As winter approaches in Green Bay, WI, it’s essential to ensure that your garage and garage door are ready for the cold season. The harsh winter weather can lead to various garage door issues if it isn’t properly maintained, causing inconvenience and sometimes costly repairs. Preparing your garage for winter not only protects your door from damage but also ensures your home remains safe and energy-efficient. Here are some critical winter maintenance tips to keep your garage in top shape all season long.

1. Lubricate Moving Parts

Cold temperatures can make metal parts contract, leading to squeaks, stiffness, and resistance when opening or closing your garage door. Applying a silicone-based lubricant to your door’s springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks will help reduce friction, prevent rust, and allow smoother operation even in the coldest weather.

How to Apply Lubricant:

• Begin by cleaning all metal parts with a dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
• Apply a silicone-based lubricant (avoid grease-based products, as they can thicken in the cold).
• Lubricate rollers, hinges, springs, and any other moving parts, but avoid over-applying to prevent build-up.

Tip: Reapply the lubricant periodically during the winter, especially after heavy snow or ice, to maintain smooth operation.

2. Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is essential for sealing out cold air, moisture, and debris from your garage. Damaged or worn weatherstripping can allow cold drafts to enter, increasing energy costs and making the garage uncomfortable. Inspect the weatherstripping along the bottom and sides of your garage door for any cracks or gaps.

How to Replace Weatherstripping:

• Use a utility knife to carefully remove the old weatherstripping.
• Clean the area thoroughly before applying new weatherstripping to ensure it adheres properly.
• Attach the new weatherstripping along the bottom and sides, ensuring it sits flush against the door to keep the cold out.

By keeping your weatherstripping in good condition, you not only keep the warmth in and the cold out but also protect the interior of your garage from moisture damage.

3. Test the Door Balance and Alignment

A well-balanced garage door is essential to maintain smooth, efficient operation. An unbalanced door puts additional strain on the opener, which can lead to premature wear and failure, especially in the cold winter months.

How to Test Balance:

• Disconnect the door from the opener by pulling the release cord.
• Manually lift the door halfway up and let go. If it stays in place, the door is balanced. If it falls or rises, it may need a balance adjustment.

Note: Adjusting a garage door’s balance involves tension adjustments that are best handled by a professional. Schedule a winter maintenance appointment with Badgerland Garage Door Service for expert assistance.

4. Check the Insulation for Energy Efficiency

A properly insulated garage door helps regulate the temperature inside your garage, keeping it warmer in the winter and reducing energy costs. Insulated doors provide an added layer of protection for any items stored in your garage, preventing them from being damaged by freezing temperatures.

Tips for Insulating Your Garage Door:

• If you don’t have an insulated door, consider upgrading to one with insulation for improved energy efficiency.
• For existing doors, you can apply garage door insulation kits as a temporary solution.
• Consider adding insulation to garage walls to further improve energy efficiency.

Keeping your garage door insulated can make a noticeable difference in your home’s overall temperature and comfort, especially if your garage is attached to your house.

5. Inspect and Test the Auto-Reverse Feature

The auto-reverse feature on your garage door is essential for safety, particularly in winter when sensors may be affected by ice or snow. Regularly testing this function ensures that your door will reverse if it encounters an obstruction, preventing injuries or damage.

How to Test Auto-Reverse:

• Place a small object, such as a block of wood, in the door’s path.
• Close the door. It should immediately reverse upon contact with the object.
• If the door doesn’t reverse, inspect the sensors for alignment issues or obstructions and clean them if needed.

If the auto-reverse feature isn’t working properly, have it serviced by a professional to ensure it operates safely throughout the winter.

6. Keep the Area Around the Door Clear

Snow and ice can build up around your garage door, obstructing its movement and potentially causing it to go off track. Regularly clearing snow, ice, and other debris from around the door helps prevent these issues and ensures smooth operation.

Tips for Clearing Snow and Ice:

• Use a shovel to clear snow from the area directly in front of the garage door.
• Avoid using salt near the garage door, as it can corrode metal components over time.
• Consider placing a weatherproof mat or rug in front of the door to prevent ice from forming.

By keeping the area clear, you help maintain smooth operation and avoid damage to your garage door’s lower components.

7. Schedule a Winter Garage Door Tune-Up

One of the best ways to prepare your garage door for winter is to schedule a professional tune-up. A comprehensive inspection and tune-up can catch minor issues before they become major problems, keeping your door in optimal condition all winter.

What a Tune-Up Includes:

• Inspection of springs, cables, and other components for wear and tear.
• Lubrication of all moving parts to reduce friction and prevent rust.
• Testing the door’s balance, auto-reverse feature, and overall alignment.

At Badgerland Garage Door Service, we offer expert garage door maintenance in Green Bay and the surrounding areas to ensure your door is ready for the season. Our trained technicians will handle everything from lubrication to safety inspections, giving you peace of mind all winter long.

---

Why Winter Garage Door Maintenance Matters

Winter weather can be harsh on garage doors, leading to wear and potential safety hazards if they aren’t maintained. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, reduces repair costs, and ensures that your garage door operates safely and efficiently, even in freezing temperatures.

Preparing your garage door for winter doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require attention to detail and regular care. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your garage door, improve energy efficiency, and enjoy a safer, warmer garage space.

Contact Badgerland Garage Door Service Today

Ready to winterize your garage door? Contact Badgerland Garage Door Service to schedule your winter maintenance service. Our expert team in Green Bay is here to provide comprehensive garage door maintenance, ensuring your door runs smoothly and safely all season long.