Before the first true cold snap hits, home maintenance usually shifts toward furnace checks and outdoor pipe insulation. But don’t forget your garage door! It operates under immense mechanical strain year-round—and sub-freezing temperatures only compound that wear. Spending just a few minutes on seasonal maintenance prevents issues throughout the winter.
- Inspect the seals and clean safety sensors: Check weather stripping along the bottom and sides for cracks or air gaps where warmth escapes. Wipe down the photo-eye sensors near the floor with a soft cloth—dust, cobwebs, or frost on these lenses can trick your opener into thinking there’s an obstruction, leaving your door stuck open in the cold.
- Ditch the WD-40: Cold weather makes moving parts work harder. Keep hinges, rollers, and tracks operating smoothly with a silicone or Teflon-based spray. Avoid standard WD-40 or heavy grease—these can freeze and cause premature wear on hardware.
- Listen, look, and know your limits: Operate your door and listen closely. While homeowners can easily handle basic cleaning and lubrication, high-tension parts like springs, cables, and opener settings require trained hands. Finding worn parts on your door in the fall prevents a catastrophe when the wind and snow are blowing.
While simple maintenance goes a long way, having a professional technician perform a comprehensive safety inspection ensures your system handles winter’s worst without a hitch.
About the contributor
Chris Schmitz and her husband, Mike, own Precision Overhead Door Co. Dedicated to keeping area homes safe, warm, and accessible, Chris and her Precision family specialize in garage door and opener sales, service, and installation.
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