Preparing your residential garage doors for the Quebec winter

Residential garage doors must be properly prepared before the arrival of the Quebec winter, with its frigid temperatures, powerful winds, and heavy snowfall. Proper maintenance not only ensures the safety and energy efficiency of your home, but also extends the life of your doors. This comprehensive guide explains how to protect your residential garage doors and avoid costly problems during the cold season.

1. Check the general condition of the door

Before the first cold weather arrives, thoroughly inspect your residential garage doors. Look for:

• Cracks, dents or deformations on the surface.
• Traces of rust or corrosion on metal doors.
• Wear of seals and weatherstripping.

These minor problems can become major problems when exposed to frost and snow. It's best to take action early to avoid costly repairs in the middle of winter.

2. Maintain moving parts

Residential garage doors have several moving parts: hinges, tracks, springs, and rollers. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure smooth operation, even in extreme cold.

• Lubricate springs, hinges and rollers with a lubricant suitable for cold temperatures.
• Check that the tracks are clear and free of debris. Snow, salt, or ice can jam the mechanism and damage the door.

3. Protect seals and weatherstripping

Seals and weatherstripping are essential for the thermal insulation of your garage. Cracked or winter-hardened seals allow cold air to escape, which can increase your heating bills.

• Replace damaged seals before winter.
• Apply a rubber conditioner to prevent freezing and cracking.

4. Insulate your garage door

If your residential garage doors aren't already insulated, winter is the perfect time to add insulation. Foam panels or insulating coatings can:

• Keep the garage warmer.
• Protect stored items from freezing.
• Reduce heat loss to the adjoining house.

5. Clean and remove snow regularly

Snow and ice buildup around the door can put significant pressure on it and prevent it from opening.

• Clear the area in front of the door of snow after each storm.
• Make sure the automatic opening mechanism is not obstructed by ice.
• Avoid pouring salt directly onto joints or rails, as this can corrode them.

6. Check the automatic opening mechanism

If your residential garage doors are motorized, test the system before winter. Make sure that:

• The remote control and mechanism work properly.
• Safety sensors are not obstructed or misaligned.
• The motor does not make any unusual noises, a sign of wear or excessive stress.

A preventative test will prevent you from getting stuck in the cold.

7. Call a professional if necessary

For older residential garage doors or those showing significant signs of wear, it's best to call a professional. A technician can:

• Inspect and adjust springs and motor.
• Replace worn parts before they cause breakdowns.
• Advise on optimal insulation and protection for the Quebec winter.

Contact us today to book our maintenance services .

In summary

Preparing your residential garage doors for the Quebec winter is essential to ensure their proper operation, protect your belongings, and maintain a safe and comfortable garage. By following these simple steps—inspection, maintenance, insulation, and cleaning—you can avoid costly problems and extend the life of your doors.

Regular, preventative maintenance guarantees you a more peaceful winter and allows you to enjoy a functional garage, whatever the weather.

For additional tips on preparing your home for winter, check out this article from Protégez-Vous .