As winter storms and freezing temperatures hit PEI, it’s tempting to hunker down indoors. But while you’re staying warm, don’t forget about your garage door. Cold and stormy weather can cause a varitey or problems like freezing components, stuck doors, and damaged seals—leading to costly repairs if left unchecked.
Without proper maintenance, your garage door which is most likely the largest moving part of your home, may need expensive and time-consuming repairs.
Use the following tips to help keep your garage door working smoothly all winter long.
Preventative Maintenance Tips to Avoid Costly Repairs
A little winter prep can go a long way in keeping your garage door trouble-free.
1. Clear Ice and Snow Regularly
Ice buildup can cause the rubber seal at the base of your door to freeze to the ground. Forcing the door open could tear the seal, strip gears, or even burn out the motor.
What to Do:
Use an ice scraper to chip away ice.
Place a portable heater nearby to thaw stubborn spots.
Avoid pouring hot water—it can refreeze and worsen the problem.
2. Use Salt or Kitty Litter for Traction
Sprinkle salt where the door meets the ground to prevent ice from forming. Salt lowers water's freezing point, helping to reduce ice buildup.
Pro Tip:
Prefer a non-corrosive option like kitty litter for extra traction without damaging your garage floor.
3. Apply Silicone Spray to the Seal
Silicone sprays repel water, which reduces the amount that enters the seal and freezes. Cooking spray and vegetable oil will achieve a similar effect, providing enough water repellent to keep it from sticking.
However, keep in mind that silicone spray lubricants can last several weeks per application, but repeated usage may damage foam rubber seals and paint. Cooking sprays can also dry out or disintegrate the rubber with regular use, so apply sparingly.
4. Open the Door During the Day
Sunlight can naturally melt ice around the door. Open your garage periodically to prevent freezing. If concerned about motor strain, pull the manual release cord to open it by hand.
5. Lubricate Key Components
Cold weather makes metal parts contract, so lubricate moving parts like springs, rollers, and tracks with a garage door-specific lubricant.
Tip:
Reapply monthly during winter for smooth operation.
Repair Issues Before They Get Worse
Winter & extreme temperatures can still cause a great deal of issues even with regular maintenance . Here’s how to handle common problems.
1. Contracting Metal
Metal contracts when temperatures drop. This causes springs, screws, and other metallic components in your garage door to shrink and seize up during the winter months. While you can’t prevent the metal from contracting, regularly lubricating the parts ensures they continue to function properly.
Mitigating Cold Weather Effects
To mitigate the adverse effects of cold weather on springs and screws, regular lubrication is recommended. Lubricants act as a barrier between the moving surfaces, reducing friction and allowing for smoother movement even when the components have contracted due to low temperatures. Key considerations include:
Applying a garage door specific lubricant to maintain functionality.
Selecting lubricants designed for low-temperature conditions.
Ensuring lubricants maintain their viscosity and effectiveness in frigid environments.
2. Thickening Grease
While you should lubricate your garage door throughout the year, it’s especially important to lubricate it during the winter. This helps your garage door parts easily glide along their tracks even when winter weather strikes.
While WD-40 may work as a last-minute fix, try to find a lubricant designed specifically for garage doors and their components.
Spray everything from the springs to the rollers to the bushings and hinges, and re-spray everything a month later to reinforce it.
3. Warped Tracks
Garage door tracks are an essential component of the overall functionality of your garage door system, and they can be particularly vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather conditions, especially during the winter months. The constant freezing and thawing cycles can lead to the warping of these tracks, which may compromise the smooth operation of the door. This warping occurs as the metal expands during warmer temperatures and contracts when temperatures drop, creating stress in the material. Over time, this can result in noticeable dents or bends along the track, which can hinder the door's ability to open and close properly.
Repairing Deformities
If you happen to notice such deformities in your garage door tracks, it is advisable to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage. One method you can try is to gently tap out the dents or bends using a rubber mallet. This tool is particularly effective because it provides enough force to reshape the metal without causing additional damage that a harder tool might inflict. When doing this, ensure that you are applying even pressure and working slowly to avoid cracking or breaking the metal. It is also important to inspect the tracks thoroughly for any additional issues that may not be immediately visible, such as rust or misalignment.
When to Call a Professional
However, if the damage to your garage door tracks is severe, or if you find that your attempts to repair them are not yielding satisfactory results, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of a professional. A qualified technician has the expertise and tools necessary to assess the extent of the damage accurately and can provide solutions that may include realigning the tracks, replacing them entirely, or addressing any underlying issues that may have contributed to the warping. By consulting a professional, you can ensure that your garage door operates safely and efficiently, providing you with peace of mind and preventing potential hazards associated with malfunctioning garage doors.
Need Expert Help?
Winter weather can be tough on your garage door. If maintenance or repairs feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll keep your door in top shape so you can enjoy a stress-free winter season.
Stay warm and stay prepared!
Harbourview Overhead Doors
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