Garage Door Tune-up before Winter
By Tim Green Garage Door Maintenance • New 0 Comments

How to Prepare Your Garage Door for A Winter in Canada

Garage Door Tune-up before Winter

How to Prepare Your Garage Door for A Winter in Canada

When the first snowflakes start to fall and the temperature drops, most of us in Canada know it’s time to pull out the winter boots, check the furnace, and get the snow shovels ready. But there’s one part of the house that often slips our minds until it’s too late: the garage door.

Taking a little time for garage door winter preparation can make a difference, keeping your home warmer and your daily routine running smoothly, even when the weather outside is anything but friendly.

Why winter impacts garage doors

Winters in Canada are famous for their intensity. Between freezing rain and that heavy snow, your garage door really takes a beating. All that cold can make seals crack, metal parts stiffen, and openers work harder than they should. If we don’t give our garage doors a little attention before the deep freeze sets in, we might find ourselves stuck on the coldest morning of the year, watching our heating bills climb as warm air escapes.

The good news is, with just a few simple steps, we can get our garage doors ready to handle whatever winter throws at us. Let’s walk through what you can do to make sure your garage door is set for the season.
Inspection on a garage door weather stripping before winter

Step 1: Inspect weatherstripping and seals

The first thing we want to check is the weatherstripping and the seal along the bottom of the door. These are our main defense against drafts, snow, and even the occasional critter looking for a cozy spot. Close your garage door and take a good look at the rubber seal and the weatherstripping around the edges. If you spot any cracks, brittle spots, or places where daylight sneaks through, it’s time for a replacement. You can always reach out for garage door repair in Montreal if you’re unsure whether a seal needs replacing. A small gap can let in cold air and moisture, making your garage less comfortable and possibly damaging anything you store inside.

Swapping out weatherstripping is usually a straightforward job, but if you’re not sure how to do it, a professional can make sure everything fits just right. A tight seal keeps the cold out and also helps your garage door run more quietly and efficiently.

Lubricating Garage Door Moving Parts - Rails, Springs, and Rails

Step 2: Lubricate moving parts

Cold weather can make metal parts contract and stiffen, which leads to squeaks, groans, and sometimes even jams. That’s why it’s so important to lubricate your garage door’s moving parts as part of your garage door winter preparation. To avoid costly breakdowns, regular garage door maintenance and repairs are highly recommended before winter hits. Focus on the springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks. We recommend using a high-quality, silicone-based lubricant made for garage doors, these work well even when it’s freezing outside and won’t attract dust or grime. Try to avoid heavy grease or WD-40, since those can thicken up in the cold and actually make things worse.

Just apply a little lubricant to each moving part, then open and close the door a few times to spread it around. This simple step can help your garage door run smoothly and quietly all winter long.

Step 3: Test sensors and openers

Winter can be tough on electronics, and your garage door opener is no exception. Cold temperatures can affect batteries, wiring, and the sensitivity of safety sensors. Start by checking the batteries in your remote and keypad. If they’re more than a year old, it’s a good idea to swap them out before the real cold hits. Next, test the safety sensors by placing something in the door’s path and closing it, the door should reverse automatically. If it doesn’t, try cleaning the sensor lenses with a soft cloth and make sure they’re lined up properly.

While you’re at it, listen for any odd noises when the opener runs. If the motor sounds strained or the door hesitates, it might be time for a tune-up. Taking care of these things now can save you from bigger headaches down the road. Explore our garage door opener repair services if you’re hearing odd noises or struggling with performance.

Testing Garage Door Opener and Sensor

Step 4: Check insulation

A well-insulated garage door can make a world of difference in winter. It helps keep your garage warmer and, as we mentioned earlier, also cuts down on energy costs while protecting anything you store inside from the cold. If your garage door is already insulated, take a moment to check the panels for any damage or gaps. If you have a non-insulated door, you might want to think about adding insulation panels or even upgrading to an insulated model. Many newer garage doors come with built-in insulation that’s both effective and looks great. If you’re considering an upgrade, check out our garage door installation services to explore modern, insulated models.

Good insulation also helps reduce noise and can even boost your home’s curb appeal. It’s a smart move that pays off year after year.
an insulated garage door installed in Laval residential properties

Book a winter check-up

If you’re not sure where to start, or you just want the peace of mind that comes with a professional touch, we’re here to help. At Unique Garage Doors Montreal, we can inspect, lubricate, and test every part of your garage door system, making sure it’s ready for whatever winter brings. Don’t wait until you’re stuck in the cold, book your winter garage door check-up online and enjoy a warm, worry-free season. We also offer emergency garage door repair in Montreal for unexpected breakdowns, even during storms.

A little preparation now can save you a lot of trouble later. By following these steps, you’ll have your garage door ready to face the winter in Canada, keeping your home cozy, your car protected, and your mornings running smoothly. Stay warm out there!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does cold weather affect garage doors?

When the temperature drops, metal parts can contract, making your garage door harder to open and close. Lubricants can thicken, springs may become brittle, and seals can crack, letting in drafts and moisture. Electronics like openers and sensors might also be less responsive in extreme cold. That’s why regular maintenance and a little garage door winter preparation go a long way.

