Winter in the Pioneer Valley is no joke. From the heavy Nor’easters in Springfield to the sub-zero mornings in Amherst, the extreme cold and moisture put incredible stress on your home’s largest moving part. Every year, we see residents caught off guard when a garage door won’t open in cold weather, often leading to trapped vehicles and expensive emergency calls.
Taking a proactive approach to preparing your garage door for winter can be the difference between a smooth morning commute and a frozen disaster. At Unwin Overhead Doors, we’ve been helping Western MA homeowners survive these winters since 1976.
Follow this local 7-step checklist to ensure your door is ready for whatever the Pioneer Valley throws at it.
1. Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping
Your weatherstripping is the first line of defense against freezing New England winds. Over time, the rubber seals on the sides and bottom of your door can become brittle, cracked, or flattened.
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The Test: Close your garage door and look for any light peeking through the edges. If you see light, you’re losing heat and inviting moisture in.
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Why it Matters: Cracked seals allow melting snow to seep under the door and refreeze, which is a primary reason a garage door frozen to the ground occurs.
2. Apply Low-Temp Lubricant
In Western MA, standard grease can thicken and become “gummy” when the temperature drops below freezing. This adds immense friction to your system.
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Step: Use a high-quality silicone-based or white lithium grease on all moving parts, including hinges, rollers (metal only), and springs.
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Pro Tip: Avoid WD-40 for lubrication; it’s a cleaner, not a lubricant. You need something that won’t freeze or attract grit.
3. Check the Garage Door Balance
The heavy snow and ice that accumulate on your door add weight. If your springs are already weakened, this extra load can lead to a snapped spring—the most common winter emergency.
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The Test: Pull the red emergency release cord to put the door in manual mode. Lift it halfway.
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The Result: If it stays in place, you’re balanced. If it crashes down or feels impossibly heavy, your springs are failing.
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Warning: If your door is unbalanced, do not attempt to adjust the springs yourself. These are under high tension and require professional repair.
4. Clear the Threshold and Tracks
Slush, road salt, and ice can build up in your tracks and along the driveway threshold. When this debris freezes, it can throw your door off its tracks.
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Step: Keep a shovel or broom handy to clear the area directly under the garage door.
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Local Advice: Avoid using heavy rock salt directly against the bottom of a steel door, as it can lead to corrosion over time. Stick to sand or pet-safe ice melt.
5. Clean and Realign Safety Sensors
Winter humidity and temperature swings often cause condensation or “fogging” on your photo-eye lenses.
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Step: Gently wipe the sensor lenses with a soft, dry cloth.
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Why it Matters: If the sensors can’t “see” each other through the fog or snow buildup, your door won’t close, leaving your home exposed to the cold.
6. Test Your Battery Backup
Power outages are common during Pioneer Valley blizzards. If your power goes out, you don’t want to be manual-lifting a heavy, frozen door in the dark.
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Step: Test your opener’s battery backup if it has one. If you have an older model, consider upgrading to a smart opener with a built-in battery backup and myQ technology for peace of mind.
7. Evaluate Your Insulation (R-Value)
If your garage is attached to your home, an uninsulated door is like having a giant hole in your wall.
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The Upgrade: If your garage feels like an icebox, it might be time to move beyond a simple tune-up. Upgrading to an insulated garage door with a high R-value can keep your garage 10-15 degrees warmer, protecting your cars, tools, and heating bill.
Don’t Wait for the First Blizzard
Preparing your garage door for winter is much easier (and cheaper) to do in October or November than during a January cold snap. If you hear grinding noises, see light under the door, or feel your opener struggling, it’s time for a professional tune-up.
At Unwin Overhead Doors, we offer comprehensive winterization checks to ensure you’re never left out in the cold. Contact us today at (413) 598-8844 to schedule your service before the snow starts to fly!
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