Published 26th September 2025
The nights are drawing in, the days are getting shorter… and much colder. You can’t hide away from it much longer; winter is on its way. And with the short, colder days, can bring a whole host of issues for your garage door.
Winter can be tough on your garage door. Cold, damp weather causes parts to stiffen, insulation to fail, and stored items to suffer damage. The good news? With a few simple maintenance steps, you can keep your garage door running smoothly, protect your home from heat loss, and avoid expensive repairs.
Why Winter Garage Door Maintenance Matters
1. Extend the Life of Your Door
Your garage door works hard all year round. Regular checks and small fixes prevent wear and tear from turning into bigger (and more expensive) problems later. A well-maintained door can last years longer than a neglected one.
2. Save on Energy Bills
A draughty garage door lets cold air creep into your home. If your garage is attached to your house, that cold transfers indoors — pushing up heating costs. Insulating your garage door keeps warm air inside and helps cut your energy bills.
3. Protect Pipes from Freezing
Many garages have water pipes running through them. A cold, uninsulated garage puts them at risk of freezing and bursting, leading to costly repairs. Keeping your garage warmer and well-insulated reduces this risk and the hassle of water pipe repair when you least expect it.
4. Prevent Moisture Damage
Moisture from snow, rain and frost can ruin stored items like boxes, tools, or household items in storage. Insulation and weather stripping protect your garage contents and stop damp air seeping in.
Winter Garage Door Checklist
Here are the key steps to prepare your garage door for winter:
- Inspect the door and tracks – Look for dents, rust, or debris that could block the door’s movement.
- Check the weather stripping – Replace any cracked or missing seals to keep out cold draughts and damp.
- Lubricate moving parts – Apply a non-silicone spray to springs, rollers and hinges so they don’t stiffen in the cold.
- Test the opener and sensors – Make sure your garage door opens smoothly and the safety sensors aren’t obstructed.
- Add insulation – Insulated doors or insulation kits help regulate temperature and reduce condensation.
- Tidy the garage – Keep walkways clear for easy access when the weather turns bad.
What Happens If You Skip Winter Maintenance?
Neglecting your garage door in winter can lead to:
- Higher energy bills from draughts and heat loss
- Damage to stored belongings from damp or condensation
- Frozen or jammed moving parts that stop your door working
- Risk of burst pipes in colder garages
A few simple checks now save time, money, and hassle later.
Professional Help with Winter-Proofing Your Garage Door
Some jobs are easy DIY fixes, but if you’d rather not tackle them yourself, we can help. At AGD Surrey Ltd, our experienced team can:
- Replace worn weather stripping
- Add insulation to improve energy efficiency
- Service and lubricate moving parts
- Repair or upgrade your garage door if needed
Get in touch on 01483 234123 or complete our enquiry form to book your free, no-obligation survey and quote.