Now that winter is on its way, you need to start getting your hangar ready for the weather changes. Cold weather can wreak havoc on your hangar doors. The last thing you want is to endure frozen and inoperable hangar doors this winter. To help keep your doors running smoothly during the cold winter months, here are four steps for you to follow.
Start With a Clean Door
If it's been a while since you cleaned your hangar doors, you need to start the winter with a thorough cleaning. Using a high-pressure washer, hot water, and some grease-cutting soap, give your hangar door a cleaning from top to bottom. Pay close attention to the edges and seams where grease and grime can collect. If you deal with high winds throughout the year, a thorough cleaning will also remove any of the sand particles that could be stuck between the panels. During the cleaning, look for areas where the paint may be peeling, or where rust may be accumulating. If you notice problems with peeling or rust, be sure to paint your hangar doors before winter arrives.
Keep the Debris Cleared Away
During the winter, you'll want to make sure that you keep the debris cleared away from your hangar doors. You shouldn't need to wash it again until spring, but you'll still need to make sure the surface stays clear. The best way to do that is with a compressed air wand. The air wand will help remove debris that can interfere with the proper performance of your hangar doors. Air wands are particularly good at removing birds nests along the upper edges of your hangar doors.
Lubricate all Moving Parts
When it comes to keeping your hangar doors working properly during the winter, you want to make sure that everything is moving properly. Cold weather and moisture can work together to slow down the moving parts. To avoid sluggishness, be sure to keep all moving parts properly lubricated. Use a grease gun to lubricate the chains, chassis, and motor mounts. It's also important that you keep a close eye on the hydraulic components.
Watch for Signs of Wear and Tear
If your hangar doors haven't been serviced in a while, you need to schedule a maintenance call. Wear and tear can destroy your doors and could lead to serious injuries. In addition to the service call, you should also conduct weekly inspections of your hydraulic hangar doors throughout the winter. Those weekly inspections will allow you to catch minor issues before they turn into serious problems for your doors.
