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Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: Getting Your Garage Door Ready for the Colorado Winter

Writer's picture: Rowena NatashaRowena Natasha

Updated: Nov 9, 2023

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, homeowners everywhere start preparing their homes for the winter months. One area that often gets overlooked in this seasonal transition is the garage door. Ensuring your garage door is winter-ready not only guarantees smooth operation throughout the colder months but also prolongs its lifespan and improves energy efficiency. Here's a comprehensive checklist to get your garage door winter-ready:

Getting Your Garage Door Ready for the Colorado Winter

1. Inspect the Weather Stripping Below Your Garage Door

  • Purpose: The weather stripping at the bottom of your garage door keeps out cold drafts, rain, and snow.

  • Action: Check for cracks, wear, and gaps. If it's damaged, replace it to ensure a tight seal.

2. Lubricate Moving Parts on Your Garage Door

  • Purpose: Cold weather can make the moving parts of your garage door stiff, leading to noisy operation or even malfunctions.

  • Action: Use a silicone-based lubricant to grease the rollers, hinges, and tracks. Avoid heavy oils that can gum up.

3. Check the Door Balance

  • Purpose: An imbalanced door can strain the garage door opener, leading to premature wear.

  • Action: Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it doesn't stay put, the balance is off, and you might need to adjust the springs (preferably by a professional).

4. Inspect Rollers and Cables

  • Purpose: Worn out rollers or frayed cables can lead to operational issues.

  • Action: Check for signs of wear or damage. Replace any damaged rollers and consult a professional for cable issues.

5. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature

  • Purpose: This safety feature ensures that the door reverses if it encounters an obstacle.

  • Action: Place a piece of wood or a brick on the ground in the door's path. If the door doesn't reverse upon contact, adjust the mechanism.

6. Clear the Tracks of Your Garage Door

  • Purpose: Debris in the tracks can hinder the smooth movement of the door.

  • Action: Clean the tracks on either side of the door, ensuring they're free from leaves, dirt, and other obstructions.

7. Inspect for Pests

  • Purpose: Rodents often seek shelter in garages during colder months.

  • Action: Check for signs of nests or droppings. Seal any small openings and consider using repellents.

8. Check the Batteries

  • Purpose: Cold weather can drain battery life.

  • Action: Replace the batteries in your remote control and the backup battery in your garage door opener.

9. Inspect the Exterior

  • Purpose: Protecting the door's exterior can prevent weather-related damage.

  • Action: Check for peeling paint, warping, or water damage. Consider applying a fresh coat of paint or sealant.

10. Consider Insulation

  • Purpose: An insulated garage door can keep your garage warmer, reduce noise, and improve energy efficiency.

  • Action: If your door isn't already insulated, consider adding insulation panels or upgrading to an insulated door.


Winterizing your garage door is an essential step in fall home maintenance. By following this checklist, you can ensure that your garage remains functional, safe, and energy-efficient throughout the winter months. Remember, while many of these tasks can be DIY, don't hesitate to consult a professional for more complex issues. Your garage door is a significant investment, and proper care can ensure it serves you well for years to come.

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