As summer draws to a close and the leaves start to change, it’s time to prepare your home for autumn’s cooler weather—and that includes your garage door! Your garage door is one of the most frequently used entry points in your home, and with the changing season, it’s important to ensure it’s ready to face rain, wind, and lower temperatures.
In this blog post, we’ll cover essential tips for maintaining your garage door as the seasons change, so you can keep it running smoothly throughout autumn and beyond.
Why Preparing Your Garage Door for Fall Is Essential
Autumn can bring unpredictable weather. Rain, wind, falling leaves, and colder temperatures can all take a toll on your garage door. By prepping it now, you’ll help avoid costly repairs later and ensure it functions smoothly all season long.
Here are some of the main reasons to get your garage door ready:
- Temperature changes can affect the metal parts of your garage door, like springs and hinges.
- Wet weather can lead to rusting, swelling of wooden doors, or damaged seals.
- Debris like leaves and dirt can clog tracks and interfere with the door’s operation.
Now, let’s dive into how you can prepare your garage door for the fall season.
Inspect and Clean Your Garage Door
Your first step in preparing for fall is to thoroughly inspect and clean your garage door.
Check for Visible Damage
Start by inspecting your garage door for any visible damage. Look for:
- Cracks or dents on the door panels.
- Rust spots on metal parts, like the tracks or hinges.
- Worn-out weatherstripping at the bottom of the door.
If you notice any issues, address them immediately. Small problems, like rust, can quickly escalate when exposed to cold, wet weather.
Wash and Wipe Down
Give your garage door a good cleaning. Dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate over the summer, especially on outdoor surfaces. Use a gentle detergent mixed with water and scrub the door with a sponge or soft cloth.
If your door is wooden, make sure to dry it thoroughly afterward. Excess moisture can cause the wood to swell or warp.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Your garage door has many moving parts, including springs, rollers, tracks, and hinges. When the weather cools down, these parts can stiffen up, leading to noisy or sluggish door operation. To prevent this, apply a silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts.
Which Parts Need Lubrication?
- Springs and hinges: A quick spray of lubricant can help these parts move freely.
- Rollers and tracks: Lubricate the rollers, but avoid applying lubricant to the tracks. Tracks should be kept clean and dry to prevent buildup.
By lubricating these components, you’ll help ensure smooth operation even as the weather gets colder.
Test Your Garage Door's Balance
With the changing weather, your garage door’s balance can be affected. An unbalanced door puts strain on the opener, making it work harder than necessary.
How to Test Balance:
- Disconnect your automatic garage door opener.
- Manually lift the door about halfway and release it.
- If it stays in place, your door is balanced. If it moves up or down, it’s time to call a professional for adjustment.
Keeping your garage door balanced will help it operate more efficiently and reduce wear and tear on the opener.
Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping
As autumn approaches, colder air and rain become more frequent. Weatherstripping is your garage door’s first line of defense against the elements, sealing out drafts and moisture.
How to Inspect Weatherstripping
- Look for gaps or cracks in the weatherstripping along the sides and bottom of your door.
- Feel for any cold air or light coming through the edges when the door is closed.
If you notice any signs of wear, it’s time to replace the weatherstripping. This is a relatively simple DIY project, and new weatherstripping can make a big difference in keeping your garage insulated and dry.
Check the Garage Door Opener
Your garage door opener is a key component of your system, and it needs some attention before autumn arrives. Cold weather can affect the mechanics of the opener, especially if it hasn’t been serviced recently.
Test the Reverse Mechanism
One important feature of modern garage door openers is the reverse mechanism, which ensures that the door will reverse direction if it detects an object in its path.
- Place a small object (like a block of wood) under the door.
- Close the garage door. If it doesn’t reverse after hitting the object, you may need to have the reverse mechanism adjusted or repaired.
You should also check the remote batteries and consider replacing them if they’re weak.
Prepare for Power Outages
Autumn storms can sometimes cause power outages, so it’s a good idea to ensure your garage door can be operated manually if needed.
How to Switch to Manual Operation
Every automatic garage door opener has a manual release cord—usually a red rope that hangs from the motor. In the event of a power outage, you can pull this cord to disengage the opener and open or close the door by hand.
Make sure you know how to use this feature so you’re not caught off guard if the power goes out.
Final Touches: Check Insulation and Garage Climate
If you use your garage as a workspace or storage area, you’ll want to make sure it stays warm and dry throughout the autumn months. Garage door insulation can make a huge difference in regulating the temperature.
Inspect Insulation
If your garage door is insulated, check for any damage or gaps in the insulation. If your door isn’t insulated, consider upgrading to a garage door with insulation. This can help reduce energy costs by keeping your garage warmer during the cooler months.
Call the Pros for a Fall Garage Door Tune-Up
If you’re not sure where to start, or you’ve noticed any issues with your garage door, it might be time to call in the professionals. A fall garage door tune-up ensures everything is in good working order and ready to handle whatever the season throws at it.
As autumn approaches, don’t forget to include your garage door in your seasonal home maintenance routine. By following these simple steps, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your door functioning smoothly through the colder months.
If you need any assistance with your garage door maintenance, repairs, or installation, give us a call at Garage Door Pros today! We proudly serve Abbotsford, Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge, and the surrounding areas.
