Frigid winter weather can take a negative toll on your garage door. Consider using these critical tips for how to prevent garage door malfunctions during Bloomington’s cold winters.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Before winter arrives, it’s important to lubricate the moving parts on your garage door. These parts include rollers, hinges, and tracks. Keeping them lubricated helps mitigate the risk of them freezing.
Lubricants should be used that are compatible with cold weather. Cold weather-resistant lubricants will not thicken during frigid temperatures.
Use Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping provides you with a practical way to protect your garage door’s function. If you do not already have weatherstripping in place, add it to provide a barrier against cold air and moisture.
If your door does have weatherstripping, inspect it for signs of damage like cracks or wear. Replace it as necessary to minimize the risk of your door malfunctioning during freezing temperatures.
Keep the Tracks Clean
Garage door tracks should be kept clean. Tracks should be cleaned at least once per year to help the entire garage door function better. Keeping it clean can prevent problems like freezing and sticking during cold weather.
This process is completed by turning off the power supply to your door and then using a firm brush to remove dirt and debris. A cleaning solvent can be used to get rid of grime. The tracks should be wiped after they are scrubbed and then lubricated to ensure they function normally.
Use a De-icer
A de-icer can keep your garage door functional during frigid temperatures. It should be applied to the area where the door sits to prevent it from sticking to the ground.
Clean and Adjust the Sensors
Snow and ice can cause your door’s sensors to malfunction. Before winter starts, have them inspected and cleaned to make sure the sensors are properly aligned. When it snows, inspect the sensors and remove snow and ice on them.
Use a Heat Source
A heat source can be used to melt ice that forms around the seals and track. For example, a hairdryer can come in handy for thawing these parts and restoring your garage door’s normal function.
Keep the Garage Warm
If your garage is attached to your home, you should keep it as warm as possible during the winter. You can keep the inside door open to allow heat from the house to circulate into the garage. Keeping the garage warm prevents the doors and the components in it from freezing.
Inspect the Cables and Springs
Before winter weather arrives, have door cables and springs inspected. Damage like cracks and fraying can prevent your door from working normally. If needed, a garage door technician can remove and replace these parts for you.
Clean the Bottom Seal
You should also clean the seal at the bottom of your garage door. Use a mild detergent to remove residue like grease and sludge on it. Use a soft cloth to dry it. Keeping it clean will reduce the risk of it freezing and sticking to the ground during cold temperatures.
Remove Snow and Ice in Your Driveway
Keeping your driveway free from snow and ice can also protect your door’s function. Shovel snow away from the door and use ice melt or salt to get rid of ice. Your door can freeze and stick if the snow and ice melt and then refreeze overnight.
Upgrade to an Insulated Door
You can also upgrade your garage door to one that is insulated. Insulated garage doors keep out the cold and maintain a more stable temperature inside your garage.
Check the Balance
Before temperatures fall below freezing, check the balance of your garage door. An unbalanced door can strain its opener and stress other components, such as the springs and track, during cold weather.
Inspect the Opener
Inspect your door opener for wear, tear, and damage. If it is damaged and needs repairs, cold weather can negatively impact its function.
Schedule Routine Garage Door Maintenance
Hire a professional garage door service to maintain your door at least once a year. A yearly tune-up can ensure parts like the track and springs are in good condition. The garage door technician can also check the door’s balance, inspect the opener, and replace weatherstripping, among other tasks.
Choose Our Garage Door Services
At Hey Bo Garage Doors, we have nearly three years of experience helping customers in the Bloomington, IN, area keep their garage doors working during freezing temperatures. Our team of garage door experts offers 24/7 repairs. As a veteran-owned business, we also provide products from leading door brands like Amarr, SafeWay, and Linear. Contact us at Hey Bo Garage Doors to learn more about our garage door services.
