Winter is here, and with it comes colder temperatures, snow and ice. While these weather conditions can be beautiful to look at, they can also wreak havoc on your garage door. As the largest moving object in your home, your garage door is exposed to the elements and needs special attention during the winter months to ensure it continues to function properly.
Here are six simple steps you can take to keep your garage door in working order during the winter:
- Stop the electric drive if the door is stuck. If your garage door is operated by automation, it is extremely important that you stop the electric drive as soon as you notice the door is stuck. Otherwise, the motor may be damaged or burned out due to overload.
- Clear the surface under the door of snow and ice. A frozen seal can tear when the door is lifted, so it’s important to keep the area under the door clear of snow and ice. If the seal is already frozen to the ground and the door won’t open, gently tap the bottom of the door with a hammer outside and try to remove the ice that way.
- Clean and lubricate the seal. Clean and dry the seal, and apply silicone oil to it. This will help repel water and reduce the risk of freezing.
- Oil all moving parts. Hinges, roller bearings, springs, and door latch all need to be lubricated to prevent rust and wear. Avoid using WD-40 all-purpose oil, as it is for cleaning and not lubrication. Silicone oil or lithium grease is suitable for lubrication.
- Tighten all screws and bolts. Fluctuations in temperature and vibration from door movement can loosen fasteners, so it’s important to check and tighten them regularly.
- Have a professional inspect the door. Once a year, invite a specialist to inspect and adjust the door. This will help catch any issues early and prevent costly repairs.
By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your garage door continues to function properly during the winter months. And if you encounter any issues, Kinema’s 24-hour maintenance and repair team is ready to help all over Estonia on the free short number 12160.