Is Your Garage Door Ready for Connecticut's Coldest Months?

As the leaves change and a chill fills the air, Connecticut homeowners start to prepare for the long winter ahead. While you're busy winterizing your home, it's easy to forget a critical component: your garage door. The combination of freezing temperatures, moisture, and snow can put a lot of stress on your garage door system, leading to unexpected problems and costly repairs.

Making sure your garage door is in good working order before the snow flies is one of the smartest things you can do to prevent a frustrating malfunction on a cold morning. A properly maintained door can save you from being locked out of your garage or, worse, dealing with a dangerous broken spring. So, what steps can you take to prepare your overhead door for the harsh New England weather?

A Simple DIY Winter Prep Checklist

Here are a few easy checks you can perform to help your garage door operate smoothly all season long:

• Visual Inspection: Take a good look at your door's springs, cables, rollers, and tracks. Look for any visible signs of wear and tear, rust, or loose bolts.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Cold weather can cause lubricants to stiffen, which can put extra strain on your opener. Use a lithium-based grease or a silicone spray to lubricate the rollers, hinges, and springs.
• Check the Weather Stripping: The seal along the bottom of your garage door is crucial for keeping out snow and cold drafts. Check for cracks or damage and consider replacing it if it's no longer creating a tight seal with the ground.
• Test the Safety Sensors: Clear the area around the sensors at the bottom of the door. Then, place a small object in the door's path and try to close it. The door should immediately reverse. If it doesn't, your sensors may be misaligned or faulty.

When to Call a Professional

While some maintenance can be done yourself, some issues require an expert. You should always call a professional garage door company if you notice any of the following:

• A broken or snapped spring: Torsion springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. This is not a DIY job.
• The door is off-track: This is a major issue that can only be fixed by a trained technician.
• The door is sagging or uneven: This can be a sign of a balance issue that needs to be addressed immediately to prevent further damage.

Don't wait for your garage door to fail on the coldest day of the year. If you're concerned about your garage door's readiness for winter, it's best to have it inspected by an expert. You can rely on our team for professional garage door repair and maintenance services. To learn more about how we can help, visit our homepage at J.J. Overhead Doors or contact us directly from the site. We are committed to keeping your family safe and your garage door operating perfectly, no matter the season.