Fall is one of the best times of year to prioritize home maintenance in Oregon, and that includes checking in on your garage door. Ensuring your garage door is ready for winter is vital, as the moisture and temperature drops can take a toll on its longevity.
This fall, take these three key steps to prep your door for upcoming cooler temps:
1. Inspect and Replace Your Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is the long rubber and vinyl seals that run around the bottom and sides of your garage door. It’s a strong defense against the elements, but it can also wear over time.
You’ll want to check these seals this fall. You’re looking for any visible gaps or feeling around for drafts. If you notice either, it’s time to replace the weather stripping. Fortunately, replacing the rubber seal is a simple project, and a professional can replace the sides easily.
2. Clear Your Tracks
Over the summer, gunk, leaves, and debris have likely made themselves at home in your garage door tracks. This can cause the door to stick or operate unevenly, and the problem only gets worse the longer you wait to clean them.
Use a dry cloth to wipe away debris, and follow up with a garage door-specific lubricant, like WD-40, applied to the moving parts. This can both keep your tracks tidy and ensure that the door functions properly in colder temperatures when the metal gets more rigid.
3. Test and Clean Your Safety Sensors
Fallen leaves and debris can also affect how well your sensors operate. Clear anything that might be causing the sensors to think there’s an object in the door’s path.
If you’re still having issues with the sensors, you might want to clean them with a soft, dry cloth. This removes any dust or spiderwebs that might also cause the sensors to malfunction.
Finish up by testing your sensors. These are a vital safety feature, so if you are still struggling to get your sensors to work properly after cleaning them, you’ll want to schedule professional garage door repair.
Prepare Your Garage for Fall With D Bar Garage Doors
Fall is also an ideal time to schedule garage door repairs and other services to ensure your system is in the best shape possible come winter. The trusted team at D Bar Garage Doors has proudly served the Portland community since 2009. Reach out to us today and schedule your appointment with a home-grown company that puts customers first.
