A Quintessential Guide to the Best Cold Weather Maintenance.

As winter approaches, it's not just your home's interior that needs special attention. Your garage door, often overlooked, also requires some TLC to ensure it operates smoothly throughout the cold season. Just like your car, your garage door needs regular maintenance to function optimally. This is especially true during winter when harsh weather conditions can take a toll on its performance. 

A winter tune-up involves inspecting all parts of the door, with particular attention given to hinges, cables, and especially springs, lubricating moving parts, tightening loose bolts, and checking the door balance. This preventive maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs down the line and ensure your garage door operates smoothly all winter long. 

This blog post will guide you on keeping your garage door in top shape during winter, why a tune-up is essential, and even how to deal with common winter-related issues like salt damage and rust, and perhaps a few helpful tips you may not have considered.  

The impact of frost, snow, and cold on garage door panels

The frost, snow, and cold weather can significantly impact your garage door. The freezing temperatures can cause your garage door panels to warp and heave, leading to functional issues and aesthetic damage. If it happens to you, should you opt for a panel repair or replacement? And is it better to wait until spring for either fix?

Garage door panels, especially those made of metal or wood, are susceptible to the harsh winter conditions. The cold can cause metal doors to contract, leading to warping or misalignment. Wooden doors, on the other hand, can absorb moisture from the snow and frost, causing them to expand and warp. This warping can lead to gaps in the door, allowing cold air to seep into your garage and potentially increasing your heating costs.

In cold weather, the openings between these panels can collect moisture and freeze, preventing the door from opening. If this happens, if you have time to use a hair dryer or a portable heater, the door panel withstands a better chance of realigning back to normal. What is NOT recommended, no matter how time-saving it may be, is to pour hot water on the panels to thaw the ice off quickly. Pouring hot water and using an ice scraper will cause more damage. 

Panel repair vs. replacement 

The decision between repairing and replacing your garage door panels largely depends on the extent of the damage. Minor warping can often be repaired by a professional who can realign and reinforce the panels to restore their functionality and appearance. However, if the warping is severe or affects multiple panels, replacement may be the more cost-effective option.

Should you wait until spring?

While waiting until the warmer months to address garage door issues might be tempting, this could lead to further damage and higher repair costs. The continuous exposure to cold, frost, and snow can exacerbate the warping, and the gaps in the door can allow rodents and other pests to claim a lovely, cozy winter home, not to mention providing an escape route for your hard-earned cash flow to keep up with a rise in energy consumption. In some cases, you could be out validating any warranty claim or insurance coverage. 

 The impact of salt on your garage door

 Salt is commonly used during winter to melt ice on roads and driveways. However, it can be detrimental to your garage door. Salt can cause corrosion and rust, especially on metal parts like springs, cables, and rollers. To prevent this, it's advisable to clean your garage door regularly and its parts with a mild detergent and warm water. After cleaning, apply a silicone-based lubricant to protect the parts from further damage. Consider the factual tip below and then imagine how corrosive road salt is. 

Bridgestone Tire writes about the usage of salt: " Heavy use of road salt can cause potholes and gouges in the road, and in some cases, salt can compromise the structural integrity of concrete as it soaks in. In areas where railroad crossings are common on the roadway, salt can quickly corrode train tracks, too. This damage is estimated to cost the highway and automobile industries $3.5 to $7 billion per year in the U.S." 

Dealing with rust from melting snow 

Melting snow can also cause rust on your garage door rails. To prevent this:

1. Ensure your garage has proper drainage to prevent water from pooling.
2. Regularly check the rails for any signs of rust.
3. If you spot any, use a rust remover and apply a rust-resistant primer and paint. 

The dangers of running your car in a closed garage

Getting into a pre-warmed car is always a welcomed bonus to winter driving, makes cleaning a windshield a breeze, and is standard procedure to use after washing off any salt stains from your car. Overall, starting your car in a closed garage during winter might seem like a good idea to warm it up. However, it can be dangerous as it leads to a buildup of carbon monoxide, a deadly gas. Always ensure your garage door is open before starting your car. 

Should you drive straight into your garage or back in? 

As convenient as it may be, the direction you park your car in your garage is mostly a matter of personal preference. However, backing in can be beneficial during winter. It allows for easier and safer exit in the morning, especially during heavy snowfall when visibility might be poor. Additionally, it reduces the amount of snow and ice that gets into your garage while serving double safety duty should your car battery need a boost while in the garage.

Does using a snow thrower near a garage door harm the door?

While snow throwers are a convenient way to clear your driveway, they can potentially harm your garage door. The force of the snow being thrown can dent or scratch the door, and the moisture can contribute to rusting or warping. To avoid this, aim the snow thrower away from the door and clear any remaining snow with a shovel, always try to keep the area where your garage door closes free and clear of ice and make sure any weather stripping makes a good contact seal when your door is closed. 

 Some habits are great to pick up. 

 Regular tune-ups, proper cleaning, and mindful practices can help you avoid common winter-related issues and ensure your garage door serves you well throughout the season. Remember, if you encounter any problems, it's always best to call in a professional to avoid causing further damage.