Fall in Fort Worth can sneak up on you. One week it’s warm and sunny, and the next there’s a chill in the air, leaves covering the driveway, and the daylight hours shrinking fast. As the seasons change, it’s smart to get ahead of potential home maintenance issues, especially when it comes to something as used and often overlooked as your garage door. A noisy opener or sticky seal might not seem like a big deal now, but those small signs can lead to bigger problems if the cooler months roll in before you catch them.
Prepping your garage door for fall isn’t just about comfort. It helps protect your property, allows for smoother operation, and reduces the chance of getting stuck during a cold morning when you’re running late. With just a little bit of time set aside now, you can prevent bigger headaches through the season. Here’s a simple way to get your garage door system ready before fall fully arrives.
Garage Door Rescue specializes in fixing residential garage doors right here in Fort Worth. Whether you’re dealing with broken springs, stuck rollers, flipped cables, or a faulty opener, our experienced team is here to help get everything running the way it should.
Inspect Weather Seals
When the temps drop in Fort Worth, that cold air finds its way into every gap it can. Doors without working seals are an open invite for drafts, moisture, and even pests. That’s why checking the weather seals around your garage door is always a smart first step when prepping for a new season.
Here’s how to check your weather seals quickly and effectively:
– Close the garage door and look at the edges from inside. If you can see daylight peeking through anywhere, that’s usually a problem.
– Run your hand along the bottom seal. If it feels brittle, cracked, or is pulling away from the ground, it’s not doing its job.
– Check the side seals as well. Look for gaps, warping, or torn spots that allow air to sneak in.
If you find any issues, replacing the seals is a good fix. While bottom seals are fairly easy to replace with the right materials, some frames may require side seal repairs or threshold kits. Makeshift tape or foam tends to wear down fast, especially when the weather shifts. If you’re unsure how to replace anything correctly, let a professional take care of it the right way.
One homeowner in Fort Worth told us their garage stayed noticeably warmer after sealing their door. Before that, it was uncomfortable stepping in from the house during colder evenings. The added insulation even helped cut down noise and kept leaves and dust out.
Check And Lubricate Moving Parts
Another thing to handle before the cooler air settles in is making sure all the moving pieces of your garage door are working like they should. Most people don’t realize how many parts are constantly at work every time the door opens and closes. Rollers, hinges, tracks, springs, and the opener chain all need attention.
If any of these components are stiff or dry, they have to work harder, leading to more wear on the system. Lubrication helps these parts stay reliable and last longer.
Here are a few basic steps to follow:
– Use a garage door-specific lubricant for metal parts. Silicone-based products work best on plastic components.
– Rollers and hinges should be greased lightly. Just a small amount can reduce friction.
– Wipe the track with a clean cloth, but don’t grease it. Grease on the track attracts grime and dust, which causes problems down the line.
– Don’t forget the springs. Apply lubricant evenly while the door is closed. Listen for smoother motion next time you open it.
During this check, pay attention to screeching or grinding sounds. Those noises can be signs something’s struggling or wearing out. If the door jerks, tilts, or moves unevenly, it’s time to call in a professional. Lubricant helps, but it won’t fix broken parts.
Test the Garage Door Balance
A balanced garage door is key to smooth operation and system life. When doors are unbalanced, it puts stress on the opener and other components. That extra strain leads to unneeded wear and surprise breakdowns, often when you least expect them.
To test the balance, unplug the opener and pull the manual release cord. Then lift the door halfway and let go. If it stays put, it’s balanced. If it falls or shoots up, there’s a problem.
Some balance issues mean the springs or cables need adjusting. Don’t try to fix that yourself. These parts are under tension and can cause serious injury. If your door feels heavy or drops quickly, a professional correction is the best move. It’ll help your door work better and prevent future issues.
Inspect and Test Safety Features
Garage door safety features are there to stop accidents. Fall is a great time to make sure they’re in good shape before the holiday chaos hits. The big two features are the auto-reverse system and the photoelectric sensors.
To test auto-reverse, place a roll of paper towels in the door’s path and close it. The door should reverse immediately when it touches the object. If it keeps closing, the feature may need to be reset or repaired.
Next, check the photoelectric sensors. These are the small boxes near the floor on either side. Make sure they’re clean and aligned. Wipe off any dirt or dust with a clean cloth. Then test their response by waving a small object through the beam. The door should stop and reverse right away.
If anything seems off or the sensors feel unreliable, it’s time to call for service. These are safety systems meant to protect your family. If they fail, the risks aren’t worth it.
Clean and Clear Tracks
Dirty or blocked tracks can cause annoying jerks or loud noises every time the door moves. Leaves, dirt, and other debris can collect quickly, especially in fall.
Here’s how to tidy up the tracks the right way:
– With the door closed, scan the track for debris or blockages.
– Use a cloth or small brush to remove dirt and dust from inside the track.
– Do not apply lubricant inside the track. It can create a sticky mess that traps more grime.
– Observe the motion of the door. If the rollers skip or the door seems misaligned, there may be a bend in the track.
Minor cleaning is easy. But if the track seems off or the door doesn’t roll smoothly, a professional adjustment is the way to go. Doing it yourself can lead to bigger problems if the alignment is further thrown off.
Keep Your Garage Door System Reliable This Fall
Taking the extra time to check over your garage door now can make the whole season smoother. Cold mornings, early sunsets, and busy schedules don’t leave room for surprise problems like a stuck door or failed opener.
Most of the tips here take just a few minutes to follow. But if you come across anything unusual or anything you’re unsure about, we’re ready to help. Garage Door Rescue serves the Fort Worth area and can handle inspections, repairs, part replacements, and full system tune-ups for residential garage doors. Reliable, safe, and smooth operation is what we’re here for.
As you gear up for the chilly season, make sure your garage door is part of your fall maintenance routine. Staying proactive can save you a lot of trouble down the road. If you want expert help with keeping your door in top shape, our team can provide reliable garage door service in Fort Worth. Garage Door Rescue is ready to assist with any issues you might face, ensuring your system runs smoothly and safely all season long.