11 Nov
By: London Garage Doors LTD -
As the chilly months approach, preparing your garage door for winter is essential. At London Garage Doors LTD, we know how crucial it is to maintain your doors to withstand the cold, damp weather while keeping your home warm, secure, and efficient all season long.
Whether you own roller garage doors, modern side hinged garage doors, sectional garage doors, or traditional up and over garage doors, following these professional tips will help prevent costly repairs and keep your garage fully functional during winter.
Start by inspecting your garage door for visible damage, cracks, or gaps. Dirt and grime can worsen during freezing temperatures, especially on insulated garage doors where seal integrity matters most.
Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean the surface. Focus on each panel (for sectional garage doors) and the edges of side hinged garage doors. For roller garage doors, ensure the tracks and rollers are free from debris to allow smooth operation.
Need a professional clean?
Cold weather can stiffen hinges, springs, rollers, and locks. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts of roller, sectional, and up and over garage doors. Avoid grease-based lubricants as they attract dust and grime.
Regular lubrication helps prevent squeaks, reduces wear, and minimizes the risk of mechanical failure.
Weather seals are your first line of defence against wind, rain, snow, and frost. Check for cracks or brittleness, especially on up and over garage doors and insulated models. Replace damaged seals to improve insulation and prevent dampness.
Disconnect the automatic opener and lift the door manually. It should stay open halfway without rising or falling. Also, test the safety auto-reverse feature by placing an object in its path — it should reverse immediately.
For safety checks, schedule a professional inspection.
Temperature changes can loosen nuts, bolts, and screws. Regularly tighten these components, especially on side hinged garage doors and personnel garage doors, to prevent rattling and maintain stability.
Our team can help with professional maintenance.
For roller and sectional garage doors, clean both side tracks to ensure smooth operation. Remove leaves, dirt, and ice build-up carefully to avoid misalignment or damage.
Insulated garage doors help keep your garage warmer and reduce energy costs. Inspect for cracks or deformities that may reduce efficiency. If your door isn’t insulated, consider upgrading to modern side hinged garage doors or insulated sectional doors.
Wet and salty air can cause rust, particularly on metal roller and steel sectional garage doors. Apply a rust inhibitor or repaint any chipped areas. For wooden garage doors, use a weather-resistant finish to repel moisture.
Winter storms can cause power cuts. Ensure your electric garage doors have a manual override or test the emergency release mechanism to avoid being locked out during outages.
While many tasks can be done yourself, an annual professional inspection ensures your door’s springs, cables, and openers are safe and efficient. Our experienced technicians at London Garage Doors LTD service all types, including roller, sectional, and side hinged garage doors.
Book your winter maintenance appointment today to avoid costly repairs.
