Wisconsin winters are no joke. With freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and ice, your garage door must withstand harsh conditions. Proper garage door winter maintenance ensures smooth operation and protects your garage from cold weather challenges. Here are expert tips for winterizing your garage door to keep it functional and safe all season long.

1. Inspect and Replace Weather Seals

Weather seals along the bottom and sides of your garage door are your first line of defense against cold air, moisture, and drafts. Over time, these seals crack or wear out, allowing freezing air and water to seep in.

• Replace worn weatherstripping along the bottom of the door.
• Check seals on the sides and top of the door for gaps.

Benefits: Proper seals prevent water under your garage door, improve insulation, and save on heating costs.

2. Lubricate Moving Parts

Cold weather can cause metal parts like springs, hinges, and rollers to stiffen or squeak, leading to breakdowns. Regular lubrication is key to avoiding wear and tear.

• Use a silicone-based lubricant on springs, rollers, and hinges.
• Avoid grease-based products that can thicken in low temperatures.

Tip: Lubricating moving parts reduces strain on the system and prevents costly repairs during the winter months.

3. Check Your Garage Door’s Balance

An unbalanced garage door forces the opener to work harder, which can lead to premature wear, especially in winter.

How to Test Balance:

• Disconnect the door from the opener.
• Lift the door halfway manually—if it doesn’t stay in place, the springs may need adjustment.

For safety reasons, leave balance adjustments to professionals like the team at Badgerland Garage Door Service.

4. Upgrade to an Insulated Garage Door

Wisconsin winters demand extra protection. Insulating garage doors for winter improves energy efficiency by maintaining consistent temperatures inside your garage.

Why Insulation Matters:

• Keeps the cold out and heat in.
• Protects vehicles and stored items from freezing temperatures.
• Reduces energy costs for attached garages.

If upgrading isn’t an option, consider applying insulation kits to your existing door for temporary protection.

5. Prevent Water and Ice Buildup

Snowmelt and rain can seep under your garage door and refreeze, causing obstructions or damage. Here’s how to prevent water under your garage door:

• Install a garage door threshold seal to create a watertight barrier.
• Ensure the area in front of your garage slopes away to improve drainage.
• Clear snow and ice buildup regularly from the base of the door.

Pro Tip: A threshold seal works great for uneven garage floors by blocking moisture and drafts.

6. Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature

Winter conditions can interfere with your garage door sensors. Test the auto-reverse function to ensure it works correctly:

• Place an object in the door’s path and close it.
• The door should reverse immediately upon contact with the object.

If your sensors are misaligned or malfunctioning, it’s time to call for repairs. This safety feature is critical during icy conditions when obstructions are common.

7. Schedule a Professional Garage Door Tune-Up

The best way to prepare your garage door for the winter season is with a professional tune-up. At Badgerland Garage Door Service, we offer thorough cold weather garage door preparation services, including:

• Inspection of springs, cables, rollers, and tracks for wear.
• Lubrication of all moving parts for smooth operation.
• Testing door balance, alignment, and safety features.

A professional tune-up ensures your garage door operates reliably during the harshest Wisconsin winters.

Why Winter Garage Door Maintenance Matters

Ignoring garage door maintenance during the winter can lead to inconvenient breakdowns, costly repairs, and safety concerns. Preparing your garage door protects your home, improves energy efficiency, and keeps your door functioning smoothly when you need it most.

Trust Badgerland Garage Door Service to Winterize Your Garage Door

When it comes to winterizing garage doors in Wisconsin, Badgerland Garage Door Service has you covered. With years of experience and a reputation for exceptional service, we help homeowners keep their garage doors safe, secure, and efficient all winter long.

📞 Contact us today to schedule your winter maintenance and ensure your garage door is ready for the season!