Keeping your garage doors functioning through winter can be an arduous task. Luckily, with the right care and maintenance, you don't have to worry about your garage doors freezing up. There are some simple things that you can do in order to keep them running smoothly over the winter months. Here are three tips for keeping your garage door functional this winter season.

1. Regularly inspect the rollers

As the temperatures drop in colder parts of Australia, it's common for garage roller doors to stiffen and freeze up. Regular inspections will help reduce the chances of this happening and keep your garage door in good working action. Try to test your rollers often to make sure they're still smooth and free-moving. When inspecting, you also need to look for any sort of damage, from chips and cracks to worn-out areas. If your door is jerky or loud, or if you see visible signs of damage, it's best to get them dealt with as soon as possible. That way, when the peak of winter hits, your door will be primed and ready to deal with the cold temperatures.

2. Lubricate any moving parts

During the winter season, one of the best ways you can prevent your garage doors from freezing up is to keep them lubricated. Lubricating moving parts will ensure that they move smoothly and don't get stuck. You should make sure to use a lubricant specifically designed for garage roller doors, as other lubricants (such as those intended for cars) may damage the mechanisms. Consider using a spray lube for small areas where your garage door moves frequently, such as between rollers or along the tracks, to make sure each part of the door is thoroughly covered. Lubrication is something you should do regularly throughout every season, but it becomes even more important when you want to prevent stuck doors during winter. 

3. Clean weather stripping

Cleaning weather stripping is something you don't need to do frequently, but when you do, it will make a world of difference in keeping your garage door moving freely through winter. Weather stripping is the part of your door that meets the ground, so it often collects dirt and debris from the outdoor elements. If it gets dirty, the stripping can cause your door to get stuck when opening and closing. As you can imagine, this becomes an even bigger issue when you add winter frost to the mix. 

Contact a local roller door service to get help with these tasks.