Winter Garage Door Prep: When to Call a Pro
Cold weather, ice, and snow can put a lot of stress on your garage door. While routine maintenance helps, winter introduces unique challenges that can affect your door’s operation. Knowing when to call a professional ensures your garage door remains safe, secure, and reliable during the colder months.
1. Frozen or Stiff Doors
What it means: Cold temperatures can cause moving parts to freeze or become stiff.
Why it matters: Forcing a frozen or stiff door can damage springs, cables, or panels.
Professional solution: A technician can inspect, safely thaw, and adjust your door to prevent damage and ensure smooth operation.
2. Ice on Tracks or Sensors
What it means: Ice can accumulate on tracks, rollers, or sensor lenses.
Why it matters: This can prevent the door from closing properly, trigger false safety reversals, or damage components.
Professional solution: Professionals can remove ice safely, check for alignment issues, and apply protective solutions to reduce winter problems.
3. Door Not Closing Properly
What it means: Cold weather may cause doors to stick or fail to seal at the bottom.
Why it matters: A door that doesn’t close completely is a security risk and exposes your home to the elements.
Professional solution: A pro can inspect the door, weatherstripping, and opener system to ensure a tight seal and reliable closure.
4. Noisy Operation in Winter
What it means: Doors may creak, grind, or make unusual noises during cold weather.
Why it matters: Temperature changes can affect rollers, hinges, and lubrication, leading to premature wear.
Professional solution: Technicians can lubricate components and adjust the door to operate quietly and safely.
5. Preventative Winter Checks
Even if your door seems fine, winter is a great time for a professional inspection:
Check spring and cable tension
Inspect opener and safety sensors
Examine panels, tracks, and rollers for wear
Early professional intervention can prevent emergency repairs and costly replacements later in the season.
Conclusion:
Winter conditions can take a serious toll on garage doors. Don’t wait for a breakdown—calling a professional ensures your door works safely and reliably through the cold months. Proper winter preparation saves money, prevents damage, and keeps your home secure.