As temperatures drop across Colorado, your garage door becomes a key line of defense against snow, ice, and bitter cold.

Performing simple winter garage door maintenance now can prevent costly breakdowns and keep your system running strong all season long.

Whether you’re a hands-on homeowner or prefer professional service, this garage door checklist will help you prep your entire system before the first snowfall hits.

Why Winter Can Be Hard on Garage Doors

Cold weather takes a toll on your garage door system. Metal parts contract, lubricants thicken, and moisture can freeze tracks or seals in place.

Springs may snap, and garage door openers can struggle to lift heavy, stiff panels.

If you want to avoid an emergency call during a blizzard, it’s time to perform a little preventative maintenance now—before freezing weather sets in.

✅ The Ultimate Garage Door Maintenance Checklist

Here’s everything you should check to make sure your garage door continues opening and closing smoothly this winter.

1. Inspect and Replace Weather Stripping

Check the rubber seal at the bottom of your door and the weather stripping along the sides and top. Cracked or worn seals allow drafts and snow to enter, leading to heat loss and water damage.

Replace the strips if:

• You feel cold air inside the garage
• You see light around the door edges
• The seal is flattened or brittle

Replacing the weather stripping is an easy and inexpensive way to improve insulation and prevent ice from forming along the base of the door.

2. Lubricate Moving Parts

Cold weather stiffens metal, which can slow or damage your door. Proper lubricating of the garage door ensures everything moves freely—even in freezing temperatures.

Use a silicone-based lubricant (not WD-40) to coat:

• Rollers and hinges
• Bearings and pulleys
• Torsion springs
• Tracks and drive chain (lightly)

By lubricating garage door components at least twice a year, you’ll reduce friction, prevent rust, and keep your door operating smoothly all winter long.

3. Tighten and Inspect Hardware

Seasonal changes can cause bolts, brackets, and hinges to loosen. Tighten:

• Track mounting brackets
• Roller bolts
• Door hinges
• Motor mounting screws

This prevents rattling and supports long-term safety for your garage door operation.

4. Clean the Tracks

Wipe out dust, grit, or salt with a soft cloth. Dirty tracks can block the rollers and lead to uneven travel or stalling.

Avoid using grease—it attracts debris. Clean, dry tracks keep your door running smoothly throughout winter.

5. Test Auto-Reverse and Photo Eye Sensors

Your photo eye sensor system prevents accidents by detecting obstructions. Test it by placing an object under the door and trying to close it. The door should reverse immediately.

If not:

• Wipe the lenses clean
• Ensure both sensors are aligned
• Look for solid indicator lights

This quick test ensures your safety system works when it matters most.

6. Check Door Balance and Springs

Pull the emergency release cord and lift the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, the door balance is off, and your garage door springs may need adjustment.

Torsion springs can lose tension or become brittle in cold weather. Don’t attempt to adjust them yourself—call a professional garage door service to avoid injury or damage.

7. Inspect the Panels and Finish

Look for signs of wear such as:

• Rust or corrosion on steel doors
• Warping or cracks on wood panels
• Peeling paint or exposed metal

A touch-up or reseal now can prevent costly repairs later.

8. Test the Garage Door Opener

Cold weather affects electronics, so test your garage door opener and remote controls. Ensure the system responds immediately and doesn’t hesitate when opening and closing.

If your opener struggles or you hear grinding noises, it may need a garage door tune-up or a motor adjustment.

Learn if a smart garage door opener is worth it for you or not.

9. Schedule Preventative Maintenance

Even if your system seems fine, annual preventative maintenance from a trusted Denver garage door company can help catch hidden issues early. A professional technician can:

• Adjust door balance and spring tension
• Lubricate moving parts
• Inspect the opener and safety sensors
• Replace worn rollers and hinges
• Perform a full garage door tune-up for winter

Regular maintenance keeps your system safe, reliable, and efficient for the long term.

Don’t Wait for the Snow to Fall

A stuck or frozen door can be more than inconvenient—it can keep you trapped during emergencies.

Performing winter garage door maintenance before freezing temperatures hit ensures a smooth, quiet, and dependable system.

At Third Gen Garage Doors, we specialize in seasonal garage door service, tune-ups, and insulation upgrades throughout the Denver metro area.

Our team can help your garage operate smoothly and withstand Colorado’s toughest winter conditions.