A Guide to the Essential Checks and Maintenance Tasks to Avoid Mid-Winter Malfunctions
As the winter season descends on Fort Collins, the last thing any homeowner wants is a garage door that refuses to open on a frosty morning. Regular maintenance can prevent the majority of winter-related garage door problems. Here’s a guide provided by Jim Beam’s Garage Doors to the essential checks and maintenance tasks to keep your garage door running reliably through the cold months. You might also read our article, Common Garage Door Problems in Winter.
Lubrication
Before the cold sets in, it’s crucial to lubricate all moving parts of the garage door. Cold weather can cause lubricants to thicken and become less effective. Use a silicone-based lubricant to coat the rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs. This will reduce friction and prevent the door from sticking. Consider reading our article, My Garage Door Makes a High Pitch Squeaking Noise When Opening and Closing.
If you have doubts about your garage doors operation, safety, insulation or security, consider giving Jim Beam’s Garage Doors a call. Our professional and expert team can make recommendations to help your garage work and look its best all winter long!
Inspect and Replace Weather Stripping
Weatherstripping seals the gaps around the garage door, keeping the cold air out and the warm air in. Check the stripping for cracks or tears and replace it if necessary. This not only keeps your garage warmer but also saves energy. You should also read our article, Colorado Seasons and What It Means For Your Garage Door.
Tighten Up the Hardware
The vibration of a moving garage door can loosen screws and bolts over time. Before winter starts, inspect and tighten all hardware, including the tracks, brackets, and fasteners. This simple step can prevent many mid-winter malfunctions.
Check the Springs and Cables
Springs and cables are under a lot of tension and are critical to safe and efficient operation. Look for signs of wear or damage. Due to the high tension involved, repairs or replacements of these parts should be handled by professionals like those at Jim Beam’s Garage Doors.
Test the Balance
An unbalanced garage door can strain the opener and other components, leading to premature failure. Disconnect the opener and manually open the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay put, the springs are likely out of balance and need adjustment. Consider reading our article, Why Does My Garage Door Opener Not Work All The Time?
Clear the Tracks
Make sure the tracks on either side of the door are free from debris and rust. Even a small obstruction can cause problems in the smooth operation of the door. If you notice any major dents or damage, consider having the tracks serviced or replaced.
Inspect the Door Itself
Wooden doors can warp and crack with the changing temperatures, while metal doors can dent and rust. Check the door for any physical damage that might affect its integrity or insulation.
Battery Backup
While many maintenance tasks can be DIY, an annual inspection by a professional is recommended. Technicians from Jim Beam’s Garage Doors can identify and fix issues that might not be obvious to the untrained eye.
Professional Help When Needed
Regular maintenance of your garage door not only prolongs its life but also enhances your home’s security and energy efficiency, especially in the winter months. It’s a small investment of time that can prevent inconvenient and potentially costly mid-winter malfunctions. Remember, for any repairs or professional maintenance, Jim Beam’s Garage Doors is ready to assist you with experienced technicians and prompt, reliable service. Keep your garage door in top condition this winter, and it will serve you faithfully for many seasons to come.
If you don’t know already, Jim Beam’s Garage Doors is one of the top-rated garage door installers and repairers in the Northern Colorado area. With 150+ reviews on Google and a 5-star rating and top-rated status on HomeAdvisor, you can trust Jim Beam’s to do the job right the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lubrication is crucial because cold weather can thicken existing lubricants, making them less effective. Silicone-based lubricants should be used on rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs to reduce friction and prevent sticking.
Inspect the weather stripping around your garage door for cracks or tears. If the weather stripping is damaged, it needs to be replaced to keep the cold air out and warm air in, which also saves on energy costs.
Before winter, inspect and tighten all hardware, including screws, bolts, tracks, brackets, and fasteners, to prevent mid-winter malfunctions caused by the vibration of a moving garage door.
Look for signs of wear or damage on the springs and cables, which are crucial for safe and efficient operation. Due to high tension, it’s advised that any repairs or replacements be handled by professionals.
Disconnect the opener and manually open the door halfway. If the door doesn’t stay put, it indicates the springs are likely out of balance and need professional adjustment.
Ensure the tracks on either side of the door are clear of debris and rust. Small obstructions can disrupt smooth operation. If there’s significant damage, professional servicing or replacement may be necessary.
Wooden doors can warp and crack, while metal doors may dent and rust due to changing temperatures. Inspect your door for any damage that could affect its operation or insulation.
While many maintenance tasks are DIY, a battery backup and an annual professional inspection can identify and fix issues not obvious to the untrained eye, ensuring reliable operation through winter.
Regular maintenance can be performed DIY, but for complex issues like spring tension adjustment, significant track damage, or comprehensive annual checks, professional help from a service like Jim Beam’s Garage Doors is recommended.
