2023-12-15 6 min read
As temperatures drop in Boring, Oregon, your garage door faces unique challenges. Cold weather can affect lubricants, cause metal components to contract, and stress weatherstripping. A garage door that worked perfectly in summer might suddenly become problematic when winter arrives. By taking some proactive steps before the cold sets in, you can ensure your garage door operates reliably all winter long and help keep your home warm and energy-efficient.
Your garage often represents a significant thermal weak point in your home's envelope. An attached garage that's not properly sealed can allow cold air to infiltrate into your living spaces, increasing heating costs. A door that's difficult to operate in cold weather might get left partially open, exacerbating the problem.
Cold temperatures also affect the mechanical components of your garage door system. Lubricants can thicken, metal parts contract slightly, and rubber and vinyl weatherstripping becomes less flexible. These changes can lead to unusual noises, sluggish operation, or even failure to operate in extreme cold.
Weatherstripping is your first line of defense against cold air infiltration. Inspect the rubber seal along the bottom of the door, as well as the weatherstripping around the sides and top of the door frame.
Look for cracks, gaps, brittleness, or sections that have pulled away from the door or frame. Even small gaps can allow significant amounts of cold air – and potentially rain, snow, or pests – to enter your garage.
If your weatherstripping is worn, replacing it before winter is a relatively inexpensive improvement that pays dividends in comfort and energy savings. Modern weatherstripping materials are designed to remain flexible even in cold temperatures.
Standard lubricants can become thick and gummy in cold weather, causing your garage door to operate sluggishly. Before winter, clean off any existing lubricant from hinges, rollers, springs, and the opener's chain or screw drive.
Apply a lubricant specifically designed for cold weather use. Silicone-based or dry lubricants typically perform better than petroleum-based products in low temperatures. Apply sparingly – a thin coat is more effective than a heavy application.
Pay special attention to the springs. Cold weather causes metal to contract, which can affect spring tension. Proper lubrication helps springs operate smoothly despite temperature-related changes.
A properly balanced door is important year-round, but it becomes critical in winter. An unbalanced door puts extra strain on the opener motor, which already works harder in cold weather.
To check balance, disconnect the automatic opener and manually lift the door to about waist height. Release it carefully. A well-balanced door should stay in place, perhaps drifting slowly. If it falls quickly or rises on its own, the springs need adjustment.
Spring adjustment is a job for professionals due to the extreme tension involved. If your door is unbalanced, schedule a service call before the worst of winter arrives.
If your garage is attached to your home or if you use it as a workspace, consider adding insulation to your garage door. Insulation can significantly reduce heat loss and make the garage much more comfortable in winter.
Garage door insulation kits are available for most standard doors and can be installed by handy homeowners. For best results, choose an insulation with both thermal and sound-dampening properties.
If you're in the market for a new garage door, consider an insulated model. Modern insulated doors feature a layer of polyurethane or polystyrene foam between inner and outer steel skins, providing excellent thermal performance and often quieter operation as well.
Garage door openers can struggle in extreme cold. Before winter, check the batteries in your remotes and keypad – batteries lose capacity in cold weather, and weak batteries might fail when you need them most.
If your opener is belt-drive, check the belt tension. Belts can stretch or contract with temperature changes, potentially causing slipping or binding. Chain-drive openers should have their chains checked for proper tension and lubricated with cold-weather lubricant.
Consider installing a wall-mounted keypad if you don't have one. This gives you a backup entry method if your vehicle remote fails in cold weather.
Ensure the area where your garage door meets the ground is clean and free of debris. Ice, snow, or frozen leaves can prevent the door from sealing properly or even cause the bottom seal to freeze to the ground.
If water tends to pool at your garage door, consider installing a threshold seal. This rubber strip creates a barrier that keeps water out and prevents ice formation at the door's base.
The best way to prepare your garage door for winter is with a professional inspection. At Garage Door Boring, our technicians will check all components, identify potential problems, perform necessary adjustments, and ensure your system is ready to handle whatever winter throws at it.
Don't wait until you're stuck in a cold garage with a door that won't open. Contact us today to schedule your pre-winter garage door inspection and enter the season with confidence.
## Related guides - [Garage Door Openers in Boring, OR: What You Really Need to Know](/blog/garage-door-openers-boring-oregon-what-you-need-to-know) - [Garage Door Repair Cost in Boring, OR: Why Your Estimate Might Be Low](/blog/garage-door-repair-cost-boring-oregon-hidden-fees) - [Garage Door Cost & Pricing in Boring, OR: What You'll Actually Pay](/blog/garage-door-cost-pricing-boring-oregon) - [Every garage door service we offer](/services) - [Garage door service in Burbank, CA](/service-areas/burbank-ca) - [Garage door service in Torrance, CA](/service-areas/torrance-ca)