The big winter check for gates & doors: 7 points you should check now
Cold, damp, darkness: This is how your garage, workshop or hall remains safe, quiet and energy-efficient – with specific testing steps and suitable solutions.
1) Tight seal at the garage door (bottom edge & sides)
The biggest heat leaks are located at the bottom edge and laterally in the guide/reveal . Magnetic gap seals can be cut to size and seal immediately – noticeably less draft, dust and moisture.
Gap seals for sectional doors Bottom edge of sides can be shortened
2) Sealing exterior and basement doors
Magnetic for steel doors, with an adapter strip as a base for wood/aluminum/plastic doors – making the door gap winterproof . Optional rodent protection edge against mice and insects.
View door gap seals magnetic adapter band rodent protection
3) Casters, hinges & caster holders
Winter wear and tear reveals flaws: rattling, lateral play, oval screw holes. New ball-bearing casters and intact hinges/caster holders ensure quiet, safe operation.
casters | Hinges & Roller Holders
4) Wire ropes & drums
Frayed strands or uneven winding? Replace wire ropes in pairs , check drums for burrs/wear. A clean rope path prevents misalignment and malfunctions.
5) Sensors: Light barriers, light grids & closing edge
Winter = dirt, fog, darkness. Clean/align light barriers , test the closing edge (OSE/8.2 kΩ). In high-traffic areas, light curtains offer area-wide personal protection.
6) Drive & control (incl. Smart retrofit)
"Garage door won't open in winter" ? Often the cause is weak transmitter batteries, cold weather/friction, or outdated receivers. Smart modules and receivers increase convenience and reliability; keep a spare remote control in your car.
Garage door openers | radio receiver | Handheld transmitter | Smart home technology for the garage door
7) Winter operation: Frost, condensation & emergency release
- Frost on seal/rail: Loosen ice spots, lubricate sparingly, test run.
- Condensation: Keep seals dry, close side gaps, ensure ventilation.
- Test the emergency release: Have the key/rope readily available and perform a function check.
Industrial note: Regularly check slack rope switches and rope break safety devices.
Symptom → Cause → Solution (Quick Matrix)
| symptom | Probable cause | Recommended solution |
|---|---|---|
| Draft at the garage door | Bottom edge/sides leaking | Gap seal gate |
| Cold hallway/basement | Door gap open, no rodent protection | Door seal + protection |
| Rattling/Unevenness | Rollers/hinges worn out | Casters | Hinges |
| Rope breaks | Rope stretched/broken | Wire ropes (in pairs) |
| The goal doesn't stop. | Light barrier/closing edge faulty | Light barrier | Closing edge |
| "Gate does not open in winter" | Transmitter battery dead, receiver old, ice/high friction | Check remote control | receiver | drive |
| Secure external operation | No weatherproof access | Keypad | Code keypad |
FAQ & Tips
How often should I check?
Private use: once a year (autumn). Commercial/industrial use: semi-annually, depending on usage.
Do I need to drill for sealing?
No – magnetic profiles adhere directly to steel. Use adapter tape for wood/aluminum/plastic.
What size wheels do I have?
For private use, usually 2″, for industrial use often 3″. Measure the inside width of the rail and compare it to the available range.
Smart retrofitting for older drive systems?
Yes. External radio receivers/smart modules integrate many existing drives – app, schedules, notifications.
