As we know by now, it will be a nippy one! So, as Winter approaches and we get ready to cosy up this season, essential garage door maintenance tips exist to help your doors do the same. The last place you want to be in this icy season is wrestling your garage door outside at night due to a malfunction. 

As a follow-up to our recent article on roller shutter doors maintenance and malfunctions, Millennium Roller Doors identifies key factors that homeowners and tenants should look out for to ensure the optimal operation of their roller doors in the chilly months ahead. 

The Guide To Maintaining Your Residential Roller Doors 

Offence is the best defence, right? So head out in the sunny part of the day to check these essential garage door maintenance areas:

• Inspect and Tighten Hardware: Cold weather can cause metal components to contract, leading to loose screws and bolts. Check and tighten all hardware, including brackets, rollers, and hinges.

• Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply a high-quality lubricant to all moving parts, such as rollers, tracks, hinges, and springs. This helps prevent rust and ensures smooth operation even in freezing temperatures.

• Test the Balance: Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, it’s balanced. If not, a professional roller shutter doors manufacturer may need to adjust it.

• Inspect the Cables and Springs: Look for signs of wear and tear on cables and springs. If you notice any fraying or damage, contact a professional for repair or replacement.

• Clean the Door and Tracks: Remove dirt and debris from the door and tracks. A clean surface ensures the door moves smoothly and prevents damage over time.

• Test the Auto-Reverse Feature: Place an object in the door’s path and close it. If the door doesn’t automatically reverse after hitting the object, it’s time to call a professional for adjustment.

Winter – The Car Battery Killer 

Believe it or not, parts of Gauteng, like Roodepoort (the home of MRD), Constantia Kloof, Roodekrans, and Krugersdorp, are situated in some of the most elevated parts of the country. That is 500 metres below Dullstroom, the highest Town in SA.

Altitude and proximity to water are two major factors that cause the temperature to drop so severely at night. In light of this, check this essential garage door maintenance tip:

• Assess the Weatherstripping:

Inspect the weatherstripping along the bottom of the door. Replace damaged or worn-out sections to keep out cold air, moisture, and pests.

Investing in good garage door insulation can offer several benefits for protecting your car battery if your vehicle tends to be stored indoors in the harsher months of the year. By maintaining a more stable temperature environment, insulation helps ensure that your battery performs optimally, lasts longer, and is less susceptible to damage caused by temperature extremes.

Garage Door Maintenance –  The Roll Of Insulation  

Temperature Regulation: Cold temperatures can slow down the chemical reactions that power your battery, reducing efficiency and potentially preventing the battery from starting your car. Similarly, in hot climates, insulation can prevent excessive heat from building up in the garage, which can degrade the battery over time.

Battery Longevity: Batteries tend to perform optimally within a specific temperature range. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can cause the battery to degrade faster. Proper insulation keeps the garage environment more consistent, reducing the stress on the battery and helping it last longer.

Reduced Energy Drain: In colder temperatures, vehicles require more energy to start, putting additional strain on the battery. Insulation helps keep the garage warmer, reducing the energy needed to start your car. This can reduce the battery’s strain and potentially prolong its lifespan.

Charging Efficiency: If you use a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep your car battery charged during periods of inactivity, insulation can also help improve the efficiency of the charging process. In a well-insulated garage, the charger doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the battery’s charge, leading to more efficient charging and extending the battery’s lifespan.

MRD – Taking the Guesswork out of Doors Maintenance

Essential garage door maintenance is paramount. Here is our Final essential tip:

• Schedule a Professional Inspection:

Do not tamper with SMART motors or accessories. For a thorough check-up, schedule a professional inspection. Our experts at Millenium Roller Doors SA can ensure your garage door (and gate motors) are winter-ready before you get yourself in hospital.

Millenium Roller Doors has always been committed to delivering exceptional quality and professionalism to new and existing customers. Our expertise extends to servicing and repairing various doors for industrial, commercial and domestic applications. Our comprehensive services cover all nine provinces of South Africa with SLAs, providing top-notch solutions such as quality replacement parts for various door types and seamless new door installations. Additionally, we extend our offerings with maintenance contracts tailored to your specific application and ongoing requirements.

Don’t let your garage door or motor cough or croak on you. Think of them too this winter and schedule a check-up today!

P.S. We’re taking on distributors right across SA. Click on the button below if you are interested in a successful partnership