Your garage door is a significant and often underappreciated part of your home. It provides convenience, security, and protection for your vehicles and belongings. To ensure your garage door remains in top condition year-round, it’s essential to perform regular seasonal maintenance. Here’s a must-do list for seasonal garage door care.
Spring
Lubricate Moving Parts: In the spring, start by lubricating the moving parts of your garage door. This includes hinges, rollers, and tracks. Use a silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.
Inspect Weather Stripping: Check the weather stripping around the door to ensure it’s in good condition. Damaged weather stripping can allow drafts, pests, and moisture into your garage.
Test Safety Features: Test the safety features of your garage door, such as the auto-reverse mechanism. Place an object in the door’s path and check if it reverses when it makes contact. This feature is crucial for preventing accidents.
Summer
Clean the Tracks: During the summer, dust and debris can accumulate in the garage door tracks. Clean them thoroughly to ensure the door moves freely and without obstruction.
Check for Warping: Inspect the garage door panels for any signs of warping or damage. Heat and humidity can cause panels to warp, affecting the door’s functionality and security.
Tighten Hardware: Regularly inspect and tighten the hardware, including nuts, bolts, and screws. Loose components can affect the door’s balance and cause strain on the opener.
Fall
Inspect Cables and springs: Examine the cables and springs for signs of wear, fraying, or rust. Damaged cables or springs can be dangerous and should be replaced by a professional.
Clean and Paint: Clean the exterior of your garage door to remove dirt, grime, and mold. If your door is made of wood, consider repainting or refinishing it to protect it from the upcoming winter weather.
Test Battery Backup: If your garage door opener has a battery backup feature, test it to ensure it functions correctly. This is essential in case of a power outage during the winter.
Winter
Seal Gaps: Winter is the time to check for any gaps around the garage door, including those at the bottom and sides. Proper insulation and sealing help keep your garage warm and prevent energy loss.
Remove Snow and Ice: Be diligent about clearing snow and ice from the driveway and in front of the garage door. A blocked entrance can prevent your door from opening and create safety hazards.
Winter Lubrication: Use a low-temperature garage door lubricant in the winter. Cold temperatures can cause regular lubricants to thicken, get a quote today leading to problems with your door’s operation.
Check Battery and Backup Systems: Ensure the backup battery in your opener is charged and ready for use in case of power outages or emergencies.