Ensuring Safe Use of Garage Doors When It’s Icy or Snowy Outside
Winter brings a unique set of challenges to operating your garage door safely. Icy conditions, snow accumulation, and cold temperatures can all affect your garage door’s performance and safety. Jim Beam’s Garage Doors provides the following tips to ensure you and your family can use your garage door safely throughout the Fort Collins winter.
Keep Pathways Clear
Regularly remove snow and ice from the driveway and the area around the garage door. This prevents ice from freezing the door shut and reduces the risk of slipping while operating the door manually.
Regularly Inspect and Maintain
Cold weather can exacerbate existing issues or create new problems for your garage door. Regularly check for and address any signs of wear, such as frayed cables or damaged springs. Ensure all moving parts are lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant suitable for low temperatures. Make sure to read our article, The Importance of Regular Winter Maintenance for Garage Doors.
Avoid Force
If the garage door seems stuck, avoid using force to open or close it as this can cause further damage or lead to injuries. Instead, check for ice or snow blockages, broken springs, or other issues. If the problem isn’t apparent, contact professionals like Jim Beam’s Garage Doors for assistance.
Test Safety Features
Regularly test the auto-reverse feature of your garage door opener. Place a roll of paper towels or a similar object in the path of the door; it should reverse when it hits the obstacle. If it doesn’t, the door needs servicing to ensure it’s safe to use. Make sure to read our article, Understanding the Role of Garage Door Safety Features.
Be Cautious with Manual Operation
If you need to operate the door manually, ensure that the area is clear of ice and snow to prevent slipping. Lift the door smoothly and avoid jerky movements that can lead to injuries or damage the door.
Securely Close the Door
Always make sure the garage door is fully closed to prevent cold air and snow from entering the garage. This is especially important if you have an attached garage, as cold drafts can affect your home’s heating efficiency.
Educate Your Family
Make sure all family members know how to operate the garage door safely and whom to contact if there’s a problem. Discuss the importance of keeping fingers and hands away from joints and moving parts, especially when the door is in motion.
Monitor Weather Stripping and Seals
Check the weather stripping and seals around the door for any cracks or gaps that could let in cold air and moisture. Replace any damaged stripping to maintain insulation and prevent ice from forming.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Before the winter season hits, schedule a maintenance check with Jim Beam’s Garage Doors. Our team can identify and fix potential issues, ensuring your garage door operates smoothly and safely all winter long. Make sure to also read our article, The Importance of Regular Garage Door Maintenance.
Professional Help When Needed
Operating your garage door safely during the winter requires diligence and preparation. By following these tips and scheduling regular maintenance, you can ensure that your garage door functions reliably and safely, no matter how cold it gets outside. Remember, if you encounter any issues or require professional maintenance, Jim Beam’s Garage Doors is here to help keep your garage door in top working condition throughout the winter.
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
Keep pathways clear of snow and ice, regularly inspect and maintain your garage door for wear, and use silicone-based lubricant on moving parts. Avoid forcing the door open if stuck, test safety features regularly, and ensure manual operation is done safely.
Avoid using force to open it. Instead, check for ice or snow blockages and gently remove them. If the door remains stuck, contact professionals like Jim Beam’s Garage Doors for assistance.
Regularly inspect your garage door throughout the winter to address any signs of wear, such as frayed cables or damaged springs, and ensure all moving parts are properly lubricated.
Use a silicone-based lubricant suitable for low temperatures to ensure the moving parts of your garage door remain well-lubricated and operational during cold weather.
Place a roll of paper towels or a similar object in the path of the closing door. If the door does not reverse upon contacting the obstacle, it needs servicing to ensure it’s safe for use.
Make sure the area around the garage door is clear of ice and snow to prevent slipping. Lift the door smoothly without jerky movements to avoid injuries or damage.
Fully closing the garage door prevents cold air and snow from entering the garage, which is crucial for maintaining your home’s heating efficiency, especially with an attached garage.
Discuss the importance of operating the garage door safely, keeping clear of moving parts, and whom to contact if there’s a problem. Ensure everyone knows how to use the door safely.
Inspect the weather stripping and seals for cracks or gaps that could let in cold air and moisture. Replace any damaged stripping to maintain insulation and prevent ice formation.
Schedule a maintenance check before the onset of winter to ensure your garage door is prepared for the season. A professional can identify and fix potential issues, ensuring smooth and safe operation throughout the winter.
