A free, month-by-month checklist for Fort Wayne homeowners — written for cold, snowy winters, spring storms and warm, humid summers.
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Deep winter
Alarms are your early warning for fire and carbon monoxide, and a dead battery gives no warning.
When to call a pro: Replace any alarm past the date printed on the back.
Forcing a frozen door can damage the opener and seal.
New noises are often the first sign of worn rollers, dry hinges or a tired spring.
When to call a pro: Springs and cables are under high tension — leave them to a trained technician.
Late winter
A clean filter protects the system and keeps air moving before cooling season starts.
The door should reverse when it touches an object. If it does not, it is a safety hazard.
When to call a pro: If the door does not reverse, have the opener and sensors checked.
Clogged gutters overflow during heavy spring rain and can send water toward the foundation.
Thaw
Contractors get busy once summer starts, and a pre-season check catches problems early.
When to call a pro: Refrigerant and electrical work need a licensed HVAC technician.
Cold, heat and road salt break down lubricant and invite rust.
Small gaps let in water and insects once the rainy season starts.
Spring rain
Spring storms can bring branches down onto roofs, cars and garage doors.
When to call a pro: Large limbs near power lines are a job for a tree service.
Dirty or bumped sensors are one of the most common reasons a door will not close. See <a href="/guides/garage-door-wont-close">garage door won’t close</a>.
Broken heads waste water and can spray the house or garage door all season.
Spring storms
The system runs hardest in summer, and a clogged filter makes it work harder.
Worn seals let hot air, rain and pests into the garage.
Good airflow keeps an attic cooler, and leaks found early cost less to fix.
Summer
Spring and summer storms can bring high winds and power cuts.
Strong storm winds push hard on the biggest opening in the house.
Lint buildup is a fire risk and makes the dryer work harder.
Peak heat
Airflow around the condenser helps the system keep up in the heat.
Humidity rusts bare metal, and a frayed cable can snap.
When to call a pro: Never adjust springs or cables yourself — call a technician.
Small leaks cause mold and rot when they go unnoticed.
Late summer
Mid-summer is when filters clog fastest.
Storms can knock out power, and a working backup lets you open the door.
Heavy rain needs a clear path away from the house.
Early fall
Shorter days mean more trips in the dark.
A door that is out of balance wears out the opener and springs.
When to call a pro: Spring adjustment is a job for a trained technician.
Storm damage is easier and cheaper to fix early.
Fall
A quick check makes sure it runs safely when you need it.
When to call a pro: Gas appliances need a qualified technician.
A pro checks springs, cables, rollers, balance and safety features in one visit.
Wet leaves hold water against the roof edge.
Before the snow
If a pipe ever bursts, you want to stop the water fast.
Old grease stiffens in winter.
Good seals keep the house comfortable as temperatures swing.
Winter
Overloaded cords and damaged lights are a fire risk.
A visible remote is an easy way into the house.
Road salt rusts springs, cables and hinges.
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This calendar is general guidance. Always follow your equipment manufacturer’s instructions, and leave garage door springs, cables, gas appliances and electrical work to qualified professionals.
Print it, bookmark it or share it with new neighbors, all are welcome to link to this page.
Repairs, renovations and new projects. Tell us what you need and we'll pass it straight to a garage door technician, who will call you to go over the job and give you a quote.
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