The Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Garage Door Upkeep

Rejuvenating Spring Maintenance Tips

Lubricate Moving Parts for a Fresh Start

Lubricate all the moving parts of your garage door and the mechanical system. By doing this, you will reduce the risk of rust or corrosion from forming on these vital metal parts. Lubricate the following parts with an automotive brake cleaner instead of lithium or silicone lubricant (or ask a professional for a recommendation):

• Springs
• Hinges
• Rollers
• Keyhole and locks
• Rails
• Armbar
• Bearing plates
  

Clean Windows to Brighten Your Space

Spring is the perfect time of year to brighten up your space and say goodbye to the winter doldrums. One way to do this is by cleaning all your garage door windows well, ensuring all the grime from winter is removed. This will instantly lighten up the interior of your garage.

Garage Door Protection Against Summer Heat and Humidity

As temperatures warm up, it’s time to look at other issues that could impact your garage door and protect against them by doing the following:

Wash Away Dirt For a Polished Look

Wash the entire garage door, removing pollen, dirt, and other build-up that’s accumulated. Never use anything too harsh, though, and if you are unsure about what to use, check with a professional. Generally, using a soft rag or brush along with a mild cleaner or even just dish soap and water should do the trick and cause no harm. It’s also a good idea to clean your driveway and the areas around your garage as part of this overall clean-up.

Check for Mold and Address Humidity Issues

Look for issues that could be related to humidity such as mold and mildew. Look for discoloration, dark spots, or a musty odor. This could indicate that mold is growing due to humidity and needs to be addressed. Mold can be a big issue, and humidity can easily cause this problem. Therefore, you need to remedy it quickly if you notice these signs.

Replace Worn-Out Weather Stripping

Cracks and then subsequent leaks happen when weather stripping gets too worn. To prevent moisture from getting into your garage and create a proper seal, replace weather stripping if it is showing signs of wear. Ideally, you want to keep your outdoor air outside and your indoor air inside.

Swap Out Remote Batteries for Worry-Free Access

Make sure that your battery-operated remote control or garage door opener is in good condition and has fresh batteries. Also, make sure the batteries are fresh in any keypads or other types of garage door controllers.

Touch Up Paint and Finishes for Long-Lasting Protection

If you notice the garage door paint or finish is chipping, bubbling, or cracking, now is a good time to touch up the paint to give your door the protection it needs. Paint is more than aesthetic appeal; it also serves to protect the door itself from the elements.

Fall Preparations to Get Your Garage Door Winter-Ready

When fall finally comes along after a summer full of humidity, dust, and dirt, it’s a great time to do some autumn-specific tasks related to keeping your garage door in good working order:

Inspect for Cosmetic Damage Before the Cold Hits

Now’s the time to check your door closely, looking for cracking, peeling, fading, dents, blistering, scratches, and more. You want to take care of any issues like this before temperatures plummet going into winter. Otherwise, your door might not provide the protection you desire.

Ensure Sensors Work Property

The heat of the summer can do some damage to your garage door’s more delicate systems. Extreme temperatures can make these components malfunction or become sluggish. So, now's the time to evaluate all the components of your door and ensure that all sensors are still working properly.

Winter Garage Door Checklist

The winter season can be especially harsh for a garage door to endure, and keeping the cold, ice, and snow outdoors and not in your garage is ideal. Therefore, check the following garage door elements as you move into winter:

Inspect the Weather Sealant to Block Out the Cold

Although checking your weather stripping was already mentioned in another season, this is one task it is actually good to complete twice yearly. Make sure that all weather stripping is in good condition, meaning it is still flexible and not cracked, and replace it if necessary. This will keep the cold air out of your garage.

Test Door Balance For Smooth Winter Operations

Your garage door should be properly balanced so that the mechanisms that raise and lower it work optimally. If your door is unbalanced, then it will cause the automatic opener and all the mechanical parts to work harder. You can check the balance yourself by pulling the release handle and raising the door manually, pulling it up halfway. Then, release the door and see if it stays in place. If so, that means it’s balanced. If not, you need to call a professional.

Uplift Garage: Your Partner for Year-Round Maintenance

Year-round maintenance of your garage door can extend its lifespan and get you the most out of your investment. While there are several maintenance steps you can complete yourself as a homeowner, it’s wise to reach out to us at Uplift Garage for professional services. Let us ensure your garage door is ready to withstand the next season that’s to come and get through it on the other side looking and functioning optimally.

Contact us today to learn more and to schedule a consultation. Let us partner with you for year-round garage door upkeep.