More garage door springs break in winter than any other season — cold metal is brittle metal. Here's how to get your door ready before the deep freeze hits St. Louis.
Lubricate Before It Freezes
Grease thickens in the cold. Apply a silicone or lithium-based garage door lubricant to springs, rollers, hinges, and the opener rail while temperatures are still moderate. This is the single most effective thing you can do.
Replace the Bottom Seal
A stiff, cracked bottom seal lets in freezing air, snow, and rodents looking for warmth. Rubber seals harden with age — if yours doesn't compress easily, replace it.
Check the Weatherstripping
The trim seals along the sides and top of the door keep wind out. Look for gaps and daylight around the closed door.
Test the Balance
Cold amplifies existing problems. A door that's slightly out of balance in October may refuse to open in January when the springs stiffen. Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway — it should stay in place.
Watch the Opener Force Settings
Some openers struggle in extreme cold. If your door stops or reverses on frigid mornings, don't crank up the force setting — that masks a mechanical problem. Call a professional.
Straight Up Garage Doors handles winter tune-ups and emergency repairs across the St. Louis metro. Call (314) 788-1106.