Long winters are hard on garage doors
Spokane's winters bring heavy snow and many freeze-thaw cycles; NOAA's engineering weather data lists about 72 in an average year and a 50-year ground snow load of 42 pounds per square foot. Garage doors open and close through all of it. Snow drifts against the door, meltwater freezes along the threshold, and cold stiffens lubricants and stresses springs.
Insulation and weatherstripping
An insulated garage door is especially worthwhile in Spokane. It keeps an attached garage warmer, protects stored items and vehicles from deep cold, and reduces drafts into rooms next to or above the garage. Good weatherstripping on the sides and top and a tight bottom seal keep out wind and snow. If daylight shows around the door, or snow blows in, it's time for new seals.
The threshold
Ice is a common problem at the bottom of the door. Meltwater from vehicles and snow can freeze the bottom seal to the floor. Clear snow and ice from the threshold, and break a frozen seal free gently before opening the door. Running the opener against a frozen door can damage the opener, the seal and the door panels. If water pools at the door because the slab has settled, ask about a threshold seal or slab repair. Spokane's frost depth policy sets footings at 24 inches, but driveway slabs and garage aprons are shallower and can heave with frost, changing how the door meets the floor.
Springs and cold
Springs are most likely to break on cold mornings. If you hear a loud bang in the garage, look at the springs before pressing the opener. Don't try to lift a door with a broken spring, and keep everyone clear until a technician arrives. High-cycle springs are worth considering if you use the garage as your main entry.
Openers and outages
Winter storms can bring power outages. An opener with battery backup lets you get the car out. If you don't have one, learn how to use the manual release, and only use it when the springs are intact. Have the opener's force and travel settings checked after the door is serviced, and test the safety reversal monthly.
Choosing a new door
Insulated steel doors with good reinforcement are a practical choice for Spokane. Consider how the door's color and windows suit your house, and whether you want windows high enough that snow won't cover them.
Before you hire
Ask Spokane garage door installers which insulated doors and seals they recommend for winter, whether they'll check the threshold and slab, and whether the price includes permits, haul-away and opener testing. Use L&I's contractor lookup to check their Washington registration, bond and insurance before you sign.
Annual tune-up
A fall service is a good habit in Spokane: spring balance and wear, cables, rollers and hinges, lubrication with a cold-weather product, opener settings and a safety reversal test. Fixing a worn part before the first hard freeze avoids a stuck door in deep winter.