Winter is just around the corner, and New Jersey homeowners know there are many tasks to tackle before snow and ice arrive. One of the most important aspects to consider is your garage door, which plays a vital role in keeping your car, as well as your house and your belongings safe from the harsh winter elements. Protecting your assets from the cold can not only extend their lifespan but also prevent unexpected problems throughout the season.
Prepare Your Garage Door For This Winter Season
As winter settles in, your residential garage door will face unique challenges, including freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Properly winterizing it, is essential to safeguard its moving parts and minimize the chances of emergency repairs. Below, we’ll share essential maintenance tips to ensure it remains functional and energy-efficient when the cold weather hits. Let’s dive into common winter issues and the best practices to keep your garage door in top shape this season.
Common Winter Issues
- Freezing Temperatures: Cold weather can cause metal parts to contract, leading to sluggish operation. If your garage door is struggling to open or close, it might be due to frozen components.
- Snow and Ice Buildup: Heavy snowfall can obstruct the garage door’s path, making it difficult to open. Ice can also form around the door, creating safety hazards and potentially damaging the door's mechanism.
Provide Proper Maintenance To Your House To Avoid Issues With The Snow
- Seal Deterioration: The rubber seals around your garage door can harden and crack in extreme cold, allowing cold air and moisture to seep in and affecting your home’s energy efficiency.
Bottom Seal In Perfect Shape For Winter
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Garage Door Issues this Winter:
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Use a silicone-based lubricant to keep the door’s rollers, hinges, and tracks moving smoothly. Regular lubrication prevents rust and ensures quiet operation.
- Inspect and/or Replace the Weather Seals: Check the weather seals for any signs of wear or damage. Replacing worn seals can help maintain your home’s warmth and save on energy costs.
- Test the Door’s Balance: A well-balanced garage door is essential for smooth operation. Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door; it should stay open about three feet above the ground. If it doesn’t, contact a garage door professional for adjustments.
- Clear Snow and Ice: Regularly clear snow and ice from the garage door’s path to prevent damage and ensure safe operation. Use a shovel or broom, and avoid using sharp tools that could scratch or dent the door.
- Check the Opener: Test the garage door opener to ensure it functions correctly. If the door doesn’t respond, replacing the batteries or checking the wiring may be time.
- Safeguard Your Pipes in the Garage: In some homes, water pipes run through the garage, making them vulnerable to extremely cold temperatures. When exposed to frigid air, they can become brittle and burst, leading to serious plumbing issues and potential water damage to your garage's contents. To avoid this stress, it’s important to keep your garage warm during winter. Properly winterizing your garage door helps extend not only the door's lifespan but also protects the water pipes and everything stored inside.
- Protect Your Belongings from Moisture: While preventing burst pipes is crucial, it’s equally important to shield your garage items from another winter threat: moisture buildup. The cold air is often saturated with moisture from melting snow, which can cause significant damage to stored items. Boxes, power tools, and footwear are particularly susceptible to damage from dampness. Items placed close to or directly on the floor face the highest risk, so take precautions to ensure they stay safe and dry throughout the winter.

Get Professional Help
If you encounter persistent issues or need assistance with maintenance, consider reaching out to a trusted local service. Overhead Door Company of Central Jersey offers expert garage door services, including inspections, repairs, and installations. Our experienced technicians can help ensure your garage door withstands the harsh winter conditions, keeping your home safe and warm.
By taking these proactive steps, you can winter-proof your garage door and make sure it remains a reliable part of your home this season. Stay warm and secure in New Jersey’s winter, and don’t hesitate to call the professionals when needed!
Reach out to us and let us know how we can assist you.
✓ Call Us: (908) 798-4749
✓ Email Us:
- For New Garage Door Consultation: sales@overheaddoorco.com
- Service Department: resi@overheaddoorco.com
- Commercial Department: comm@overheaddoorco.com
✓ Visit our Showroom & Parts Counter:
952 Route 202 South
Branchburg, NJ 08876