For winters in Canada, we always recommend a silicone-based garage door lubricant. It stays flexible and effective even when it’s really cold, doesn’t attract dust, and is safe for all the moving parts. Try to steer clear of heavy greases or all-purpose sprays like WD-40, since they can gum up and cause more problems in the cold.

a technician in Montreal conducting a maintenance in a commercial garage door
By Tim Green Garage Door Maintenance 0 Comments

How often should you service your garage door in Canada?

a technician in Montreal conducting a maintenance in a commercial garage door

How often should you service your garage door in Canada?

If you’re like most homeowners in Canada, your garage door is probably something you use every single day, sometimes without even thinking about it. It’s there for you through snow, rain, and sunshine, keeping your home secure and making life just a little bit easier.
But have you ever wondered how often you should actually give it a little TLC? Let us walk you through why regular garage door maintenance in Canada is so important, how to fit it into your routine, and what you can expect when you decide to give your door the attention it deserves.

Why regular maintenance matters

We all know how much we rely on our garage doors, especially when the weather isn’t exactly cooperating. Over time, all that opening and closing, plus the ups and downs of Canadian weather, can really take a toll on the springs, cables, rollers, and opener. If we don’t keep an eye on things, small issues can sneak up on us and turn into bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
By making garage door maintenance a regular part of our home care, we’re avoiding those surprise breakdowns and we’re also helping our doors last longer, keeping our homes safe, and saving money by catching little problems before they get out of hand. Think of it like taking your car in for an oil change or going to the dentist for a checkup, it’s all about keeping things running smoothly and giving ourselves a little peace of mind.
a garage door in Montreal residence having a regular garage door maintenance

Seasonal maintenance schedule

Living in Canada means our garage doors have to handle a lot, icy winters or hot, sunny summers. That’s why it helps to have a simple, seasonal routine. In the spring, after the snow melts, it’s a good idea to check for any rust, worn weatherstripping, or parts that might have struggled through the cold. A little lubrication and a quick balance test can go a long way.

When summer rolls around, we like to look for any sun damage, especially if the door gets a lot of direct light. It’s also a great time to clean the tracks and make sure the safety sensors are working just right. As fall approaches, we want to get ready for winter by checking the weather seal at the bottom of the door and making sure everything closes up tight to keep out drafts and moisture. Another round of lubrication for the hinges, springs, and rollers helps too.
And in winter, it’s all about keeping the area around the door clear of snow and ice. If the door starts moving slowly or making odd noises, that’s our cue to call in a professional. For most homes, booking a professional garage door maintenance appointment once a year is just right. But if you notice anything unusual or your door gets a lot of use, it’s always smart to schedule a checkup sooner.
2 service car from Unique Garage Door line up for a Garage Door Maintenance

What to expect during a service

a technician from Unique Garage Door checking the spring for a garage door maintenance
When you invite a technician over for a maintenance visit, you can expect a thorough but straightforward process. They’ll take a close look at all the moving parts, springs, cables, rollers, hinges, and tracks, making sure everything’s in good shape. Lubricating key components helps cut down on friction and wear, and they’ll test the door’s balance and alignment to keep things running smoothly.
The opener’s safety features get checked and adjusted if needed, and any loose bolts or hardware get tightened up. Weatherstripping and seals are inspected for damage, and the technician will keep an eye out for any signs of rust or fatigue. At Unique Garage Doors, for example, the service call itself is free, and you’ll get a clear estimate on the spot if any repairs are needed. The whole idea is to keep your door working safely and reliably, with no surprises.

DIY vs professional maintenance

There are a few simple things we can all do to help our garage doors last longer. Listening for strange noises, keeping the tracks clean, checking the batteries in our remotes, and wiping down the door every so often are all easy ways to stay on top of things. But when it comes to bigger jobs, it’s best to let the professionals handle it. Garage doors are heavy and under a lot of tension, so having someone with the right tools and experience makes all the difference.
If you’re ever unsure, it’s always safer to reach out to a pro for your garage door maintenance in Canada. We’re here to help, and we want you to feel confident that your door is in good hands.
An expert on Garage Door Maintenance Checking on a cables, springs, and panels

Book a garage door tune-up

If you’re ready to give your garage door a little extra care, booking a tune-up is quick and easy. At Unique Garage Doors, we’re proud to serve Montreal and the surrounding areas with honest, reliable service. Our technicians are experienced, friendly, and genuinely care about your satisfaction. Don’t wait for a breakdown—book your garage door maintenance online today, and let us help you keep things running smoothly all year long.

Taking care of your garage door doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little attention and the right support, you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing your door will work when you need it most, no matter what the Canadian weather brings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in a typical garage door service?

When you schedule a maintenance visit, you can expect a full inspection of all the moving parts, lubrication where it’s needed, safety checks, tightening of hardware, and a look at the weather seals. If anything needs fixing, you’ll get a clear estimate before any work begins.
Most tune-ups take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the condition of your door and opener. If repairs are needed, your technician will let you know how much extra time to plan for.