2024-01-05 9 min read Chris Martinez
Oregon's wet winters present unique challenges for garage door systems. The combination of rain, humidity, temperature fluctuations, and occasional freezing conditions can accelerate wear and cause operational problems. Taking proactive steps before winter arrives will help ensure your garage door remains reliable throughout the season.
Inspect and Replace Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is your first line of defense against the elements. Check all seals carefully:
Bottom seal: This rubber strip along the bottom of the door prevents water, leaves, and pests from entering. Look for cracks, gaps, or sections that have become stiff and brittle. A compromised bottom seal allows water to pool inside your garage, potentially damaging stored items and creating slip hazards.
Side and top seals: These seals prevent drafts and moisture intrusion around the door's perimeter. They should compress evenly when the door closes. If you see daylight around the edges of a closed door, the seals need attention.
Replacing weather stripping is relatively inexpensive and straightforward for professionals. The energy savings alone often justify the cost, especially if your garage is attached to your home.
Address Rust and Corrosion
Oregon's moisture-laden air promotes rust on metal components. Inspect your door thoroughly:
Door panels: Steel doors can rust where the finish has been scratched or chipped. Address small rust spots with a rust-inhibiting primer and touch-up paint matched to your door's color. Larger areas may require professional attention.
Springs and cables: Light surface rust on springs is normal and usually not concerning. However, heavy rust, pitting, or flaking indicates that the springs are weakening and should be inspected by a professional.
Tracks and hardware: Rust on tracks can cause the rollers to stick or skip. Clean tracks with a dry cloth and apply a rust-preventive lubricant.
Lubricate All Moving Parts
Cold weather causes lubricants to thicken, which can make door operation sluggish and strain the opener motor. Before winter, apply fresh lubricant to:
Springs: Use a silicone-based or lithium-based spray lubricant specifically designed for garage doors. Apply along the entire length of the springs.
Hinges and rollers: Pay special attention to the pivot points on hinges and the stems of rollers. Metal rollers need regular lubrication; nylon rollers typically don't but their bearings might.
Tracks: A light coating of lubricant helps rollers glide smoothly. Avoid heavy grease, which attracts dirt and debris.
Opener chain or screw: Follow your opener manufacturer's recommendations for the drive mechanism.
Avoid using WD-40 for this purpose.it's a penetrant and solvent, not a long-lasting lubricant.
Test and Adjust the Balance
A properly balanced door operates smoothly and minimizes strain on the opener. Temperature changes can affect spring tension, so retesting balance before winter is wise.
Disconnect the opener by pulling the release cord. Manually lift the door to about waist height and release. A balanced door will stay in place or move very slowly. If it falls rapidly or rises, the springs need adjustment.
Important: Never attempt to adjust springs yourself. They're under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. Call a professional for any spring work.
Prepare for Power Outages
Oregon's winter storms occasionally cause power outages. Ensure you can operate your garage door manually:
Test the emergency release: Pull the red release cord to disconnect the door from the opener. Lift the door manually to confirm it moves freely and stays open when released. Some doors have a lock that engages when the opener is disconnected.familiarize yourself with this feature.
Know how to reconnect: After power returns, you'll need to reengage the opener. Typically, this involves pulling the release cord toward the door, then activating the opener, which automatically reconnects the trolley.
Consider a battery backup: Many modern openers have battery backup systems that provide limited operation during outages. If your opener lacks this feature, consider upgrading.
Protect the Opener Motor
Cold temperatures can affect your opener's performance:
Check the force settings: Cold, stiff components may require slightly increased force to operate. However, be careful not to set force too high, which can compromise safety features. If your door struggles in cold weather, have a professional evaluate the system.
LED lighting: If your opener has an incandescent bulb, consider switching to an LED designed for garage door openers. LEDs perform better in cold temperatures and last longer.
Insulate if necessary: In extremely cold garages, the opener motor can struggle. Ensuring the garage maintains reasonable temperatures helps protect the motor.
Clear the Area
Before the rain arrives, take these practical steps:
Clean leaves and debris from around the garage door and from the tracks. Ensure drainage directs water away from the garage entrance. Trim back vegetation that might contact or grow into the door's path. Store salt or ice melt near the door if you experience freezing conditions.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
The best winter preparation is a professional tune-up. Our technicians will:
Thoroughly inspect all components for wear and damage. Lubricate all moving parts with appropriate products. Test and adjust balance, force settings, and safety features. Identify potential problems before they cause winter breakdowns. Provide recommendations for any needed repairs.
At Garage Door Eugene, we recommend scheduling your winter maintenance appointment in early fall, before our busy season begins. Contact us today to ensure your garage door is ready to handle whatever Oregon's winter brings.