Precision Garage Door Service experts recommend following these seasonal steps for garage door maintenance:
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No matter the time of year, your garage door is exposed to changing weather conditions that can affect its performance. From icy winters to scorching summers, a little preventative maintenance on garage doors can go a long way.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore essential seasonal garage door maintenance steps every homeowner should know.
Spring: Time for a Fresh Start
Spring is the perfect season to shake off the dust and schedule preventative maintenance on garage doors. It’s time to catch minor issues before they bloom into bigger ones!
Seasonal steps:
- Apply lubrication. Cold temps can dry out essential components. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to hinges, springs, rollers, and tracks.
- Ensure balance and alignment. Your door should stay halfway open when disconnected from the opener. If not, you may have a spring or cable issue.
- Inspect weatherstripping. If your door’s bottom seal is cracked or missing, spring rain can find its way inside the garage.
- Check for rust or water damage. Melting snow and spring showers can expose vulnerable spots on your door or opener hardware.
Summer: Beat the Heat, Protect the Parts
Long sunny days and rising temps mean more garage door use. Increased usage and high heat can wear on your system.
Seasonal steps:
- Check for expansion issues. Heat can cause metal components to expand, which may impact the door’s operation.
- Test the auto-reverse function. The auto-reverse safety feature should always work, especially with little ones running around.
- Wipe sensors. Summer dust, pollen, and spiderwebs can mess with your door’s photo-eye sensors.
- Clean and lubricate tracks. If things sound squeaky or the door feels sluggish, grime buildup could be to blame.
Additionally, consider investing in a weatherproof garage door solution or upgrade. Better insulation helps keep your garage cool during the summer months.
Fall: Prepare for Colder Weather
Don’t wait for snow to test your garage door's performance! Fall garage door maintenance can prevent mid-winter surprises.
Seasonal steps:
- Inspect your weather seals. These seals keep cold air, leaves, and critters out. Replace any damaged seals before winter sets in.
- Check cables for fraying. Cold weather can worsen wear and tear. If your cables look frayed upon visual inspection, contact a Precision Garage Door Service® professional for an assessment.
- Tighten hardware. Temperature swings can loosen bolts, brackets, and screws over time.
- Inspect your opener battery. A dead opener battery during a blizzard is no fun. Swap it out now if it’s been more than a year.
Winter: Stay Warm, Stay Safe
Freezing temps, ice, and snow make garage door operation trickier—and riskier—if not properly maintained.
Seasonal steps:
- Keep the door clear of snow and ice. Frost can freeze the door shut or damage the lower seal.
- Use low-temp lubricant. Standard grease may thicken in the cold. Look for formulas made for freezing weather.
- Watch for slow movement. Your garage door may feel sluggish if the springs are struggling. This could signal the need for adjustment or replacement.
- Don’t force a frozen door open. You could break the opener or the door itself. Call for emergency garage door repair if the components are stuck.
Most importantly, a weatherproof garage door can make all the difference. Insulated doors, updated seals, and professional adjustments help keep your garage warm and your door operating smoothly.
Why Seasonal Maintenance Matters
Still wondering if seasonal garage door maintenance is worthwhile? Here’s what’s really at stake:
Avoid costly repairs
Catching small issues like frayed cables or loose hardware before they fail saves time, money, and stress.
Extend your door’s lifespan
Your garage door is a major investment. Routine care can add years to the life of the door and its opener.
Improve safety and security
A malfunctioning garage door can be dangerous. It can also leave your home more vulnerable to break-ins.
Increase energy efficiency
A weatherproof garage door keeps cold air out and warm air in, which helps reduce heating and cooling costs.
What Does Garage Door Preventative Maintenance Include?
Professional preventative maintenance on garage doors entails inspection and adjustment as needed, depending on the state of the various components. These tune-ups help identify signs of wear and tear before they turn into full-blown emergencies.
A preventative maintenance check may include:
- Door balance and spring tension
- Cable and pulley condition
- Track alignment
- Safety sensor operation
- Lubrication of all moving parts
- Opener performance check
- Weather sealing and insulation integrity
Ready to get started? Explore our best tips for garage door maintenance, including which steps are suitable for DIY projects and which should be left to professionals.
Keep Your Door at Its Best—No Matter the Weather
If you live in a region with harsh winters or coastal weather, more frequent check-ins may be necessary. Humidity, salt air, and freezing conditions can accelerate wear and corrosion. Working with a trained service professional ensures you’re not only solving visible problems but also identifying hidden wear that can lead to unexpected failures.
Don’t let the changing seasons catch you off guard. With a little planning and help from a professional, you can protect your garage door from the elements and keep everything running smoothly. Whether you need fall garage door maintenance, help winterizing your system, or a full inspection before spring, your local Precision Garage Door Service team is here to help.
Schedule service today to ensure your door operates safely and efficiently—season after season.
This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Precision Garage Door Service is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content. Some services offered by Precision Garage Door Service may vary by location. Contact your local Precision Garage Door Service franchise for more information.
FAQs About Seasonal Garage Door Maintenance
As a garage door service, repair, and installation leader renowned for integrity and dependability, all independently owned and operated Precision Garage Door Service locations are committed to safety, quality workmanship, and your satisfaction. This commitment includes using our expertise and years of experience to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about garage door maintenance for different seasons.
How often should I schedule professional garage door maintenance throughout the year?
For most homeowners, it’s recommended to schedule professional garage door service at least twice a year, typically in spring and fall. These transitional seasons are ideal for identifying wear from previous weather extremes and preparing for the next. At a minimum, aim to schedule two rounds of seasonal garage door maintenance annually.
If you live in a region with harsh winters, high humidity, or coastal conditions, you may benefit from more frequent checkups. These environments accelerate wear on components and seals. Working with a trusted service professional ensures reliable preventative maintenance on your garage door, extending your system’s lifespan and safety.
What are the biggest risks of skipping seasonal garage door maintenance?
Skipping seasonal garage door maintenance can lead to several costly and potentially dangerous issues. Over time, parts like springs, cables, and rollers wear down, sometimes without obvious warning signs. In colder months, ice buildup and low temperatures can freeze components, making fall garage door maintenance especially important for avoiding mid-winter breakdowns.
Additionally, a malfunctioning system may fail to reverse when obstructed, creating a serious safety risk. Inconsistent upkeep also affects your home’s insulation. Investing in a weatherproof garage door and keeping it maintained helps stabilize indoor temperatures and reduce energy bills. Routine inspections by a qualified professional provide peace of mind and prevent minor issues from becoming expensive emergencies.
Can I perform seasonal garage door maintenance myself, or should I call a professional?
You can handle some light tasks yourself, such as cleaning the photo-eye sensors, checking for debris in the tracks, and applying silicone-based lubricant to moving parts. However, more complex tasks, such as spring tension adjustments or cable inspections, are best left to a professional. Attempting these without proper training can lead to injury or further damage.
To stay safe and protect your warranty, it’s wise to leave preventative maintenance on garage doors to certified professionals. Precision Garage Door Service professionals follow a detailed checklist during each seasonal garage door maintenance visit, assessing everything from safety sensors to door balance. Plus, if your goal is long-term energy savings, a professional can assess whether a weatherproof garage door upgrade is the right move for your climate.
When should I consider a new garage door?
If your door is more than 15–20 years old, makes loud noises, or has visible damage, it may be time for a replacement. Explore your options with garage door installation services and choose a door that fits your style, needs, and climate.
The Precision Door Designer tool lets you visualize your options and get a free quote in minutes—no pressure, no commitment.