Table of Contents
As winter ends and the temperatures start to rise, your garage door may be showing signs of wear from months of exposure to freezing temperatures, ice, and moisture. Cold weather can put significant strain on garage door components, leading to potential malfunctions that could affect the safety and efficiency of your system. Scheduling an annual garage door maintenance check in early spring is crucial to ensuring your door operates smoothly, extends its lifespan, and prevents unexpected breakdowns.
At Lakeside Doors, we specialize in residential and commercial garage door maintenance, repairs, and installations. Our expert team is here to help homeowners and business owners ensure their garage doors remain in top condition year-round.
How Winter Affects Your Garage Door
Winter can take a toll on various components of your garage door system. Cold temperatures, ice, and moisture exposure can cause:
- Contracting Metal Parts – Springs, tracks, and other metal components can contract in freezing temperatures, leading to misalignment and tension issues.
- Weather Seal Damage – The rubber weather stripping along the bottom of the garage door may crack or harden due to extreme cold, allowing drafts and moisture inside.
- Frozen or Stiff Rollers – Ice and frost buildup can cause rollers to freeze or become sluggish, resulting in a noisy and inefficient door.
- Spring Wear and Tear – The extra strain placed on garage door springs during winter can weaken them, increasing the risk of sudden breakage.
- Opener Malfunctions – Lubrication thickens in colder months, which can make garage door openers work harder, reducing their efficiency.
Key Benefits of an Annual Garage Door Tune-Up in Spring
1. Extending the Lifespan of Your Garage Door System
A well-maintained garage door can last for decades, but neglecting routine inspections and maintenance can lead to early failure of essential components. Replacing parts before they break saves money and prevents inconvenient breakdowns.
2. Enhancing Safety and Security
A faulty garage door can pose safety risks, especially if springs or cables snap unexpectedly. A spring tune-up includes checking the garage door safety features, ensuring the door’s auto-reverse mechanism functions properly, and inspecting the sensors to prevent accidents. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends regular testing of these safety features to reduce injury risks.
3. Preventing Costly Repairs
Minor issues, such as loose hardware or misaligned tracks, can turn into expensive repairs if left unaddressed. Annual maintenance helps identify potential problems early, reducing the likelihood of emergency repair costs.
4. Improving Energy Efficiency
An insulated garage door helps maintain stable indoor temperatures, reducing energy loss. Checking for garage door insulation and weather stripping ensures your door remains sealed against outdoor elements, lowering heating and cooling costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper insulation can significantly improve a home’s energy efficiency, cutting down on utility bills throughout the year.
5. Ensuring Smooth and Quiet Operation
Noisy garage doors are often a sign of worn rollers, loose hardware, or insufficient lubrication. A quiet garage door system upgrade can make a significant difference in reducing disruptive noises.
Essential Garage Door Maintenance Steps for Spring
1. Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts
Applying a high-quality silicone-based lubricant to rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks ensures smooth operation and minimizes friction-related wear.
2. Check and Tighten Hardware
Garage doors move multiple times daily, causing screws and bolts to loosen over time. Tightening all hardware prevents excessive vibrations and extends the door’s lifespan.
3. Test the Garage Door Balance
A properly balanced garage door reduces strain on the opener and prevents sudden failures. To test the balance, manually lift the door halfway—if it doesn’t stay in place, the springs may need adjustment.
4. Inspect the Cables and Springs
Torsion springs and cables hold significant tension and can become worn or frayed. While visual inspections are safe, always hire professionals like Lakeside Doors for repairs or replacements, as handling high-tension components can be dangerous.
5. Clean the Tracks and Rollers
Dirt and debris can accumulate in the tracks, causing the door to drag or jerk when moving. Cleaning them with a dry cloth and mild detergent ensures smoother operation. If rollers appear cracked or worn, upgrading to nylon rollers can further reduce noise and improve efficiency.
6. Test the Auto-Reverse Mechanism
The auto-reverse feature prevents the garage door from closing on objects or people. Place a small object in the door’s path and attempt to close it—if it doesn’t reverse immediately, the sensors may need adjustment or cleaning.
7. Inspect the Weather Stripping
Damaged weather stripping allows drafts, moisture, and pests inside the garage. Replacing worn seals enhances insulation and prevents costly energy losses.
Why Professional Garage Door Maintenance Matters
While homeowners can handle basic maintenance tasks like lubrication and cleaning, professional inspections ensure deeper issues don’t go unnoticed. A certified technician can identify hidden damage, perform necessary adjustments, and provide expert recommendations tailored to your garage door system.
At Lakeside Doors, our skilled technicians provide comprehensive maintenance services for both residential garage doors and commercial garage doors. Whether it’s inspecting high-tension springs or ensuring your opener functions optimally, our team ensures your system remains reliable throughout the year.
Schedule Your Spring Garage Door Tune-Up Today
As temperatures rise, now is the perfect time to schedule your annual garage door maintenance. Proactive servicing ensures your system remains efficient, safe, and ready for the year ahead.
Lakeside Doors offers expert inspections, repairs, and tune-ups tailored to your home or business needs. Contact us today to schedule your spring maintenance appointment and keep your garage door running smoothly!