Why Seasonal Garage Door Maintenance Matters
Your garage door works hard year-round to keep your home functional and safe, through all seasons of the year and different seasons of life. It deserves to be well-taken care of! Regular garage door maintenance helps you to avoid garage door breakdowns, improves your home safety, and keeps your garage energy efficient.
At A Plus Garage Doors, we help homeowners across Utah and parts of Nevada keep their garage doors in ideal shape with easy seasonal tips. In this article, we’ll give you a beginner-friendly garage door maintenance checklist and walk you through how to keep your garage cool in the summer and warm in the winter. So, without further ado, here are our professional tips for staying on top of seasonal garage door maintenance.Â
Summer Garage Door Maintenance Checklist
Inspect, Clean, and Lubricate Moving Parts
Hot, dry weather (the type of weather we’re all too familiar with in Utah and Nevada) can cause dust buildup in your rollers, tracks, and hinges. Wipe them down with a soft cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant (never grease or WD-40). This keeps everything gliding smoothly during frequent summer use.
Check the Balance of the Door
An unbalanced garage door makes the opener work overtime, which is especially tough when temperatures rise. Disconnect the opener and lift the door manually halfway. If it stays put, it’s balanced. If not, it’s time to call for a garage door tune up.
Test the Auto-Reverse Function
More family activity in the summer means your garage door safety sensors need to be on point. Place a small object (like a block of wood) under the door and close it. If it doesn’t reverse, call A Plus for a quick fix.
Look for Sun Damage
Summer sun can cause fading or warping, especially on custom wood garage doors. Give your door a once-over and consider a fresh coat of paint or sealant to protect your investment.
How to Keep Garage Cool in Summer
- Install insulation panels on the inside of your garage door.
- Add weather stripping around the frame to block hot air.
- Consider a reflective film or a vent fan to reduce trapped heat.
- Schedule a garage door tune up to ensure smooth operation despite the heat.
Winter Garage Door Maintenance Checklist
Lubricate Before the Freeze
Cold weather can cause metal parts to contract and stick. Apply lubricant on all moving parts before the first big freeze. It prevents annoying squeaks and hard starts on icy mornings.
Tighten Hardware
Winter storms and snow buildup can shake bolts loose. Grab a socket wrench and check hinges, brackets, and rollers for any wiggle room.
Inspect the Weather Stripping
Damaged weather stripping lets in cold drafts, moisture, and even critters. If needed, replace it before the temperature drops to help keep your garage warm in winter and save on energy bills.
Test the Battery in Your Opener
Cold weather drains batteries faster. Check the battery in your remote and wall opener. If your garage doesn’t open reliably, that might be the cause.
How to Keep Garage Warm in Winter
- Use insulated garage doors or upgrade your existing ones with insulation kits.
- Seal all gaps around doors and windows.
- Consider installing a portable heater (especially in winter garage workshops).
- Keep up with regular garage door maintenance to ensure seals and mechanisms are working right.
Year-Round Maintenance Tips
Listen for New Noises
Grinding, squealing, or clunking sounds can signal something’s off. Don’t ignore them. A Plus offers expert garage door repair to fix problems before they turn into costly replacements.
Clean the Photo Eye Sensors
Located at the bottom of your door, these sensors keep your door from closing on objects or people. Wipe them clean with a soft cloth. A misaligned or dirty sensor is a common culprit in faulty doors.
Schedule a Professional Garage Door Tune Up
Some maintenance is DIY-friendly. But for things like spring tension, track alignment, and opener calibration, it’s best to call the pros. A seasonal garage door tune up keeps your door running quietly and safely.
When Should You Call for Service?
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to contact A Plus:
- Your door doesn’t open or close smoothly
- It makes loud or strange noises
- The springs or cables look damaged
- Your opener is slow or unresponsive
- You’re unsure how to handle an issue safely
We’re happy to answer questions and schedule a tune-up. You don’t need to wait for a breakdown to give your garage door a little TLC.
Wrap Up: Stay Ahead With Smart Maintenance
Taking care of your garage door doesn’t have to be hard. With this summer and winter garage door maintenance checklist, you’ll be ready for whatever the Utah weather throws your way.
And when in doubt? Trust the local team at A Plus Garage Doors. We’re here to help your garage door last longer, perform better, and stay safer. Reach out anytime to schedule a check-up or get expert advice. We love helping homeowners feel confident in their garage systems.
