How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend having your garage door professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, extends the lifespan of your door and opener, and ensures safe operation. If your door is used frequently or is older, you may benefit from bi-annual service.

What are signs that my garage door springs need replacement?

Common signs include: the door feels unusually heavy when manually lifted, the door opens crookedly or unevenly, you hear loud banging noises when operating the door, visible gaps or stretched sections in the springs, or the door won't stay open on its own. Never attempt to replace springs yourself as they're under extreme tension and can cause serious injury.

Do you offer emergency garage door repair services?

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency repair services for urgent situations like a door that won't close, broken springs that have trapped your car, or security concerns. Call our emergency line at 360-743-3886 and a technician will respond as quickly as possible, typically within 1-2 hours during business hours.

Essential Winter Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Name: Garage Door Kingston
Address: 1140 NE Michelle Ln, Kingston, WA, 98346, US
Telephone: 360-743-3886
Price range: $$

2024-12-28 6 min read Garage Door Kingston

Winter brings unique challenges for garage doors. Cold temperatures, moisture, and ice can affect operation and potentially cause damage. Proper preparation and maintenance help ensure reliable performance throughout the season.

Pre-Winter Inspection Checklist

Before temperatures drop, perform these essential checks:

Visual Inspection, Look for cracks, dents, or warping in panels, Check weather stripping for damage or gaps, Inspect hardware for rust or corrosion, Examine springs and cables for wear (from a safe distance)

Operational Testing, Test the balance by disconnecting the opener and lifting manually, Check the auto-reverse safety feature, Verify that the door opens and closes smoothly, Listen for unusual sounds

Lubrication is Critical

Cold weather thickens lubricants, making proper lubrication even more important. Use a silicone-based lubricant (not WD-40) on:

- Rollers and hinges, Springs and bearings, Tracks (sparingly) - Lock mechanisms

Apply lubricant when temperatures are above freezing for best absorption.

Weather Seal Maintenance

Your bottom weather seal is the first line of defense against: - Cold air infiltration, Snow and ice intrusion, Pests seeking warmth, Water damage

Replace worn or cracked seals before winter. Consider upgrading to a threshold seal for additional protection.

Dealing with Ice

Ice can cause several problems:

Frozen to the Ground

Never force a frozen door open.you could damage panels, the opener, or both. Instead: - Use a heat gun or hair dryer to gently melt ice, Apply de-icer along the bottom seal, Clear snow before it melts and refreezes

Ice on Hardware

Ice buildup on hinges and rollers impedes movement. Keep hardware lubricated to prevent sticking.

Insulation Benefits

If your garage is attached to your home, proper door insulation: - Reduces heat loss from living spaces, Prevents freezing of items stored in the garage, Reduces strain on your home's heating system, Can save 10-20% on energy costs

Opener Considerations

Cold affects opener performance too: - Replace batteries in remotes and keypads, Test the manual release in case of power outages, Consider a battery backup system, Adjust the opener force settings if the door moves sluggishly

When to Call a Professional

Some winter issues require expert attention: - Broken springs (more common in cold weather) - Opener not responding to cold, Significant alignment issues, Damaged panels or hardware

At Garage Door Kingston, we provide 24/7 emergency service throughout the winter season. Don't let a garage door issue leave you stranded in the cold.

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