Winter in Stouffville and Uxbridge are beautiful, but they can be tough on your garage door. Parking your car inside the garage during snowy months may seem convenient, but the snow and ice that melt off your vehicle can cause serious damage if not properly managed. Understanding the risks can save you from costly repairs and keep your garage door operating smoothly all season.

Ice Build-Up at the Bottom of the Garage Door

When snow and ice melt off your vehicle onto your garage floor, it can accumulate along the bottom of your garage door. 

This often leads to:

• Stuck Doors – Ice can freeze the bottom of your garage door and its seal, preventing the door from opening or closing properly.
• Ripped Weather Seals – The door’s bottom rubber seal may tear as it struggles against frozen buildup.
• Operator/Garage Door Opener Damage – If your garage door opener is engaged while the bottom is stuck, it can stress the top section and the operator bracket, potentially causing breakage or the bracket to rip out of the door.
• Rust and Corrosion – Constant exposure to water, ice and salt can cause the door’s bottom panel, brackets, rollers and tracks to rust, weakening the structure over time.

Understanding the Bottom Brackets

  

The bottom brackets, located at the lower corners of the garage door, are essential components. These brackets hold the cables that carry the weight of the garage door, allowing it to lift and close safely. When these brackets sit in standing water, ice, snow and salt, rust can form, compromising the cables, brackets, rollers and the overall operation of your garage door. Rusted bottom brackets are one of the leading causes of garage door malfunctions.

Tips to Protect Your Garage Door This Winter

1. Clear Snow Before Parking – Brush the snow and ice off your vehicle before entering the garage to minimize melting.
2. Drainage Solution – Sweep, shovel or squeeze the access water, snow and ice away from the door bottom and brackets.
3. Check Your Weather Seal – Replace worn or damaged seals before winter to prevent ice buildup. This is a common and cost effective part that should be replaced every few years. 
4. Inspect and Lubricate – Regularly inspect the bottom brackets, cables, rollers and tracks for rust and lubricate moving parts.
5. Professional Maintenance – Schedule a winter garage door checkup with Stouffville Garage Doors to catch small issues before they become major repairs.

By taking these preventive steps, you can protect your garage door from winter damage in Stouffville and Uxbridge, avoid costly repairs, and ensure smooth operation all season long.