Guide
Garage Door Maintenance for Indiana Winters
Indiana winters don't break good garage doors. They expose tired ones.
Before the first freeze
Look and listen. Run the door and watch for jerky movement, squeals or a door that's slow to close.
Weatherstripping
Check the bottom seal and side seals for cracks. A torn seal lets in cold air and lets the door freeze to the floor.
Lubrication
A light garage-door lubricant on hinges and rollers (not the tracks themselves) helps in the cold. Follow the product label.
Sensors and snow
Keep sensor lenses clear of snow and ice, and watch the shovel. Bumped sensors are a classic January problem.
If the door is frozen to the floor
Don't force it with the opener. Gently free the seal or wait for it to thaw.
Leave to a pro
Springs, cables and bottom brackets. If any look rusted or frayed, have them inspected before winter.
Safety first. Don't touch lift cables or bottom brackets. They're connected to the springs and under tension. A frayed cable can snap without warning. Stop using the door if a cable looks damaged.