Winter in Colorado can be hard on a garage door. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and sudden temperature changes can put extra stress on the door and its moving parts. A garage door that works perfectly in the fall may start sticking, making noise, or refusing to open when the temperature drops.
That is why late summer and fall are good times to look over your garage door. Taking care of smaller problems now can help you avoid an inconvenient breakdown when you need to get your car out on a cold winter morning.
Here are five garage door problems worth addressing before winter arrives.
1. Worn or Cracked Weather Seals
The weather seal is one of the easiest parts of a garage door to overlook. It runs along the bottom of the door and helps close the gap between the garage and the driveway.
Over time, the rubber can become hard, cracked, flattened, or torn. Cold weather can make an already-worn seal even less effective.
A damaged seal can allow:
- Cold air to enter the garage
- Snow and rain to blow underneath the door
- Dirt and debris to get inside
- Small pests to find their way into the garage
- Heated air to escape
Before winter, close the garage door and look at the bottom edge. If you can see noticeable gaps or the seal is visibly damaged, it may be time for a replacement.
2. Noisy or Worn Rollers
Your garage door rollers are constantly moving whenever the door opens and closes. After years of use, they can become worn and noisy.
You may notice grinding, squeaking, rattling, or a rough movement that wasn’t there before.
Cold temperatures can make existing problems more noticeable. If a roller is already worn, continuing to use the door throughout winter can put additional strain on other components.
Have noisy or damaged rollers inspected before the weather gets colder. Replacing a worn roller is generally much easier than dealing with a door that becomes stuck because a component has failed.
3. Damaged or Misaligned Tracks
Garage door tracks need to remain properly positioned so the rollers can travel smoothly.
Take a look at both sides of the door. You may notice a problem if a track appears bent, loose, or noticeably different from the other side.
Other warning signs include:
- The door shakes while moving
- The rollers appear to rub against the track
- The door moves unevenly
- The door gets stuck partway
- You hear scraping during operation
Don’t try to bend a damaged track back into place. A garage door is heavy, and forcing the track or door can create additional problems.
If you notice an alignment issue before winter, having it professionally inspected can help prevent a bigger problem later.
4. A Garage Door That Doesn't Stay Balanced
Your garage door should move in a controlled and balanced way. If it suddenly feels much heavier than before or drops quickly when operated manually, there may be an issue with the spring or counterbalance system.
You might also notice that one side of the door rises differently from the other.
Balance problems shouldn’t be ignored. A door that is difficult to lift can put extra strain on the garage door opener and other components.
Garage door springs are under significant tension, so this isn’t a good DIY repair. If you suspect a spring or balance problem, have a qualified garage door technician inspect it.
5. A Garage Door Opener That Is Struggling
A garage door opener has to move a heavy door every time you use it. If the door has worn rollers, damaged tracks, balance problems, or other mechanical issues, the opener may have to work harder.
Before winter, pay attention to how the opener behaves.
Does the motor sound different? Does the door hesitate before moving? Does it stop unexpectedly? Does it reverse when you don’t expect it to?
These changes can indicate that something needs attention.
Don’t automatically assume that the opener itself is failing. Sometimes the real problem is with the garage door and its mechanical components.
Why Fix These Problems Before Winter?
A garage door problem is inconvenient at any time of year, but winter can make the situation especially frustrating.
Imagine discovering that your garage door won’t open when you’re trying to leave for work on a freezing morning. Or finding snow and cold air coming into the garage because the bottom seal has deteriorated.
Winter conditions can also make existing maintenance problems more noticeable. Addressing worn parts before the cold arrives gives you a better chance of keeping the door operating reliably throughout the season.
Don't Forget About Snow and Ice
Colorado homeowners should also pay attention to the area immediately outside the garage door.
Snow and ice can accumulate around the bottom of the door. If the door is frozen to the ground, operating it can place unnecessary stress on the system.
Before opening the door after a heavy snowfall, make sure the bottom edge is not stuck to ice or packed snow. Clear the area carefully rather than forcing the opener to lift a frozen door.
A little extra attention during snow and freezing conditions can prevent avoidable damage.
A Simple Pre-Winter Garage Door Check
Before winter arrives, take a few minutes to look over your garage door.
Check for:
- Cracked or worn weather seals
- Noisy or damaged rollers
- Bent or loose tracks
- Balance problems
- Opener performance issues
- Damaged panels
- Loose hardware
- Unusual sounds during operation
You don’t need to take the entire system apart. The goal is simply to identify changes that could become bigger problems once the weather turns cold.
When Should You Call a Garage Door Professional?
Some maintenance can be handled with a simple visual inspection, but certain problems should be left to a professional.
Call a garage door technician if you notice a broken spring, loose or damaged cable, severely bent track, door that has come off its track, or a door that suddenly becomes very heavy.
It’s also worth getting professional help if you’re not sure what is causing a change in the way your garage door operates.
Trying to fix high-tension springs or cables without the right equipment and experience can be dangerous.
Prepare Your Garage Door Before the Cold Arrives
Winter preparation doesn’t have to be complicated. Fixing a worn seal, replacing damaged rollers, addressing track problems, or getting a struggling opener checked can make a noticeable difference.
More importantly, taking care of these issues early can help you avoid an emergency repair when temperatures are at their lowest.
Your garage door is used every day, so giving it some attention before winter is a practical part of home maintenance.
Get Your Garage Door Ready for Winter in Loveland
If your garage door is showing signs of wear before winter, Loveland Garage Door Service can help you get it ready for the colder months. We provide professional garage door repair and maintenance services in Loveland, Colorado, including weather seal replacement, roller and track repair, broken spring service, garage door balance issues, and opener repairs. Contact Loveland Garage Door Service for dependable local service and a professional inspection before winter problems turn into unexpected repairs.