Northern Wisconsin winters can be tough on garage doors. Cold temperatures, snow, ice and repeated freeze-thaw conditions can make existing wear more noticeable and turn a minor problem into a much less convenient one.

Early fall is a good time to give your garage door a closer look. You do not need to take anything apart. Simply checking how the door moves, sounds and seals can help you spot problems before winter weather arrives.

Here is what homeowners should pay attention to.

Check How the Garage Door Moves and Sounds

Start by opening and closing the door a few times and watching it carefully.

A properly operating garage door should move smoothly and consistently. Pay attention to changes such as:

• Jerking or shaking
• Uneven or crooked movement
• Hesitation when opening or closing
• Grinding, scraping or other unusual noises
• Slower operation than usual
• A door that stops unexpectedly

A new sound or change in movement does not automatically mean a major repair is needed. It does mean something may deserve a closer look.

Catching a developing problem in September or October is preferable to discovering it when temperatures are below freezing and you need the door to work.

Inspect Weather Seals and Visible Gaps

The weather seals around a garage door help limit the amount of cold air, snow, water and debris entering around the opening.

Look at the bottom seal as well as the weatherstripping along the sides and top of the door.

Watch for:

• Cracking
• Brittleness
• Tears
• Missing sections
• Flattened or deteriorated seals
• Visible daylight around the closed door

Seeing daylight does not always mean the weatherstripping alone is the problem. Gaps can also result from door alignment, an uneven floor or another issue affecting how the door closes.

Identifying the cause is more useful than simply replacing a seal and hoping it solves the problem.

Look for Visible Wear or Damage

You can perform a basic visual inspection without touching or adjusting the door’s mechanical components.

With the garage door closed, look for obvious signs of trouble, including:

• Frayed or damaged cables
• Visibly damaged springs
• Worn rollers
• Bent track
• Loose or damaged hardware
• Cracked or damaged door sections

Garage door springs, cables and related components operate under significant tension. Do not attempt to adjust, remove or repair them yourself.

If you see visible damage or the door is no longer operating normally, have it inspected by a trained garage door technician.

Make Sure the Garage Door Opener Is Working Properly

A garage door opener can sometimes appear to be the problem when the underlying issue is actually with the door.

Pay attention to whether the opener:

• Starts promptly
• Moves the door smoothly
• Stops during operation
• Requires repeated attempts
• Makes sounds that are new or unusual
• Appears to strain while lifting the door

A garage door and opener work together as a system. If the door is poorly balanced, binding or mechanically damaged, the opener may have to work harder than it should.

That is why it is important to diagnose the cause instead of automatically assuming the opener needs to be replaced.

Test the Safety Features

Automatic garage door openers include important safety features that should be working properly throughout the year.

Check the photo-eye sensors near the bottom of the door. Make sure they are clean, aligned
and free of anything that could block the beam.

The opener’s reversing system should also be tested according to the manufacturer’s
instructions for your particular model.

If a safety feature is not functioning correctly, do not bypass or disable it. Have the system
inspected and repaired.

Keep Snow and Ice Away from the Door

Once winter arrives, keep the area around the bottom of the garage door as clear as practical.

Snow and ice can interfere with the bottom seal or prevent the door from moving normally.

Under certain conditions, the seal can also freeze to the garage floor.

If the door appears frozen or blocked, do not keep pressing the opener in an attempt to force it upward.

Check for visible snow or ice first. If the door still will not move normally, stop operating it until the cause is identified.

Repeatedly trying to open a door that is stuck or obstructed can place unnecessary stress on the opener and other parts of the system.

Know When Repair or Replacement Makes More Sense

Not every garage door problem means you need a new door.

Repair is often the practical choice when the problem is limited to a specific component and the
rest of the door is in good condition.

Replacement may deserve consideration when the door has:

• Significant section or panel damage
• Recurring mechanical problems
• Extensive deterioration
• Multiple aging components
• Poor fit or sealing that cannot be reasonably corrected
• Features or performance that no longer meet your needs

For Northern Wisconsin homeowners, insulation can also be an important consideration when choosing a replacement door, particularly for attached garages or garages that are regularly
used as workshops or other occupied spaces.

The best decision depends on the condition of the existing door, the repair required and how you use the garage.

A Little Attention Before Winter Can Prevent a Bigger Inconvenience

You do not need to wait until a garage door stops working completely before having it checked.

Unusual noise, uneven movement, damaged weather seals or visible wear can all be early signs that service is needed. Addressing those concerns before the heart of winter can make scheduling and repairs much easier.

ASAP Garage Door Repair provides professional garage door service, repair, installation and opener service for homeowners and businesses in Eagle River and surrounding Northern Wisconsin communities.

If your garage door does not look, sound or operate the way it should, call 715-545-3172 to schedule service.