New Jersey winters can be brutal on garage doors. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and temperature fluctuations all take their toll. Here's how to prepare your garage door for winter and keep it functioning smoothly through the coldest months.
Pre-Winter Inspection Checklist
- Test balance: Disconnect opener and lift door manually - it should lift easily and stay in place
- Check weather seals: Look for cracks or gaps in bottom seal and side seals
- Inspect springs: Look for gaps, rust, or wear (never adjust yourself!)
- Test safety features: Check photo-eye sensors and auto-reverse function
- Lubricate moving parts: Use garage door lubricant on hinges, rollers, and tracks
Common Winter Issues & Prevention
Frozen Garage Doors
Problem: Door freezes to ground or won't open due to ice buildup.
Prevention: Keep bottom seal flexible with silicone spray. Clear snow and ice promptly.
Solution: Never force a frozen door! Use warm water or hair dryer to melt ice.
Opener Strain
Problem: Opener works harder in cold weather, especially with ice buildup.
Prevention: Ensure proper spring balance and lubrication.
Solution: If opener struggles, stop use and call professionals to avoid motor damage.
Track Expansion/Contraction
Problem: Metal tracks expand and contract with temperature changes.
Prevention: Ensure proper track alignment before winter.
Solution: Have tracks inspected and adjusted by professionals if needed.
❄️ NJ Winter Tip
Keep your garage slightly heated if possible (even just 40-45°F). This prevents extreme temperature swings that stress your garage door system and keeps lubricants from thickening.
Monthly Winter Maintenance Tasks
December Tasks
- Clear all snow and ice from door and tracks after each storm
- Check weather seals for ice buildup
- Test door balance after first freeze
January Tasks
- Re-lubricate moving parts (cold weather thickens lubricants)
- Check for ice dams affecting door operation
- Monitor opener for signs of strain
February Tasks
- Inspect springs for winter damage
- Check cables for fraying (cold makes them brittle)
- Prepare for spring thaw issues
Emergency Prevention Strategies
Before Major Storms
- Test manual operation (in case power goes out)
- Clear area around door
- Have backup plan for exit/entry
- Check emergency release cord accessibility
Post-Storm Checklist
- Clear snow from door bottom and sides before operating
- Check for ice blockages in tracks
- Test door operation manually before using opener
- Look for storm damage to panels or hardware
⚠️ Winter Safety Warning
Never attempt to repair frozen springs or cables yourself. Cold weather makes these components extremely dangerous. If your door won't open due to spring issues, call Ez2Fix for safe winter emergency service.
When to Call Professionals
- Opener straining: Making unusual noises or struggling to lift door
- Uneven operation: Door tilting or binding in tracks
- Spring issues: Door won't stay up or drops quickly
- Frozen solid: Door completely iced over and won't budge
- Storm damage: Any visible damage to panels, tracks, or hardware
💡 Ez2Fix Winter Service
We offer winter garage door tune-ups that include cold-weather lubrication, weather seal inspection, spring adjustment, and opener calibration. Schedule yours in November to avoid winter emergencies!