WHAT YOU CAN DO AND WHEN TO SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE

Inspect the Weather Seals

The weatherstripping around your garage door helps keep cold air, rain, snow, dirt, and pests from entering your garage. Over time, these seals can become cracked, brittle, or worn, allowing moisture and drafts to make their way inside.

Before winter arrives, inspect the bottom seal and perimeter weatherstripping for signs of damage. Replacing worn seals can improve insulation, help regulate temperatures inside the garage, and reduce unnecessary strain on your heating system if your garage is attached to your home.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Cold weather can make garage door components work harder than usual. Rollers, hinges, springs, and bearings all benefit from routine lubrication to reduce friction and allow the door to operate more smoothly.

Using a garage door lubricant recommended by the manufacturer can help minimize squeaking, reduce wear, and improve overall performance. Regular lubrication is one of the simplest ways to help prevent unnecessary service calls while extending the lifespan of your garage door system.

Check Springs, Cables, and Hardware

Seasonal temperature changes can place additional stress on garage door components. Take a few moments to perform a visual inspection of your garage door's hardware, looking for loose bolts, frayed cables, rust, or worn rollers.

While homeowners can safely perform visual inspections, repairs involving springs, lift cables, or other high-tension components should always be left to trained professionals due to the significant safety risks involved.

Test the Garage Door Opener

Your automatic garage door opener should operate smoothly throughout every season. Test the opener by opening and closing the door several times while paying attention to unusual noises, hesitation, or jerky movement.

It's also a good idea to test the safety reversal system and photo-eye sensors to ensure they are functioning properly. Clean any dirt or debris from the sensors and make sure they remain properly aligned for safe operation.

Keep the Tracks Clean

Leaves, sand, salt, and other debris can accumulate in your garage door tracks throughout the year. Keeping the tracks clean helps the rollers move freely and reduces unnecessary strain on the opener.

While it's important to remove dirt and debris, avoid applying grease directly to the tracks unless specifically recommended by your garage door manufacturer, as excess buildup can interfere with smooth operation.

Watch for Signs of Wear

Maine's harsh winters can accelerate wear on garage door components. If you notice any of the following warning signs, schedule a professional inspection before a small issue becomes a larger repair:

• Loud grinding, squeaking, or banging noises
• Slow or uneven movement
• A garage door that feels unusually heavy
• Gaps around the door when closed
• Bent tracks or damaged panels
• Delayed response from the opener
• Sagging or damaged weatherstripping

Addressing these issues early can often prevent more extensive repairs while helping your garage door continue operating safely.

TIME TO Schedule Preventive Maintenance?

Routine professional maintenance is one of the best investments you can make in your garage door. During a maintenance visit, a qualified technician can inspect springs, cables, rollers, tracks, hardware, and the opener, identify worn components, make necessary adjustments, and ensure everything is operating as intended.

Preventive maintenance can improve reliability, reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, and help maximize the lifespan of your garage door system, especially in Maine's demanding climate.

Let Dews Door Help Keep Your Garage Door
Ready for Every Season

Whether you're preparing for another Maine winter or simply want to keep your garage door operating at its best year-round, Dews Door is here to help. Our experienced team provides professional garage door maintenance, repairs, and opener installations to keep your system operating safely and efficiently.

Contact Dews Door today to schedule a garage door inspection or maintenance appointment and ensure your garage door is ready for whatever Maine's weather brings.

We proudly provide garage door repair and related services throughout Cumberland, ME; Foreside, ME; Falmouth, ME; Yarmouth, ME; Freeport, ME; Cape Elizabeth, ME; Scarborough, ME; North Yarmouth, ME; Portland, ME; Brunswick, ME; and the surrounding areas.