How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns, extend the life of your door by 5-10 years, and ensure safe operation. During a maintenance visit, our technicians will lubricate moving parts, check spring tension, inspect cables and rollers, test safety features, and make any necessary adjustments.

What are signs that my garage door springs need replacement?

Common signs include: the door feels heavier than usual when lifting manually, the door doesn't open or close completely, you hear loud banging noises, you see gaps in the torsion spring, or the door opens unevenly. Springs typically last 7-10 years with normal use. Never attempt to replace springs yourself as they are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury.

Do you offer warranties on your work?

Yes! We offer a lifetime warranty on all labor for residential garage door installations and repairs. This means if anything we installed or repaired fails due to workmanship, we'll fix it at no additional cost. Parts warranties vary by manufacturer but typically range from 1-5 years. We stand behind our work because we're locally owned and committed to serving our Naugatuck neighbors for years to come.

Common Winter Garage Door Problems and How to Solve Them

8 min read Mike Johnson

# Common Winter Garage Door Problems and How to Solve Them

Connecticut winters bring more than just snow and cold.they bring unique challenges for your garage door system. From frozen weatherstripping to sluggish openers, cold weather can cause a variety of problems. Here's how to identify, prevent, and solve common winter garage door issues.

Frozen to the Ground

One of the most common winter problems is a garage door that's frozen to the ground. This happens when water seeps under the door and freezes, creating a bond between the door and the concrete.

Prevention, Keep the ground in front of your door clear of snow and ice, Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the bottom seal, Ensure proper drainage away from your garage

Solution

If your door is frozen to the ground: 1. Don't force it.you could damage the door, opener, or strip the gears 2. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to melt the ice 3. Pour warm (not boiling) water along the seal 4. Gently rock the door free once the ice melts 5. Clear the area and apply lubricant to prevent recurrence

Metal Contraction

Metal components in your garage door system contract in cold weather. This can cause: - Tight-fitting door panels, Stiff springs that provide less lift, Metal parts that squeak or grind

Prevention, Schedule a fall maintenance visit to ensure proper lubrication, Ensure springs are adjusted for winter operation, Keep moving parts well-lubricated with cold-weather products

Solution

Apply a silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant designed for cold weather to all moving parts. These lubricants won't stiffen or gum up in freezing temperatures like petroleum-based products can.

Slow or Unresponsive Opener

Cold weather affects the lubricants in your garage door opener, making motors work harder. Battery-powered remotes may also weaken in extreme cold.

Signs of Opener Strain, Door opens more slowly than usual, Door stops partway up or down, Opener makes unusual straining sounds

Prevention, Ensure your opener is rated for your door's weight, Keep the motor unit warm if possible (space heater nearby.safely)

- Replace remote batteries before winter

Solution, Warm up your garage if possible before operating the door, Replace old remotes with lithium battery models, Consider a heavy-duty opener if yours is undersized

Thickened Lubricant

Standard lubricants thicken in cold weather, causing: - Increased friction on tracks and rollers, Jerky door movement, Premature wear on components

Prevention, Apply cold-weather lubricant before temperatures drop, Clean off old, thickened lubricant before reapplying

Solution

Remove old lubricant with a clean rag and degreaser. Apply a silicone or PTFE-based lubricant rated for sub-zero temperatures to all moving parts including: - Hinges and rollers, Tracks and bearings, Springs and cables (carefully)

Warped or Damaged Panels

Temperature fluctuations cause door materials to expand and contract, potentially leading to: - Warped panels that don't seal properly, Cracked or broken panels, Gaps that let in cold air

Prevention, Ensure proper ventilation in your garage, Choose insulated doors designed for climate fluctuations, Address small issues before they become big problems

Solution

Minor warping may correct itself as temperatures stabilize. Cracked panels should be replaced promptly to prevent drafts and security issues.

Weather Seal Failure

Rubber weather seals can become brittle and crack in cold weather, especially if they're old or low-quality.

Signs of Seal Problems, Visible cracks or gaps in the seal, Cold drafts entering under the door, Snow or water seeping into the garage, Increased heating costs

Prevention, Inspect seals before winter and replace if worn, Clean seals regularly to prevent dirt buildup, Apply rubber conditioner to keep seals supple

Solution

Weather seals are relatively easy to replace and are available at most hardware stores. Choose seals rated for extreme temperatures and ensure proper installation for a tight seal.

Spring Problems

Cold weather affects spring tension and can accelerate wear: - Springs lose some tension in cold weather, Metal becomes more brittle and prone to breaking, Door may feel heavier than usual

Prevention, Have springs inspected and adjusted in fall, Consider upgrading to high-cycle springs, Keep springs lubricated with cold-weather products

Solution

Never attempt spring repairs yourself. Springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. Call ${COMPANY.name} for professional inspection and service.

Preparing Your Garage Door for Winter

The best way to handle winter problems is to prevent them. Before cold weather arrives:

1. Schedule a professional inspection to identify potential issues 2. Apply cold-weather lubricant to all moving parts 3. Test the door balance and have springs adjusted if needed 4. Replace worn weather seals before they fail 5. Check battery life in remotes and backup systems 6. Clear the area around your garage door of debris

We're Here When You Need Us

At ${COMPANY.name}, we understand that garage door problems don't wait for convenient times.especially in winter. That's why we offer 24/7 emergency service throughout ${COMPANY.city} and the surrounding areas.

Whether you need pre-winter maintenance or emergency repair on a frozen morning, call ${COMPANY.phoneFormatted}. Our experienced technicians arrive quickly with the parts and tools needed to get your garage door working, no matter how cold it gets.

Don't let winter weather leave you stranded. Contact us today to schedule your winter maintenance appointment.

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