get a quote 
As the temperatures start to drop throughout Scotland, garage doors are exposed to more rain, wind, moisture and cold weather. Worn seals, stiff parts and lack of maintenance can be more noticeable in the winter which can leave you with a door that doesn’t work as well as it should.
Preparation of your garage door will help to avoid any unexpected issues, protect your stored items and keep your home secure. Whether it is a manual up and over garage door or an automatic roller door, there are a few simple steps you can take.
This guide has been written for homeowners looking for Garage Doors Repair in Edinburgh or Livingston to help you to repair your garage door for the colder weather and know what issues to look out for.
Carry out a Visual Inspection
Before the winter hits, you should check your garage door for any signs of wear and tear on the panels, frame, hinges, tracks and surrounding area.
Look out for signs of rusting, cracking, loose items and damaged panels. This could cause water to get in and can affect how well the door works.
If you notice your door isn’t opening and closing properly it should be avoided. If it looks off centre, is heavier than usual or gets stuck halfway through its movement then get it checked out by a professional.
By checking early this can help to stop small issues becoming a bigger issue during the winter.
Check the Weather Stripping
Weather stripping helps to keep draughts to a minimum and stops rainwater, dirt and debris getting in through gaps.
Over time rubber weather stripping can become fragile, cracked or fall off. Check the bottom seal and weather stripping around the frame.
By replacing old weather stripping it will help to keep your garage more protected from the weather and keep it cleaner and drier. This can be very helpful if you have tools, bikes, gardening equipment or other items stored in your garage.
If there are still gaps in your door then a professional can check if adjustments are required.
Clean and Maintain Tracks and Moving Parts
Your garage door uses rollers, tracks, hinges and other parts to ensure it moves correctly. Dirt and debris can cause noise and uneven movement.
Clear away any loose debris that you can see. Ensure there is nothing around the area. Ensure you follow the manufacturers guidelines to clean and maintain your garage door.
Try not to use incorrect lubricants or try to adjust the springs and cables. The parts can have a lot of tension on them and incorrect handling can lead to serious injury.
If your door is making grinding noises or isn’t moving as smoothly as it should then a professional Garage Door Repairs in Livingston can help to find out the cause of the issue.
Maintenance
Whilst automatic garage doors are very convenient to use, it is important to keep them well maintained.
Ensure that your remote control has fresh batteries and the sensor is not dirty or blocked. If your automatic garage door is reversing, having difficulty closing or not responding to commands then it could be due to a problem with the sensors, opener or mechanical parts.
Don’t ignore your safety sensors.
If there are any electrical problems with your opener, ensure that a qualified professional comes to inspect it.
When upgrading your garage door you should look into working with a professional company like Garage Doors Repair in Edinburgh to see what modern automatic garage doors they can provide.
Damaged springs or cables
No matter how well you repair your garage door for cold weather there could be issues with the springs and lift cables.
If you hear any loud bangs, sudden weight, jerky movement or visible dangling cables then stop using your door.
It is important that you get a professional to inspect your garage door. If there is damage to the springs or cables it can cause instability to your garage door. If you can get it looked at quickly this can help to avoid causing any more damage.
Fully closing door
If your garage door is not fully closing this can leave your property vulnerable to unwanted access. It can also cause rain or wind to get into your property.
Ensure that your garage door is fully closing to the floor and locking correctly. If you have an automatic garage door ensure that the safety features are working.
If your garage door is not fully closing, reversing or not locking then book an inspection.
When looking at Garage Doors Installation Edinburgh look into modern lock features, weather seals and insulation.
When should you replace your garage door?
Sometimes during some winter maintenance work you may find out your current garage door isn’t reliable anymore.
If your garage door is heavily corroded, has damaged panels, has had many mechanical issues or poor security then you may want to consider replacing your door. As well as this, if you have an older door which doesn’t have parts available to replace it may become more costly to maintain.
However, if there is only one issue with your garage door then you may not need to replace it. If the structure is still intact then you may just need to replace a worn roller, damaged seal or faulty part.
Getting a professional to come and assess it will give you an idea of how much it will cost to repair in comparison to the benefits of replacing it.
Why Professional Servicing is Important
Having your garage door serviced will show any signs of wear so that you don’t get a sudden breakdown. Your technician will check your springs, cables, rollers, tracks, hinges, balance and opener depending on what type of door you have.
This can be very useful to know ahead of winter, so that you don’t get any issues with your door.
If you need Garage Door Repairs in Livingston then choose a company who can tell you why there is an issue and suggest the right repair. If you are installing a new system having the professionals fit it will ensure it is fitted correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent draughts?
First check there are no cracks or gaps in the bottom seal and weather stripping around the frame. If you have old seals then replace them. If the door is not closing correctly then book an inspection.
Do I need to oil my garage door?
Ensure you follow the manufacturers guidelines for servicing, only apply lubricants to approved moving parts. Avoid applying lubricants to any dry parts of your door. Never attempt to adjust any springs or cables.
When do I need to contact a garage door repair professional?
If your door has become too heavy, is sticking, is out of line, has come off the runners, broken spring/cable, or is struggling to shut properly, you should contact a professional.
Final Thoughts
By doing a bit of maintenance to your garage door you can ensure that it will be more reliable and protect your home from harsh weather. Ensuring that the seals are in good condition and checking for any lack of clarity and strange noises will help you to spot any potential issues.
As a homeowner we can help you to identify any issues with your garage door. Whether you need Garage Door Repairs in Livingston we can ensure that your garage door remains safe. This means that you can use your garage door without any issues throughout the colder months.
Previous