Seasonal Garage Door Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
Your garage door works hard year-round, and like any hardworking part of your home, it needs a little TLC to keep running smoothly. Whether it’s battling Kentucky’s icy winters or sweating it out in the summer heat, seasonal maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, extends the life of your door, and saves you money in the long run. Here’s your no-nonsense, season-by-season guide to keeping your garage door in top shape.
❄️ Winter
- Lubricate moving parts: Cold temps = stiff hardware. Hit the hinges, rollers, and springs with a silicone-based lubricant.
- Check the weather stripping: Replace it if it’s cracked or brittle to keep out drafts and moisture.
- Inspect the door balance: A misbalanced door strains your opener, which can freeze up faster in the cold.
- Clean photo eyes: Wipe off any fog or snow residue that could block your safety sensors.
🌸 Spring
- Do a full visual inspection: Look for frayed cables, rust, or wear on the rollers.
- Test the auto-reverse: Lay a 2×4 under the door—if it doesn’t bounce back, call a pro.
- Wash the door: Get rid of salt and grime from winter to prevent corrosion.
- Tighten hardware: The constant motion can loosen nuts and bolts. Go over them with a wrench.
🌞 Summer
- Check garage ventilation: High temps can cook your opener if it’s not well ventilated.
- Watch out for swelling: Wooden doors can expand. Make sure they’re not sticking or rubbing.
- Test backup battery: Storm season means power outages. Make sure your opener’s battery backup works.
- Clean and repaint: UV rays can fade and crack the finish. A fresh coat protects and looks great.
🌻 Fall
- Clear the tracks: Leaves, dirt, and spiderwebs love to build up. Clean it all out.
- Schedule professional service: Before winter hits, have a tech check your springs and opener.
- Check insulation: Make sure your door’s keeping the cold out and the heat in.
- Replace remote batteries: Better to do it now than get stuck outside in December.
Final Tip: Set a reminder to do these checks at the start of each season. Trust us—your garage door (and your wallet) will thank you.
Need help or a tune-up?
Contact Amzac Garage Doors—your local experts serving Lexington, KY and surrounding counties. We’ve got your back, season after season.