Winter is just around the corner here in the Lower Mainland! Whether you’re in Abbotsford, Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge, Chilliwack, Mission, or Hope, we know what winter in our region is like: rain, dampness, occasional snow, and plenty of chilly nights.
Your garage door faces these seasonal changes right alongside you, so a little winter preparation can make a big difference. Winterizing your garage door not only keeps it running smoothly but also helps avoid unwanted repair bills and keeps the cold air out of your home. Let’s explore the top tips to get your garage door ready for winter and ensure reliable performance all season long!
Give Your Weather Stripping Some Attention
Rain and chilly air are frequent guests in the Lower Mainland during winter, and they’re not exactly friendly to your garage door’s weather stripping. The weather stripping around the edges of your door helps keep out moisture, cold drafts, and even pests. But over time, it can start to wear out, crack, or lose its effectiveness.
- Inspect the Weather Stripping: Check for any cracks, gaps, or areas where it’s peeling away from the door.
- Clean Off Debris: Wipe down the weather stripping with a mild cleaner to remove any dirt or buildup. This ensures it seals properly.
- Replace if Needed: If the weather stripping is looking worn or damaged, it’s easy to replace. This quick fix can prevent cold drafts and moisture from seeping into your garage, helping to keep the interior warmer and more energy-efficient.
Lubricate All Moving Parts for Smooth Operation
The chilly, damp winter air of the Lower Mainland can make metal parts stiff and sticky, and no one wants a squeaky, creaky garage door. Regular lubrication keeps your garage door running smoothly and protects key parts from the wear and tear that comes with the cold season.
- Use a Silicone-Based Lubricant: Silicone works best for cold weather and won’t thicken or freeze like grease. Apply it to springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks to prevent stiffness and reduce friction.
- Don’t Overdo It: A light application is enough. Too much lubrication can attract dirt, which can cause buildup and make the door sluggish.
This simple step keeps your garage door operating smoothly and quietly, no matter how cold it gets.
Check Your Door’s Balance and Tension
An unbalanced garage door can make your opener work harder, and winter weather can amplify these issues. Checking the balance of your door can prevent unwanted strain and help it operate reliably on those cold mornings.
- Test the Balance Manually: Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, your door is balanced. If it drops or feels hard to lift, there may be a balance issue.
- Leave Spring Adjustments to the Pros: Springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle. If the door feels unbalanced, give Garage Door Pros a call, and we’ll adjust it safely.
Keeping your garage door balanced protects the opener, extends the life of your door, and ensures it won’t become a hassle in colder temperatures.
Tighten Up Loose Hardware
As temperatures drop and metal contracts, bolts and screws on your garage door can loosen. Regularly tightening these parts helps keep your door stable and secure throughout the winter months.
- Check Bolts, Screws, and Brackets: Use a socket wrench to tighten any loose bolts or screws along the door and tracks.
- Inspect Rollers and Hinges: While you’re at it, check for any signs of wear. If anything looks loose, broken, or overly worn, it might be time for a replacement.
Tight hardware makes your door safer and reduces the risk of breakdowns, especially as winter conditions increase strain on moving parts.
Consider Insulating for Energy Efficiency
A well-insulated garage door is a great way to keep cold air out and keep your garage more comfortable. In the Lower Mainland, where winter is often damp, an insulated garage door can also help control moisture and reduce the chill.
- Check Your Door’s R-Value: The R-value measures the door’s insulation effectiveness. If it’s low, adding insulation could make a big difference, especially for attached garages.
- Add Insulation Panels: Many hardware stores carry easy-to-install insulation kits that you can apply to the inside of your garage door. This extra layer can help regulate the temperature in your garage, saving energy and keeping your space more comfortable.
Insulating your garage door is an affordable way to improve comfort and energy efficiency, especially helpful on those chilly winter days.
Clear Tracks and Keep Debris at Bay
Rain, snow, and ice are no strangers to the Lower Mainland in winter, and they can quickly build up in your garage door tracks. This can lead to jams or uneven operation.
- Wipe Down the Tracks Regularly: Use a damp cloth to remove dust, grime, and any salt residue that may have accumulated.
- Clear Snow and Ice: After snowfall, check the area around your door and tracks for ice buildup. Clearing it away will help keep your door running smoothly without sticking or freezing.
Keeping the tracks clean and clear is a simple way to prevent annoying issues and keep your garage door working like a charm.
Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature
The auto-reverse feature is a critical safety component on your garage door opener. This is the mechanism that makes the door reverse direction if it detects an obstacle. Cold weather can sometimes affect how sensitive this feature is, so it’s essential to test it before winter is in full swing.
- Place an Object in the Door’s Path: Set something sturdy, like a block of wood, under the door. Try closing the door; it should reverse automatically when it touches the object.
- Call a Professional If It’s Not Working Properly: If the auto-reverse feature doesn’t work, give us a call! We’ll get it calibrated to ensure safe, reliable operation.
Trust your Garage Door Pros
With a little preparation, your garage door can handle anything winter throws at it here in the Lower Mainland. From Abbotsford to Surrey, Langley to Maple Ridge, and beyond, our winters may be chilly and damp, but your garage door doesn’t have to suffer for it. By following these tips, you’ll protect your door from the elements, keep your home a little warmer, and avoid unnecessary repairs.
If you need a hand with any of these steps, don’t hesitate to reach out to Garage Door Pros at 778-767-3711. Our expert team is ready to help keep your garage door in top shape all season long, so you can enjoy a smooth and reliable operation every time you press that button!
