Preparing Your Garage Door for Winter: Essential Tips

2024-01-10 6 min read

# Preparing Your Garage Door for Winter: Essential Tips

New Hampshire winters are tough on garage doors. Proper preparation can prevent breakdowns when you need your garage door most.

The Winter Challenge

Cold temperatures affect your garage door in several ways: - Metal components contract, Lubricants thicken, Weather seals become brittle, Springs lose tension

Pre-Winter Checklist

1. Inspect Weather Stripping

The rubber seal at the bottom of your door keeps out cold air, snow, and pests. Check for: - Cracks or gaps, Brittle sections, Missing pieces

Replace damaged weather stripping before temperatures drop.

2. Lubricate Moving Parts

Winter-grade lubricant won't thicken in cold weather. Apply to: - Hinges, Rollers, Springs, Chain or belt

3. Test the Balance

A properly balanced door: 1. Disconnect the opener by pulling the emergency release 2. Lift the door halfway 3. It should stay in place without support

If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment.

4. Check the Opener's Force Settings

Cold weather may require adjusting your opener's force settings. The door should close completely without excessive force.

5. Inspect Springs

Cold weather stresses springs. Look for: - Visible rust, Gaps in the coils, Signs of stretching

Warning: Never attempt to adjust or replace springs yourself.they're under extreme tension. Contact our spring replacement experts for safe service.

Emergency Preparedness, Know how to use the emergency release, Keep the opener's battery backup charged, Have our emergency number handy: +1 978 341 3619

Professional Winter Tune-Up

Consider scheduling a professional maintenance visit before winter. Our technicians will: - Inspect all components, Adjust spring tension, Lubricate properly, Test safety features

Stay warm and safe this winter with a properly maintained garage door!

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