Spring Garage Door Checkup: Preparing Your Door for the Season
2023-12-10 6 min read
<p>Winter can be tough on your garage door. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and salt can all take their toll on various components. As spring arrives, it's the perfect time to give your garage door a thorough checkup and address any issues before they become major problems. Our <a href="/services#maintenance">maintenance experts</a> recommend this seasonal routine.</p>
<h2>Start with a Thorough Cleaning</h2> <p>Winter leaves behind dirt, salt, and grime that can damage your garage door over time. Start your spring checkup with a thorough cleaning. Use a mild detergent mixed with water and a soft brush or sponge to clean the door panels. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.</p>
<p>Pay special attention to the bottom of the door and the weatherstripping, where salt and road debris accumulate. Clean the tracks with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals or pressure washers, which can damage the door's finish.</p>
<h2>Inspect for Winter Damage</h2> <p>Cold weather can cause materials to contract and become brittle. Examine your door carefully for signs of winter damage. Look for cracked, peeling, or faded paint or finish. Check wood doors for warping or rotting. Inspect steel doors for rust spots, especially along the bottom edge.</p>
<p>Check the weatherstripping around and under the door. Cold weather can cause it to crack and deteriorate. Damaged weatherstripping allows drafts, pests, and moisture into your garage. Replace any weatherstripping that shows signs of wear.</p>
<h2>Test and Lubricate Moving Parts</h2> <p>After months of cold weather, your door's moving parts may need attention. Test the door's operation by opening and closing it several times. Listen for unusual sounds and watch for jerky or uneven movement. Any changes from normal operation should be investigated.</p>
<p>Lubricate the springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks with a garage door lubricant or lithium-based grease. This reduces friction, quiets operation, and extends the life of these components. Wipe away any excess lubricant with a clean cloth.</p>
<h2>Check the Balance and Alignment</h2> <p>Temperature changes can affect spring tension and door balance. Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door to about waist height. Release it.a balanced door should stay in place. If it rises or falls, the springs may need adjustment by a professional.</p>
<p>Check the alignment of the tracks by examining them for gaps, bends, or loose hardware. The tracks should be plumb (vertical sections) and level (horizontal sections). Tighten any loose bolts but call a professional for significant alignment issues.</p>
<h2>Test Safety Features</h2> <p>Safety features are especially important to test after winter. The cold can affect sensor alignment and sensitivity. Test the photo-eye sensors by placing an object in the door's path.the door should reverse. Test the auto-reverse by placing a board on the ground where the door closes.</p>
<p>If either safety feature fails, do not use the door until it's repaired. These features prevent injuries and are required by law on all garage door openers manufactured after 1993.</p>
<h2>Consider a Professional Tune-Up</h2> <p>While the above steps can be done by most homeowners, a professional tune-up is recommended at least once a year. Our technicians can spot potential problems you might miss, adjust spring tension safely, and ensure all components are in optimal condition.</p>
<p>Spring is the ideal time for a tune-up because you can address any winter damage before it worsens. At Garage Door Enfield, our comprehensive <a href="/services#maintenance">tune-up service</a> includes inspection, lubrication, adjustment, and testing of all components. Call <a href="tel:203-587-8692">(203) 587-8692</a> to schedule your spring checkup, or learn about <a href="/blog/how-to-maintain-your-garage-door">year-round maintenance tips</a>.</p>