How to prepare your garage door for fall and winter

As the hot summer gives way to the cooler fall and winter temperatures, it is time to prepare your home for the rigors of the coming season. Besides sprucing up the inside, items in your garage need attention, especially the garage door.

"Homeowners do not typically think of the garage door when they think of the fall and winter seasons but proper maintenance of garage door will save you money and add curb appeal to their property and increases its value, says Damian Douglas, 16-year veteran of Las Vegas garage door service and owner of Damian Douglas Garage Door.

He advises homeowners to improve their garage doors before fall and winter seasons arrive by taking the following steps.

1. Clean your Garage Door

Cleaning the garage door is perhaps one of the most important ways you prepare for the upcoming season. Use regular soap to gently wash the garage door, rinse with water to remove the grimes of summer. Do not use abrasive cleaners or other strong detergent. These will strip the door of protective wax. Apply wax to the door at least once a year to prevent acid rain and sun damage. This also protects the door’s luster.

2. Garage Door Weather Seal

Clean and rinse the weather seal on the door using soap and water. All-purpose detergents will work on the seal without damaging them. Use weather-stripping or silicone lubricant to renew the seal every three months. Closing all gaps will prevent warmer air from escaping or colder air from coming in. How often you should do this depends on your weather condition. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants because they attack rubber, which must remain flexible to be effective.

3. Garage Door Tracks, Springs and Rollers

Check all moving parts of your garage door. These include the tracks, springs and rollers. These parts do not need intensive maintenance to offer better and long-lasting performance. Lubricate the rollers, tracks and hinges using metal lubricants. Regular motor oil also works. This allows them to move freely with minimal friction. Wipe clean excess oil. Do this three times every year for optimal performance. Inspect the cables for rust and breakage. Replace them if necessary.

Caution: Do not attempt to adjust or fix torsion springs, bottom brackets and hoisting cables. They are under pressure and could cause serious injury or even death if tampered with. Call professionals from Damian Douglas Garage Door, the Las Vegas and Henderson garage door specialists if your garage door needs maintenance.

4. Check Garage Door balance

Disengage the automatic door by pulling the cord. Lower the door manually to the halfway point. The garage door should stop without falling down or going up towards the ceiling. Contact a door expert if you believe it is not balanced. Check to see that your garage door closes and opens completely. Adjust the force and sensors if necessary, to ensure they are functioning properly.

5. Don't forget Garage Door Opener

Garage door openers need maintenance too. Check the batteries to make sure they still have power. Replace them if necessary.

Performing these maintenance steps on your garage door will ensure it functions properly for many years.