Winter in Tennessee is beautiful—frosty mornings, cozy nights—but it’s also a tough time for your garage door. As temperatures drop, your garage door faces unique challenges that can lead to broken garage doors, costly repairs, and even safety hazards. Understanding these challenges and taking proactive steps can save you time, money, and frustration.

At Lambo’s Garage Door Service, we know the importance of preventative maintenance—and we’re here to guide you through what can go wrong during winter and how to prevent it.

Why Winter Is Tough on Garage Doors

Cold weather, ice, snow, and fluctuating temperatures can all affect the performance of your garage door. Here are some common winter challenges:

1. Frozen Garage Door Tracks and Rollers
   When moisture gets into your garage door tracks or rollers, it can freeze overnight. This can cause your garage door to become stuck or operate unevenly. Over time, forcing it open can lead to bent tracks, broken rollers, or damage to your garage door opener.
2. Contracting Metal and Warping Materials
   Garage doors, whether steel, aluminum, or wood, contract in cold weather. Metal can become brittle, and wooden panels may warp or crack. This leads to misalignment, gaps, or doors that no longer seal properly—causing drafts, energy loss, and further strain on your door system.
3. Malfunctioning Springs and Cables
   Garage door springs are under tension year-round, and cold weather can make metal more prone to snapping. Frayed cables or weakened springs can cause your door to sag, fail to open, or even collapse unexpectedly—posing a serious safety risk.
4. Garage Door Opener Strain
   Cold weather thickens lubricants and increases friction on moving parts. This can overwork your garage door opener, making it noisy or slowing down its response. In worst-case scenarios, the opener may fail entirely, leaving your garage inaccessible.
5. Sensor Misalignment
   Garage doors rely on sensors for safe operation. Snow, frost, or even condensation can misalign sensors, preventing the door from closing properly or triggering false safety stops.

How to Prevent Garage Door Problems in Tennessee

Preventing winter garage door issues doesn’t require superhuman effort—just consistent care and a proactive approach. Here are some Winter Garage Door Maintenance Tips:

1. Schedule a Professional Garage Door Inspection in Fall

A professional inspection can identify issues before they become costly problems. Technicians check springs, cables, rollers, tracks, and openers to ensure everything functions safely.

✅ At Lambo’s Garage Door Service, our Preventative Maintenance service ensures your door is winter-ready. Book your appointment today.

2. Lubricate Moving Parts

Lubrication prevents frozen rollers, squeaky hinges, and stiff tracks. Use a high-quality garage door lubricant on rollers, hinges, and springs. Avoid WD-40, as it can attract dirt and degrade performance over time.

3. Keep Tracks Clear

Ice, snow, and debris in your tracks can prevent smooth operation. Gently remove snow accumulation and inspect tracks for dents or obstructions. A clear path means less strain on your garage door opener and safer operation.

4. Test Safety Sensors

Ensure your garage door sensors are clean, aligned, and unobstructed. Misaligned sensors are a common cause of doors failing to close during winter, and can pose safety hazards for children, pets, or vehicles.

5. Inspect Weatherstripping

Cold air can sneak in through worn or damaged weatherstripping. Replacing it keeps your garage warmer, protects stored items, and reduces energy costs.

6. Check Springs and Cables

Do not attempt DIY repairs on springs or cables—they are under extreme tension and can be dangerous. A professional inspection during winter ensures these critical components are safe and functional.

✅ Keep your family safe and avoid costly repairs with a Professional Preventative Maintenance Check.

Winter weather in Tennessee is unpredictable. Murfreesboro homeowners often face icy mornings that can freeze garage door components overnight. Estill Springs residents may experience fluctuating temperatures that warp doors, while Tullahoma properties may deal with snow and ice buildup on tracks.

No matter your town, regular garage door maintenance is essential to prevent failures and extend the life of your door.

Common Winter Garage Door Failures: A Recap

Here’s a quick checklist of issues to watch for this winter:

• Garage door stuck or slow to open
• Unusual noises, squeaks, or grinding
• Door failing to close completely
• Misaligned or malfunctioning safety sensors
• Broken or frayed springs and cables
• Bent tracks or frozen rollers
• Excessive strain on the opener

Identifying these issues early allows for preventative maintenance, which is far cheaper and safer than emergency repairs.

How Lambo’s Garage Door Service Can Help

At Lambo’s Garage Door Service, we specialize in keeping your garage door operating safely all year round. Our Preventative Maintenance Service includes:

• Full inspection of springs, cables, rollers, and tracks
• Lubrication of all moving parts
• Sensor alignment and testing
• Weatherstripping inspection and replacement
• Adjustment of the opener for winter performance

With our expertise, you’ll avoid the stress of a broken garage door in the middle of a Tennessee winter.

💡 Tip: Schedule your preventative maintenance before the first freeze to ensure maximum protection. Book your appointment here.

DIY vs Professional Winter Garage Door Maintenance

While some tasks, like clearing snow and lubricating hinges, are DIY-friendly, certain components require professional attention:

• Springs and cables (high risk of injury)
• Opener strain adjustments
• Sensor recalibration
• Track realignment

Trying to repair these yourself can result in costly damage—or worse, serious injury. This is why professional inspections are invaluable, especially in Estill Springs, Murfreesboro, and Tullahoma.

Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Winter Garage Door Problems

Winter doesn’t have to be a nightmare for your garage door. With simple preventative measures and a professional winter inspection, you can avoid costly repairs, keep your home safe, and ensure your garage door functions smoothly all season long.

Remember: a little preparation now prevents a lot of frustration later. Don’t wait until a frozen garage door strands you in the cold—take action today.

✅ Protect your home and your garage door this winter with Lambo’s Preventative Maintenance Service. Schedule your winter inspection now.