If you’re a homeowner in Melbourne or nearby suburbs, you know how harsh the winters can be. While the colder temperatures, rain, and snow can be lovely to look at, they can also pose a significant risk to your garage door. Extreme weather can cause damage to the door, making it vulnerable to various problems. It’s essential to take proper care and maintenance measures to ensure your garage door remains in good condition and functions optimally throughout winter.
How Does the Colder Weather Affect Garage Doors?
Ignoring the care of your garage door during the winter months can lead to various problems that can cause inconvenience, expense, and even danger. Here are some things that can happen if you ignore garage door care in winter.
Difficulty Opening and Closing
Cold temperatures can cause the metal components of your garage door to contract, making it difficult to open and close. If you ignore these problems, you may struggle to get your car in and out of the garage. This can be particularly frustrating if you are in a hurry or must leave quickly in an emergency.
Increased Energy Costs
If your garage door is not correctly insulated, cold air can seep into your garage, making it harder to heat. This can increase energy costs as your heating system struggles to maintain a comfortable temperature.
If you ignore insulation problems, you may pay higher energy bills than necessary. This can be particularly frustrating if you are trying to save money during winter.
Safety Issues
A garage door that is not maintained correctly can pose a safety hazard. If the door is out of balance or the sensors are not working correctly, it may not stop when it encounters an obstruction. This can cause damage to your car or, even worse, cause injury to you or a family member.
You may be dealing with expensive repairs or medical bills if you ignore safety issues. This can be particularly devastating if the injury could have been prevented with proper maintenance.
Malfunctioning Opener
Cold temperatures can cause garage door openers to malfunction. If the opener is not maintained correctly, it may struggle to lift the door or stop working.
If you ignore opener problems, you may manually open and close the door, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. This can be particularly inconvenient if you do this multiple times daily.
Shortened Lifespan of the Door
Ignoring garage door care in winter can shorten the lifespan of your door. The metal components of the door can become damaged by the cold and ice, causing the door to deteriorate faster than it should.
If you ignore these problems, you may have to replace your garage door sooner than expected. This can be a significant expense and particularly frustrating if you are unprepared for it.
Tips to Take Care of Garage Door
Inspect Your Garage Door Regularly
The first step in caring for your garage door during the winter is to inspect it regularly. Check the weather stripping around the entrance to ensure it is intact and in good condition. Cold air can seep into your garage if the weather stripping is damaged, making it harder to heat.
Also, check the door’s tracks and rollers to ensure they are clean and debris-free. Dirt and debris can cause the door to stick or become difficult to open and close.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Lubricating the moving parts of your garage door is essential during the winter months. Cold temperatures can cause the lubricant to become thicker, making it harder for the door to move smoothly. Use a silicone-based oil to lubricate the door’s tracks, rollers, and hinges.
Apply the lubricant sparingly, as too much can attract dirt and debris, causing the door to become stuck.
Keep the Garage Door Opener Warm
Garage door openers can be affected by cold temperatures, causing them to malfunction. The opener may have trouble functioning correctly if your garage is not heated.
Use a space heater or install one specifically designed for garages to warm the opener. This will help ensure that the opener works correctly during the winter months.
Adjust the Sensitivity Settings
The sensitivity settings on your garage door opener may need to be adjusted during the winter months. Cold temperatures can cause the door to become stiff, making it harder for the opener to lift and close it.
Adjust the sensitivity settings on the opener to ensure it can lift the door without straining. If the settings are too high, the opener may struggle to open the door, and if they are too low, the door may not close properly.
Check the Batteries
If your garage door opener uses batteries, check them regularly in winter. Cold temperatures can cause batteries to lose their charge more quickly, causing the opener to malfunction.
Replace the batteries as needed to ensure that the opener functions correctly.
Install Insulation
Insulating your garage door can help keep your garage warmer during winter. This can help reduce heating costs and ensure your garage door functions correctly.
Several types of insulation are available for garage doors, including batt insulation, reflective insulation, and foam board insulation. Please choose the best style for your garage door and install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check the Balance of the Door
The balance of your garage door is essential for its proper functioning. If the door is out of balance, it can put extra strain on the opener, causing it to malfunction.
To check the balance of your garage door, disconnect the opener and manually open the door halfway. If the door stays in place, it is balanced correctly. If it starts to move up or down, it is out of balance and must be adjusted.
Adjusting the balance of the door is a job best left to professionals. Contact a garage door repair company to have your door balanced correctly.
Conclusion
Finally, scheduling a professional garage door inspection before winter is a good idea. A professional can inspect all the components of your garage door and make any necessary repairs.
During the inspection, the technician can check the springs’ tension, adjust the door’s balance, and lubricate all moving parts. This can help ensure that your garage door functions correctly during winter.
Taking care of your garage door during winter is essential for its proper functioning. Regular inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and adjusting the sensitivity settings can help keep your garage door working correctly. If you are unsure about these tasks, contact Melbourne Garage Repairs for assistance. By following these tips, you can ensure that your garage door is ready for winter and will provide you with years of trouble-free service.