January 8, 2026 6 min read
# Preparing Your Garage Door for Winter: Essential Tips
New Hampshire winters are harsh, and your garage door needs proper preparation to function reliably through the cold months.
Cold temperatures affect garage door components in several ways: - Metal contracts, affecting alignment, Lubricants thicken and become less effective, Weatherstripping becomes brittle, Batteries in remotes drain faster
Without proper preparation, you risk getting stuck with a frozen or malfunctioning door on the coldest days of the year.
Check the bottom seal and side seals for cracks or gaps. Replace any damaged weatherstripping to keep cold air and snow out. This simple step can reduce your heating bills significantly.
Apply cold-weather lubricant to: - Hinges, Rollers, Springs, Tracks, Chain or belt
Use a silicone-based lubricant that won't thicken in cold temperatures. Avoid WD-40, which can attract dust and grime.
Place a 2x4 on the ground where the door closes. The door should reverse when it touches the board. If not, this safety feature needs adjustment.
Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. It should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment by a professional.
Tighten loose bolts and screws. Winter temperature changes cause expansion and contraction that can loosen hardware over time.
Remove debris and check for dents or damage. Misaligned tracks cause operational problems and accelerate wear on other components.
Make sure the manual release cord works properly. If you lose power during a winter storm, you'll need to open the door manually.
Replace batteries in your remotes and keypad before cold weather hits. Cold temperatures drain batteries faster.
Our comprehensive winter preparation service at Garage Door Exeter includes all the above plus: - Complete safety inspection, Professional lubrication with cold-weather products, Spring tension adjustment, Opener maintenance and motor inspection, Weatherstripping assessment and replacement, Balance testing and adjustment
A well-prepared garage door helps reduce heating costs: - Insulated doors can reduce heat loss by up to 71% - Proper sealing prevents cold drafts, Consider adding insulation panels if your door lacks them
Visit our services page to learn about our insulation options.
At Garage Door Exeter, we handle many winter-related calls. The most common issues include: - Frozen weatherstripping stuck to the ground, Slow or sluggish operation due to thickened lubricant, Photo-eye sensors blocked by snow or ice, Broken springs from metal contraction
Schedule your winter prep service by calling (978) 574-7767