The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping, so it’s time to ensure your garage door functions well. As the largest entryway to your property, an overhead door needs to be ready to open, close, and guard your home against the winter conditions. These tips will help you prepare your door and garage for the coming season.

Do:

Test the manual operation.

In case of a power loss during the winter, you might need to open your automatic garage door manually.

Review how to do this on the manufacturer’s manual and conduct a practice run with your family to prepare everyone for an emergency exit.

Inspect it.

Raising and lowering your garage door four times daily results in 1,460 cycles of operation annually. Over time, repeated use may cause damage. Stand outside and activate your overhead garage door with the opener. Watch and listen as it opens and closes. Repeat the process while standing inside the space. The door should move smoothly and quietly.

If it doesn’t, check whether the bolts and roller brackets are loose. Grab your socket wrench and tighten these. Grease moving parts with engine oil or a lubricating spray to keep the door rolling smoothly on its tracks. 

Don’t:

Forget to check the safety features.

Open the garage door halfway. If it rolls up or drops, it’s probably out of balance, which means the springs lack tension. Since this creates a safety hazard, call a professional to replace the spring.

Your garage door also has sensors that protect people and property. Don’t forget to check that they operate properly. You can test the effectiveness of the sensor by placing an object, such as a cardboard box, in the area below the door. The unit should stop before making contact with the item. If not, have your sensors inspected.

Leave old weatherstripping.

Rubber weatherstripping around the door protects the contents of your garage from the elements. Old, cracked, and dried caulking won’t work as efficiently. Recaulk the space under the door to keep the heat inside and the cold air out.
 

If your pre-winter inspection reveals maintenance issues, seek help from Walter E. Williams in Easton, CT. With more than 90 years of combined experience, this team performs repairs like spring replacements to ensure your unit is operating safely. As authorized dealers of Clopay® and Genie® products, they also carry high-quality replacement doors. Learn more about their services online or call (203) 488-8620 to schedule an appointment.