How to Prepare Your Garage Door for Winter and Seasonal Changes

As winter approaches, it’s crucial to focus on the maintenance of your home’s residential garage doors. Often overlooked, well-maintained garage doors play a vital role in keeping your home secure, energy-efficient, and functional during the colder months. At Elite Garage Doors, we know the significance of maintaining your residential garage doors year-round. Here’s a seasonal maintenance checklist to help you get ready for winter and beyond.

Inspect and Clean the Residential Garage Door

Start by inspecting your garage door thoroughly. Look for any signs of damage, such as rust, dents, or peeling paint. Clean the surface with a mild detergent and a soft cloth to remove dirt and debris that could cause long-term damage. For wooden doors, consider applying a weather-resistant sealant to protect them from moisture.

Check the Weather Stripping

The weather stripping along the bottom of your residential garage door is essential for keeping cold air, water, and pests out. Inspect it for any cracks or gaps and replace it if necessary. Properly sealed doors will improve energy efficiency and help keep your garage warmer during winter.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

Cold temperatures can make metal components of residential garage doors stiff, resulting in noisy or sluggish operation. Apply silicone-based lubricant to moving parts such as rollers, hinges, and tracks. This simple maintenance step will reduce friction and ensure your door works smoothly.

Test the Balance and Alignment

A residential garage door that’s out of balance can strain the opener and lead to expensive repairs. To check, disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, the springs may need adjustment. Contact Elite Garage Doors for professional help to ensure the door is properly balanced and aligned.

Inspect the Tracks and Rollers

Check the tracks for dirt, debris, or any obstructions. Clean them with a damp cloth and make sure they’re aligned properly. Inspect the rollers for wear and replace any that are damaged or worn down. Keeping the tracks and rollers in good condition is essential for the smooth operation of residential garage doors.

Test the Safety Features

Modern residential garage doors are equipped with safety features such as auto-reverse mechanisms and photoelectric sensors. Test these features to ensure they work correctly. Place an object in the path of the door to verify that it reverses upon contact, and make sure the sensors are clean and properly aligned.

Inspect the Garage Door Opener

Winter power outages can affect your residential garage door opener. Check the battery backup (if your opener has one) and ensure that the remote controls are functioning properly. If you have an older opener, consider upgrading to a smart garage door opener for improved convenience and security.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

While performing DIY maintenance is essential, a professional inspection is crucial to ensure your residential garage doors are fully prepared for the season. At Elite Garage Doors, we offer comprehensive garage door services in Aurora, including tune-ups, repairs, and replacements.

Why Choose Elite Garage Doors?

With years of experience, Elite Garage Doors is your go-to provider for all things related to residential garage doors. Whether you need seasonal maintenance, repairs, or a new installation, we guarantee top-quality service tailored to your needs. Contact us at elitedoors247@gmail.com to schedule your garage door maintenance.

By following this seasonal checklist, you’ll extend the life of your residential garage doors and ensure they perform at their best throughout the year. Don’t wait for winter to catch you off guard—get your garage door ready today with the help of Elite Garage Doors!