Winterizing Your Garage Door: Maintenance Tips for Michigan Homeowners
Michigan winters are tough on just about everything—from your car to your driveway. But one part of your home that often gets overlooked is the garage door. Between freezing temperatures, snow, and moisture, winter weather can take a serious toll on its moving parts, insulation, and overall performance.
Taking a little time now to winterize your garage door can prevent costly repairs, extend its lifespan, and keep your garage warmer (and quieter) all season long.
1. Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts
Cold weather thickens grease and makes metal contract, which can lead to noisy or sluggish operation.
Start by inspecting all the rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs for signs of rust or wear. Wipe away any dirt or debris, then apply a silicone-based lubricant—avoid heavy grease, which can gum up in low temperatures.
Smooth, well-lubricated parts move more easily, reducing strain on the opener and keeping your door running through even the coldest days.
2. Check the Weatherstripping and Seals
If you notice drafts or daylight sneaking in around the edges of your garage door, it's time to check the bottom seal and side weatherstripping.
Rubber seals can harden and crack over time, letting in cold air and snow. Replacing worn weatherstripping helps block drafts, protect stored items, and cut down on energy loss—especially if your garage connects directly to your home.
3. Test the Door Balance and Opener
An unbalanced garage door puts extra stress on the opener and can become unsafe in icy conditions. To test it, disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it doesn't stay in place, the springs may need adjustment.
For homeowners in Michigan, where temperature swings can affect spring tension, it's smart to have a professional perform a seasonal tune-up before winter sets in.
4. Clean and Protect the Door Surface
Road salt and melting snow can splash onto your door and cause corrosion—especially on steel doors. Give the door a quick wash with mild soap and water, then dry it thoroughly.
For metal doors, applying a protective wax coating can help prevent rust. If you have a wood door, consider resealing or repainting to guard against moisture damage.
5. Insulate for Comfort and Efficiency
If you use your garage as a workshop or storage space, insulating the door is one of the best upgrades you can make for winter.
Insulated garage doors help maintain a more stable temperature, reduce noise, and even improve your home's energy efficiency. In Southeast Michigan's freezing climate, that added insulation can make a big difference in comfort and cost savings.
6. Don't Forget the Safety Features
Cold weather can interfere with your opener's sensors or cause alignment issues. Wipe the photo-eye sensors clean and test the auto-reverse safety feature by placing a small object (like a block of wood) under the door during closing. If it doesn't reverse immediately, have it serviced before winter use.
Conclusion
A few hours of preventative maintenance can go a long way toward avoiding mid-winter breakdowns and keeping your garage door operating smoothly. From proper lubrication and insulation to replacing worn seals, these small steps protect one of the largest moving parts in your home.
For professional garage door maintenance, repairs, or insulation upgrades, contact Altech Doors today. Our team helps Michigan homeowners prepare for winter with reliable service and trusted local expertise.
