Winters in Massachusetts and Connecticut bring freezing temperatures, heavy snow and ice, and all of that takes a toll on your garage door. Cold weather makes metal contract, lubricants thicken and weather seals crack. A little preparation in the fall can save you from being stuck on a frozen January morning.
Lubricate All Moving Parts
Cold weather thickens old grease, which makes the door stiff and noisy. Apply a silicone-based or lithium garage door lubricant to hinges, rollers, springs and bearings. Avoid using WD-40 as a lubricant, since it is a cleaner and can strip existing grease.
Inspect and Replace Weather Stripping
The rubber seal at the bottom of your door keeps out snow, water and cold drafts. If it is cracked, flattened or brittle, replace it before the first freeze. A good seal also helps lower heating costs if your garage is attached to your home.
Test the Door Balance
Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway. It should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment, and cold temperatures will only make the problem worse.
Clear the Tracks
Leaves, dirt and debris in the tracks can freeze and block the rollers. Wipe the tracks clean and check that they are straight and properly aligned.
Check the Safety Sensors
Snow and ice can build up in front of the photo-eye sensors near the floor. Keep them clean and clear so your door does not reverse unexpectedly.
Don’t Force a Frozen Door
If the door is frozen to the ground, do not keep pressing the opener button. That can burn out the motor or snap a cable. Gently loosen the ice with a plastic scraper or a hair dryer, and clear snow away from the base of the door.
Replace Remote and Keypad Batteries
Batteries drain faster in cold weather. Replace them before winter so you are not left standing in the driveway during a snowstorm.
Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
A professional inspection catches worn cables, weak springs and damaged rollers before they fail in freezing weather. Our door maintenance service includes lubrication, balance testing, track clearing and a full safety check.
Speedy Garage Door Services is a locally owned, family-operated company serving Northampton, Easthampton, Amherst, Westfield, Simsbury, East Windsor, Bloomfield and communities across Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. We repair all major garage door brands.