Winter months in Oklahoma can unfortunately lead to a list of common garage door problems. If you don’t prepare them for the cold weather, their components can end up compromised, leaving you with a poorly protected garage and home. But don’t stress! Jolly Goat Garage Doors can help you keep your garage doors running like a champ all season long.
This isn’t your typical vague advice—we’re going to talk about very specific tips to keep your garage door protected, functional, and looking sharp despite the cold. Let’s get started!
Related Article: Transforming Your Garage Door with a Sleek Black Finish
1. Lubrication Goes a Long Way During Winter Months
Cold weather can make everything a little stiffer, including your garage door. Low temperatures can mess with the rollers, hinges, and springs, making your door noisy and slow to move. Sometimes, it can even cause the components to get stuck completely. Grease solvent and a silicone-based lubricant work wonders.
Focus on the moving parts: the rollers, tracks, and hinges. Just don’t overdo it—too much lubricant can attract dirt and grime. Also, remember to wipe off any excess with a rag, and you’re good to go!
2. Swap Out That Worn Weatherstripping
Check your weatherstripping. If it’s cracked, brittle, or missing chunks, it’s definitely time to get it replaced. Here’s what to do: Run your hand along the bottom of the door. If you feel a draft or see daylight sneaking through the gap, grab some new weatherstripping from your local hardware store. It’s a quick fix that can prevent many common garage door problems and keep your garage dry.
3. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
Safety first, folks! Snow, ice, or random debris can sometimes block your garage door’s path. That’s why you have to test the door’s auto-reverse function.
Place something sturdy, like a block of wood or even a broomstick, under the door. Close the door and watch. If it doesn’t pop back up when it touches the object, your sensors might need some adjustments or a complete replacement. Don’t ignore this—it’s a simple check that can keep everyone safe.
4. Tighten Things Up
Cold weather can make metal parts expand and contract, which means screws and bolts can loosen over time. Grab a wrench or socket set and check the brackets, hinges, and tracks.
Loose parts can cause misalignments, and trust us, you don’t want to deal with a garage door that’s off its track when you’re trying to beat the morning frost. A few minutes of tightening now is definitely preferable over the potential hassle you’ll have to deal with later.
5. Don’t Overlook Insulation
If your garage is attached to your house, a poorly insulated garage door can let that winter chill sneak into your home. This means higher heating bills, and there are only a few other things homeowners hate more than that.
You’ve got options: You can upgrade to an insulated garage door for the long haul, or you can add insulation panels to your current door. Either way, it’ll help keep your garage warmer and quieter—which is a total win-win!
6. Keep the Tracks Clean
Oklahoma winters bring plenty of dirt, dust, and debris, which can mess with your garage door tracks. Clean them out with a damp cloth or a vacuum. And of course, you should also sweep the ground near the tracks to keep everything neat.
And here’s a tip: Skip the heavy grease. It might seem like a good idea, but grease can gum up the tracks and make things worse. Stick to a quick wipe-down, and you’re set!
7. Check the Springs and Cables
Garage door springs and cables work hard to keep your door moving, but winter can be tough on them. Look for signs of wear like rust, fraying, or anything that looks a little off. If you spot an issue—especially broken springs—it’s best not to fix it yourself. These parts are under a lot of tension and can be dangerous to mess with by yourself. Call in a pro like our team at Jolly Goat Garage Doors to take care of it safely!
8. Adjust Your Opener’s Settings
The cold can cause your door’s components to become stiff, which makes it harder for your opener to lift and close the door. To make sure your garage door opener functions properly despite the cold, check the force and speed settings in your opener’s manual and adjust them as needed.
We recommend increasing the force setting on your opener. Doing so gives your opener extra power to handle the heavier load caused by the colder environment. Make sure you don’t overdo it, though, as too much force can damage the door or opener.
9. Don’t Let Ice Be the Boss
Snow and ice love to pile up around your garage door, making it harder to pen and close—or worse, freezing it shut. Keep the area clear with a shovel and a sprinkle of salt.
If your door does freeze, don’t try to open the door manually with force. Use warm water to melt the ice around the base, then gently open the door. You can also use a hairdryer (on a low setting) for ice that just won’t budge. These techniques can help without damaging your door.
10. Upgrade to a Smart Garage Door Opener
If your door freezes or has trouble opening because of snow or ice, you’ll know about it without needing to step out into the cold to figure it out. With a smart opener, you’ll get alerts if the door struggles to open. That way, you’ll know there’s an issue before the opener’s motor burns out or before you get stuck inside your garage.
Additionally, if you’re already using smart home stuff like a thermostat or security system, a smart garage door opener fits right in. You can set it up to turn on the garage lights when the door opens or even send you a notification if the temperature in your garage drops too low.
11. Call the Pros for a Winter Tune-Up
If all of this sounds like a bit too much, don’t sweat it—that’s what we’re here for! A professional tune-up and garage door maintenance from Jolly Goat Garage Doors covers everything from inspecting springs and cables to cleaning and lubricating parts. Our services include garage door repairs and new garage door installations as well, so make sure you give your garage door a spa day before winter sets in!
Be Winter-Ready With Jolly Goat Garage Doors
For maintenance and garage door repair in Norman and surrounding areas, Jolly Goat Garage Doors is your go-to! Visit our website or contact us today, and we’ll make sure your garage door is ready for whatever winter throws your way.
Stay warm, stay safe, and keep your garage door jolly!
