In Central Wisconsin, your garage door works through big weather changes. Cold temperatures can make worn seals easier to notice, while warmer months often mean more trips in and out of the garage. A little seasonal attention can help you catch wear before it affects everyday use.
We recommend following a few dos and don’ts of seasonal garage door maintenance year-round. Homeowners can handle several basic checks on their own, while springs, cables, and other repairs belong with a trained technician.
Knowing the difference can help you care for your door without putting yourself at risk.
Do Give Your Garage Door a Quick Look
You don’t need special tools to spot many common signs of wear. Begin with the door closed and examine the panels for visible damage. Inspect the rollers and hinges for any loose or worn parts.
You may also check the springs and cables, but avoid touching them. If you notice a gap in a spring or a frayed cable, contact a professional instead of trying to repair it yourself.
It’s especially wise to inspect your door after winter, as months of cold weather can make wear and damage more apparent when spring comes.
Don’t Ignore a Door That Sounds Different
Most homeowners know the everyday sound of their garage door. When that sound changes, pay attention.
Maybe you hear scraping that wasn’t there before. You might also notice the door hesitating as it travels. Changes like these can give you an early sign that a part needs attention.
Watch the door during operation too. If it shakes or looks uneven, don’t try to force it back into place. We’d rather have you call us while the door still works than wait until a small problem leaves it stuck.
Do Keep the Garage Door Area Clean
Dirt and leaves tend to collect around garage door openings. Once winter arrives, slush and road salt can make their way into the garage too.
Keep the floor clear where the door meets the ground. You can also gently remove visible debris from the tracks. Keep the tracks free of grease because buildup can interfere with the rollers.
While you’re cleaning the door, check its finish. If something has changed since your last cleaning, note it and keep an eye on the area.
Don’t Lubricate Every Moving Part
We understand why homeowners reach for a can of lubricant when a garage door starts making noise. The problem is that not every moving part needs the same care.
Check the owner’s manual for your specific door before applying a product. The manufacturer will provide guidance about which components need lubrication and what type of product to use.
Avoid coating the tracks with lubricant. If you aren’t sure where a product belongs, it’s better to check the manual or ask us before applying it.
Do Check the Bottom Seal Before Winter
The weather seal along the bottom of your garage door takes a lot of use. Every time the door closes, that seal meets the garage floor. Wisconsin winters can also expose it to cold temperatures and moisture.
Close the door and look at how the seal meets the floor. If you see daylight underneath the door, the seal may no longer fit the opening properly.
What Should You Look For?
Take a closer look if you notice:
- Cracks along the seal
- Gaps beneath the closed door
- Brittle sections
- Water coming into the garage
We recommend checking the seal again once winter ends. Snow and ice can be hard on this part of the door, and spring gives you a good opportunity to see how it held up.
A worn seal doesn’t always mean there’s a problem with the door itself. It may simply be time to replace it.
Don’t Work on Springs or Cables Yourself
This is one area where we always recommend calling a professional. Garage door springs and cables work under tension as they help manage the weight of the door.
Don’t try to adjust spring tension or replace a broken spring yourself. The same goes for damaged cables.
If your door suddenly feels much heavier than usual, stop using it until you know what’s causing the problem. A broken spring may keep the door from working normally, and continuing to operate it can put more strain on the system.
Give us a call if you notice a problem with a spring or cable. Our technicians can inspect the door and determine what needs attention.
Do Check Your Opener’s Safety Features
Your garage door opener also needs attention throughout the year. One easy place to start is with the photo-eye sensors near the bottom of the opening.
Keep the area around the sensors clear. If the lenses look dirty, gently wipe them with a soft cloth.
If the door starts closing and reverses when nothing blocks the opening, check around the sensors for an obvious obstruction. If the problem keeps coming back, call us rather than repeatedly adjusting the system.
Your opener manufacturer may also provide instructions for testing the safety reversal system. Follow the directions for your model. If the opener doesn’t respond as the manual describes, stop using automatic operation until a technician can take a look.
Don’t Wait Until Your Garage Door Stops Moving
You don’t have to wait for a garage door to stop working before calling for service. Many problems give you some warning first.
You may notice a sound that wasn’t there last month. The door might start moving differently as temperatures change. Noticing those small changes can help you address a problem before it disrupts your routine.
Following the dos and don’ts for seasonal garage door maintenance can help you stay familiar with how your door looks and operates throughout the year. Basic cleaning and visual checks can help you spot changes early. When something doesn’t look right, that’s where our team can help.
At Overhead Door of Wausau, we’ve spent decades helping local homeowners care for their garage doors. If your seasonal check turns up a problem, contact us for garage door service and repair. We’ll look at your door and help you figure out what it needs.
