Keeping your car in the garage is a smart thing to do in the winter. Your garage door is the only thing that separates your vehicle from the elements. So, you want to make sure it’s in good shape for the winter.

1. Observation – The first thing we recommend doing in preparation for the winter, is simply observe the garage door opening and closing several times so that you can see the wires, springs and rollers in action. You should be able to see or hear a problem, for example, does it move smoothly or is it jerky in places?

2. Keep it clean! – Not only is the garage door the first impression of your home, but it also plays a big role in keeping your home safe. Just like your front door, your garage door is a way to access your property. Therefore, it is important to keep it in pristine operating condition throughout the year. Winter weather can be hard on your garage door, so it’s wise to keep it clean now to avoid further stains caused by bad weather.
3. Lubricate – After you clean the garage door, a good idea is to lubricate the moving metal parts. It is recommended to do this twice a year. Applying a lubricant onto the door can increase its lifespan considerably. Use a lubricant designed for garage doors, available from a specialist in garage doors. For Essex Garage Doors, visit a site like https://www.limeit.co.uk/
4. Look for problems – Easily the most common problems occur in the winter such as the automation failing to open or close the door. It is a good idea to open and close your garage door at least once a day to keep the operating system in action. Unfortunately, there is no other way to ensure the mechanical operation will last all winter long. If you find a problem, the first thing to do is check the batteries in the remote which, if dead, will have to be replaced before the door will respond.
5. Check the weather seals – If you have a weather strip seal on the bottom of your garage door, it is a good idea to check this before the weather takes a turn for the worse. They are designed to help with insulation and protect your garage door from the ground which could be wet or snowy. However, weather seals can take a fair battering, so it’s definitely worth inspecting regularly and arranging to fix or replace if it becomes damaged, fragile or cracked.

6. Check the Balance – If your garage door is not properly balanced, the openers will need to work harder, and it will not last as long. If your garage door is not balanced, then the error is most likely the springs. To find out whether you need new ones, take a few minutes to carry out an investigation into the door cables and springs. See if the garage door is parallel to the floor in the closed position.