and tune all moving parts
  • Check the tracks for bends or misalignment
  • Tighten screws and fasteners as needed
  • Open, inspect, and adjust the motorhead
  • Check gears and sprockets for signs of wear
  • Adjust and clean photo-eye if necessary
  • Visually inspect for complete operational safety
  • Test remotes, switches, lights, and opener

Preventative maintenance is one of the best things you can do for your garage door. It’s also a great way to prevent expensive repairs during the coldest months of the year. Call American Garage Door for a 10-point inspection, and we’ll get your garage door winter-ready in no time.