As winter approaches in northern Illinois, homeowners know how quickly the weather can turn. One day it’s crisp and cool, and the next, snow and freezing winds are blowing through Lake County and the surrounding areas.
While you’re winterizing your home, checking the furnace, sealing windows, and cleaning gutters, don’t forget one of the most important (and often overlooked) systems in your house: your garage door.
Your garage door protects vehicles, tools, and even entryways into your home from the elements. But it also faces constant wear and tear, especially in cold weather. Performing a few simple maintenance tasks before winter can help prevent costly repairs, keep your system running smoothly, and improve energy efficiency.
Here’s a complete pre-winter garage door maintenance checklist for Illinois homeowners from the experts at Premier Door Corp.
- Inspect the Weather Seals
Weatherstripping is your garage door’s first line of defense against cold air, moisture, and rodents. When the rubber seal along the bottom or sides of your door becomes cracked or stiff, it can’t create a tight seal. This allows icy drafts to enter and can even cause the door to freeze to the floor during subzero temperatures.
To test your weather seal, close the door and look for light coming in along the edges. If you see gaps or feel cold air, it’s time to replace the seal. This simple fix not only keeps your garage warmer but also helps lower heating bills in attached garages.
For homeowners searching for garage door maintenance in Illinois or garage door seal replacement near me, Premier Door Corp offers professional replacement and alignment for all major door brands.
- Lubricate Moving Parts
Winter air in Illinois can be extremely dry, which causes metal components to contract and increase friction. To prevent noise and wear, lubricate all moving parts, rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks, with a high-quality silicone-based lubricant.
Avoid heavy oils or grease, which can thicken in the cold and make your system sluggish. Wipe away any old residue before applying a light coat of lubricant. This not only helps your garage door run quietly but also prevents premature wear on expensive parts.
If you notice grinding, squealing, or jerky movement even after lubrication, it may be time to schedule a garage door tune-up in Lake County IL with Premier Door Corp.
- Test the Garage Door Balance
An unbalanced garage door places stress on the opener and can lead to broken springs, one of the most common winter garage door repair calls in Illinois.
To check your door’s balance, disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, your springs are balanced. If it falls or shoots up, they need adjustment. Because garage door springs are under high tension, never attempt to adjust them yourself. This is a job for a trained technician.
Premier Door Corp’s team provides expert spring adjustment and replacement services, ensuring safe and reliable operation all season long.
- Tighten Hardware and Check Fasteners
Between vibration, temperature changes, and daily use, your garage door’s hardware can loosen over time. Go over all nuts, bolts, and screws along the tracks and hinges with a wrench or socket set.
Also inspect the brackets that attach the door to the wall or ceiling. Loose hardware can cause rattling, uneven operation, or even damage to the opener. Keeping these parts tight extends the life of your entire system and reduces noise when the door opens and closes.
- Clean and Inspect the Tracks
Dust, road salt, and debris can collect inside your garage door tracks, especially in winter when snow and slush get tracked in by your car tires. This buildup can block rollers and cause the door to strain against resistance.
Use a damp cloth to wipe the tracks clean and remove dirt or residue. Never lubricate the tracks themselves; instead, keep them dry and clear for smoother movement.
During cleaning, check for dents, rust, or misalignment. If your door shakes, catches, or doesn’t close evenly, it may need a garage door track adjustment from a local professional.
- Test Auto-Reverse and Safety Sensors
With shorter daylight hours and more frequent use of the garage during winter, it’s crucial to ensure your safety features work properly. Modern doors include sensors that stop and reverse the door if an obstruction is detected.
To test, place an object (like a 2×4 piece of wood) under the door. When closing, the door should immediately reverse upon contact. If it doesn’t, or if the sensors are dirty or misaligned, your opener system may need professional calibration.
Snow, dust, and salt can block sensors and cause them to malfunction, so make this test part of your regular seasonal maintenance routine.
- Check the Opener and Backup Battery
Cold weather can affect electronic components, including your garage door opener. Check that the opener light works, the remote responds quickly, and the door operates smoothly.
If you have a backup battery system, test it by unplugging the opener and confirming that it still works. This is especially important during winter storms when power outages are common across northern Illinois.
If you experience delays or inconsistent performance, it might be time for a garage door opener inspection or replacement, something Premier Door Corp handles for both residential and commercial clients.
- Keep the Door Clean and Protected
Road salt and grime from winter driving can corrode steel and aluminum doors. Wash the exterior of your garage door with mild detergent and warm water every few weeks. For wood doors, check for cracking paint or peeling finish, which can allow moisture damage.
A clean door not only looks better but also lasts longer by preventing corrosion, rust, and rot. You can also apply a protective wax coating for extra defense against snow and ice.
- Schedule a Professional Garage Door Inspection
While DIY maintenance is important, a professional inspection can catch hidden problems before they become emergencies. Premier Door Corp offers full garage door inspections and tune-ups across Lake County, and nearby Illinois suburbs.
During a professional service visit, technicians will check spring tension, opener performance, track alignment, insulation quality, and overall safety. Preventive maintenance in late fall ensures your garage door operates smoothly through the coldest months of the year.
Stay Safe and Warm with Reliable Garage Door Service in Illinois
A properly maintained garage door saves energy, prevents inconvenient breakdowns, and keeps your family safe during harsh Midwestern winters. Whether you need seasonal maintenance, emergency garage door repair, or a new installation, Premier Door Corp is your trusted local expert.
Our team specializes in garage door repair, opener replacement, and seasonal maintenance for both residential and commercial customers.
Schedule your pre-winter garage door maintenance today by calling Premier Door Corp or visiting https://premierdoorcorp.com.
