How to Prepare Your Garage Door for Winter?
Winter in Thunder Bay is no joke. Freezing temperatures, snow buildup, moisture, and wind can take a serious toll on your garage door system. Preparing your garage door before the cold weather hits can help prevent breakdowns, reduce energy loss, and avoid costly emergency repairs.
Whether you use your garage for parking, storage, or as a workshop space, here’s how to get your garage door winter-ready.
Inspect the Weather Stripping
Your garage door’s bottom seal and perimeter weather stripping are your first line of defense against:
Cold air drafts
Snow and ice intrusion
Water damage
Increased heating costs
If the rubber seal is cracked, brittle, or pulling away from the door, it’s time to replace it. A proper seal keeps your garage warmer and protects everything inside.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Cold weather causes metal components to contract and stiffen. Without proper lubrication, parts can:
Squeak or grind
Move sluggishly
Wear out faster
Before winter begins, apply a garage-door-specific lubricant to:
Rollers
Hinges
Springs
Tracks
Avoid heavy grease — it thickens in cold temperatures.
Check Springs and Cables
Garage door springs are under high tension and work harder in winter conditions. Cold temperatures can make older springs more brittle and prone to snapping.
Look for:
Gaps in the spring
Fraying cables
Rust buildup
⚠️ Important: Never attempt to replace springs yourself. This is a job for trained professionals.
Test the Garage Door Opener
Winter is not the time to discover your opener isn’t working properly. Test:
Remote responsiveness
Wall switch function
Auto-reverse safety system
Sensor alignment
Cold weather can weaken batteries and affect signal strength. Replace remote batteries before winter begins.
Inspect and Clean the Tracks
Dirt, debris, and hardened grease can cause doors to stick — especially once temperatures drop.
Clean the tracks and ensure:
They are straight and aligned
No bolts are loose
There are no obstructions
Ice buildup near the base of the door can also prevent smooth operation.
Consider Insulation
If your garage feels like a freezer every winter, upgrading to an insulated garage door may be worth considering. Insulated doors help:
Maintain indoor temperature
Lower energy bills
Protect vehicles and stored items
Reduce outside noise
For homeowners in Northern Ontario, insulation can make a significant difference.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Even if everything looks fine, a professional inspection can identify small issues before they become major winter emergencies.
A seasonal maintenance check includes:
Spring tension adjustment
Safety testing
Hardware tightening
Lubrication
System performance evaluation
Preventative maintenance costs far less than emergency repairs during a snowstorm.
Don’t Wait Until It Freezes
Your garage door works hard all year long — but winter is when it faces the most stress. Taking time to prepare now can save you inconvenience, money, and frustration later.
At Lakehead Overhead Door, we provide professional residential garage door maintenance and repairs throughout Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
Contact Lakehead Overhead Door today for expert garage door sensor service and keep your family safe.
