Your garage door works hard all year. Then winter hits, and it suddenly has to deal with freezing temps, snow, and ice too. If it’s not ready, you’ll find out the hard way on the coldest morning of the year.
The good news is a quick check now can save you a lot of hassle later. Here’s what to look at before the snow flies.
Listen to your door
Open and close your garage door a few times and listen.
Scraping, grinding, or banging noises are all signs something’s off. A healthy garage door should move smoothly and quietly. If yours sounds rough, the rollers, hinges, or track probably needs attention.
Check the weather seal at the bottom
This is the rubber strip along the bottom of your garage door. Its whole job is to keep cold air, snow, and water out of your garage.
Look for:
- Cracks or tears in the rubber
- Spots where it’s flattened or worn thin
- Gaps where light comes through underneath the door
If you see daylight under your closed door, cold air is getting in too. A worn seal is a cheap fix now, and a much bigger heating bill later if you leave it.
Check the seals along the sides and top
Most people only think about the bottom seal. But there are usually seals running up the sides and across the top of the garage door too.
Run your hand along them. If they feel stiff, cracked, or brittle, they’ve likely lost their ability to seal properly. Cold Alberta winters are especially hard on rubber seals, so don’t be surprised if they need replacing.
Test the balance
Pull the release cord so the door disconnects from the opener, then lift it halfway by hand.
A well-balanced garage door should stay put. If it drops or shoots up on its own, the spring tension is off. Don’t try to fix this yourself. Garage door springs are under serious tension, and adjusting them wrong can be dangerous.
Look at the rollers and hinges
Walk along the track and check the rollers. They should look round and roll smoothly, not flat or worn on one side.
While you’re there, give the hinges and rollers a light coat of garage door lubricant. It’s a small step that keeps everything moving freely, even once the temperature drops well below zero.
Check the sensors
Most garage doors have small sensors near the bottom of the track on each side. They’re the reason your door stops or reverses if something’s in the way.
Wave your hand in front of them while the door is closing. It should stop or reverse right away. If it doesn’t, get this looked at before winter.
Add heat to your garage this winter
Thinking about installing a garage heater? Before you do, make sure your garage door seals properly.
Even the best heater will struggle if warm air is escaping through gaps around the door. A quick inspection now can help keep your garage warmer, improve efficiency, and lower heating costs once winter arrives.
If you're planning to heat your garage this season, start by checking the weather seals, insulation, and overall condition of your garage door.
When it’s time to call a pro
A lot of this you can check yourself in ten minutes. But some things are worth leaving to the pros, especially anything involving springs, cables, or an opener that’s not working properly.
ATCO Energy's garage door repair and installation service covers the full inspection, from weather seals to balance to safety sensors, so nothing gets missed before the cold sets in.
Frequently asked questions about garage door inspection
How often should I inspect my garage door before winter?
Once a year, ideally in early fall, is a good habit. It gives you time to fix anything before the first real cold snap.
How do I know if my garage door weather seal needs replacing?
Look for cracks, flattening, or gaps where light comes through. If you can see daylight under a closed door, the seal isn’t doing its job anymore.
Can I test my garage door balance myself?
Yes. Disconnect the opener using the release cord, then lift the door halfway by hand. It should stay in place. If it doesn’t, the spring tension needs adjusting by a professional.
Is it safe to fix garage door springs myself?
No. Garage door springs are under a lot of tension and can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly. This is one job worth leaving to a professional.
Why does my garage door feel colder in winter even when it’s closed?
Usually a worn weather seal, either at the bottom or along the sides and top. Cold air finds its way through even small gaps.
What’s the easiest garage door maintenance I can do myself?
Lubricating the rollers and hinges, and checking the weather seal for cracks or gaps. Both take just a few minutes and go a long way.
