Winter’s coming. And in Delaware and Pennsylvania, that means cold mornings, icy winds, and maybe even snow. While you’re pulling out coats and prepping your furnace, don’t forget something big and often overlooked: your garage door.
It’s one of the hardest-working parts of your home. It opens and closes hundreds of times a year. It keeps your car, tools, and sometimes even your family safe and warm. For most, it’s the gateway to your home, aka the front door. But if it’s not ready for winter, things can go south fast and that could possibly mean a car is trapped and you’re stuck at home.
At Delaware Express Garage Door Service, we’ve helped tons of homeowners get through tough situations like this. Do you want a brutal winter without a single garage door hiccup? As a homeowner, here is what you can do:
1. Look and Listen
If it’s moving smoothly and quietly, you’re probably in good shape. But if it squeaks, grinds, or shakes, that’s a warning sign. Cold weather makes worn-out parts worse. Bearings, springs, and rollers can stiffen or break when temps drop.
What to do: If anything sounds off, don’t wait. Call a pro to get a free safety inspection before winter makes it worse.
2. Lubricate the Hardware
Cold air makes metal stiff. Your garage door has a lot of metal parts: hinges, rollers, springs, bearings and tracks. What should you lubricate?
Quick fix: Use a silicone-based lubricant (never WD-40 as it can leave a gummy residue). Spray lightly on all the hinges and around the curve of the track. Then run the door up and down a few times to spread it evenly.
Bonus tip: Do this every season, not just in winter.
3. Check the Weatherstripping
That rubber seal along the bottom of your garage door? It matters more than you think. It keeps out cold air, snow, and even little critters looking for warmth. But over time, weatherstripping can crack, flatten, peel and shrink.
Look for: Gaps, cracks, or spots where light shines through under the door.
Fix it fast: Replacing weatherstripping is easy and inexpensive. You can do it yourself (note weatherstripping is not universal) or give us a call, and we’ll handle it in no time.
4. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
Safety matters, especially if you’ve got kids or pets. Your garage door should stop and reverse if something’s in the way. Winter weather can mess with this system, especially if sensors get blocked, covered with dust or misaligned.
Here’s how to test it:
- Place a roll of paper towels or a small box under the door.
- Close the door. It should automatically reverse because the receiving eye is not receiving the signal from the sending eye.
If it doesn’t, call in a professional right away. Don’t wait.
5. Insulate the Garage Door (If You Haven’t Already)
A lot of garages aren’t heated. But if your garage is connected to your house, or if you use it as a workshop, you’ll want to keep it as warm as possible.
Insulating your garage door helps keep the cold out and the warmth in. It can even help lower your energy bills.
Options include:
- Foam board panels
- Reflective insulation
- Insulated door upgrades
Not sure which is right for your garage? We’d be happy to help you choose.
6. Clean the Tracks
Dust. Leaves. Cobwebs. Gunk builds up in your door’s tracks over time, and that can slow things down when the weather gets cold.
Use a cloth to wipe down the inside of the tracks. No need for grease, just keep them clear.
And while you’re at it, check for dents or bends. Tracks should be straight and secure. If they’re not, call us. Trying to fix them yourself can cause more damage.
7. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
Think of it like getting your car ready for winter. A trained garage door tech can spot problems early, adjust the springs, tighten bolts, and make sure your opener is in top shape.
At Delaware Express Garage Door Service, we offer winter prep services that save you from surprise breakdowns in the middle of a snowstorm.
And trust us, there’s nothing worse than being stuck with a frozen or broken door when it’s 10 degrees outside.
A Final Thought
Your garage door isn’t just a door. It’s a wall between your home and the freezing cold. Taking an hour or two now can save you money, time, and a lot of frustration later.
So don’t put it off.
Need help? We’ve got your back. Delaware Express Garage Door Service is local, fast, and reliable. Whether you need a full tune-up or just want someone to double-check your setup, we’re ready.
Winter’s knocking. Is your garage door ready?
Let’s make sure it is.
Call us today or book online at degaragedoors.com
