There’s nothing worse than pulling into your driveway on a frigid Michigan morning only to find your garage door won’t budge. At Michigan Door, we’ve seen this scenario play out countless times—and the good news is, it’s completely preventable. With some regular garage door maintenance habits and seasonal care, you can avoid costly emergency repairs and keep your garage door operating smoothly through every Michigan season.
Springs and Cables: Your Door’s Heavy Lifters
Your garage door’s springs and cables are the workhorses of the entire system, especially important here in Michigan where temperature swings can stress these components. During your seasonal home maintenance routine (we recommend spring and fall), take a close look at these critical parts.
Check your springs for signs of wear, rust, or that telltale gap that indicates a break. Michigan’s humidity and road salt can accelerate corrosion, so don’t ignore early warning signs. The cables should be free of fraying, rust spots, or kinks. If you spot any issues with springs or cables, don’t attempt a DIY fix—these components are under extreme tension and require professional attention.
At Michigan Door, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across the state avoid dangerous spring failures. When in doubt, give us a call for a professional inspection.
Rollers: Small Parts, Big Impact
Those little rollers might seem insignificant, but they’re crucial for smooth operation. Check them twice a year—ideally when you’re switching between winter and summer maintenance routines. Look for dents, chips, worn bearings, or rust buildup that’s common in our Michigan climate.
If your rollers are making noise, struggling to move, or showing visible wear, it’s time for replacements. Quality rollers should glide effortlessly along the tracks. At Michigan Door, we stock heavy-duty rollers designed to handle Michigan’s weather extremes and provide years of quiet, reliable service.
Tracks: Keeping Everything on Course
Your garage door tracks take a beating from Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles and seasonal debris. Inspect them regularly for dents, rust, or debris buildup—especially important after winter when road salt and grime can accumulate.
Make sure the tracks are properly aligned and securely mounted. Even small misalignments can cause major problems over time. Clear out any leaves, snow, or debris that might interfere with smooth operation. The rollers should move freely within the tracks without binding or resistance.
If you notice your door is jerky, noisy, or seems to struggle during operation, misaligned tracks could be the culprit. Our Michigan Door technicians can quickly diagnose and correct track issues before they lead to more serious problems.
Weather Stripping: Your First Line of Defense
In Michigan, good weather stripping isn’t just about energy efficiency—it’s essential protection against our harsh winters and humid summers. Check your weather stripping every six months, paying special attention after winter when ice and cold can make rubber brittle.
Run your hands along the bottom and sides of your door, feeling for cracks, tears, or sections that have pulled away. Quality weather stripping should be flexible and create a tight seal when the door is closed. Damaged weather stripping lets in cold air, moisture, and even unwanted pests.
At Michigan Door, we use premium weather stripping materials designed to withstand Michigan’s climate extremes. A small investment in quality weather stripping can save you significantly on heating and cooling costs while protecting your garage from the elements.
Garage Door Opener: The Brain of the Operation
Your garage door opener works hard, especially during Michigan winters when it has to power through cold temperatures and potential ice buildup. Test your opener monthly by disconnecting it and manually operating the door—it should move up and down smoothly with minimal effort.
Check that the opener responds properly to both wall-mounted controls and remote transmitters. Listen for unusual noises, grinding, or strain that might indicate internal problems. The safety features—photo-eye sensors and auto-reverse mechanisms—should be tested regularly to ensure they’re protecting your family.
Michigan Door installs and services all major opener brands (including Raynor, LiftMaster, and more), and we can help you upgrade to newer, more reliable models if your current opener is showing its age.
Seasonal Michigan Maintenance Tips
Spring Preparation: After Michigan’s tough winters, inspect for ice damage, check lubrication on all moving parts, and clear any debris from tracks and sensors.
Summer Care: Take advantage of warmer weather to perform thorough inspections and address any issues before the next winter season.
Fall Readiness: Prepare your door for winter by checking weather stripping, ensuring opener sensitivity is properly adjusted, and scheduling professional maintenance if needed.
Winter Monitoring: Keep snow and ice clear from door sensors and tracks, and never force a frozen door—let it thaw naturally or call for professional help.
The Michigan Door Difference
A well-maintained garage door isn’t just more reliable—it’s safer for your family and more cost-effective over time. Regular maintenance prevents small issues from becoming expensive repairs and extends the life of your entire garage door system.
At Michigan Door, we understand the unique challenges Michigan weather presents to garage door systems. Our maintenance services are designed specifically for our local climate, and our technicians know exactly what to look for during seasonal inspections.
Don’t wait for a breakdown on the coldest day of winter. Contact Michigan Door today to schedule your maintenance service or garage door inspection. We’ll help keep your garage door running smoothly through every Michigan season, giving you one less thing to worry about when the weather turns challenging.