How to prepare your garage door for Ottawa winter

Ottawa winters are tough on garage doors: metal contracts, grease thickens, seals stiffen, and springs are more likely to snap on the coldest mornings. A short winter prep routine in fall can prevent drafts, stuck doors, and emergency calls when you least want them. Here is what we recommend for homeowners from Kanata to Orleans — and when to book professional maintenance.

Fall garage door checklist

Inspect bottom and side seals

Look for cracked, flat, or missing rubber along the bottom and PVC weatherstrip on the sides. Daylight under a closed door means heated air is escaping. Our weather sealing service replaces bottom seals, thresholds, and jambs.

Test balance (with caution)

With the opener disconnected per manufacturer instructions, an adult should be able to lift the door smoothly to halfway — it should stay put. If it slams down or shoots up, springs may be out of balance. Do not adjust springs yourself.

Lubricate sparingly

Use silicone-based spray on hinges and rollers — not heavy grease that attracts grit. Avoid the plastic gears inside the opener; follow your opener manual.

Clear tracks and photo-eyes

Remove leaves and grit from tracks. Keep sensor lenses clean and aligned — snow piles should not block the beam all winter.

Before the first deep freeze

• Schedule a professional tune-up if the door is noisy or over 5 years without service
• Replace springs that are past their cycle life — winter is when they fail
• Consider insulation upgrades if the garage shares walls with living space (insulated doors)
• Keep the area in front of the door shovelled — ice binding the seal can burn out the opener if you force it

During winter operation

Open and close the door fully — pausing halfway stresses the opener in cold weather. If the door freezes to the floor, do not repeatedly hit the remote; break the ice gently along the seal or call for help.

Salt from the driveway can corrode bottom fixtures and cables — rinse nearby metal occasionally when temperatures allow.

When to call Ottawa Garage Tech

Book maintenance or sealing before November when possible — scheduling is easier than in January emergencies. For urgent issues, call or text (613) 900-6005. We serve Ottawa and surrounding communities — FAQ · Contact.