Winter is coming, and with it, the cold weather. That means your garage door will be put to the test as you try to get in and out of your home without freezing! We have compiled a list of easy tips you can use for winterizing your garage door so that it’s ready for anything Mother Nature throws at it! The good news is that you can do a few things to keep your garage door and garage door opener functional during this time.
How Does the Cold Weather Affect My Garage Door?
The cold weather can pose a problem to your garage door. The colder it gets, the harder it is for your garage door springs to work correctly. This means that you could experience issues with opening and closing your garage door during this time. Furthermore, a poorly installed or maintained overhead garage door will let cold air get inside your home, so keeping your living space warm and cozy will be a challenge. Finally, snow buildup and ice can cause issues with the rollers and tracks of your door, leading to misaligned or broken gears that keep you from opening and closing it properly.
What Can You Do To Prepare Your Garage Door for the Winter?
The cold weather season can be damaging to your new garage door, but there are a couple of things you can do to prevent this. Here are several tips and tricks to keep your garage door opener in top working order:
Lubricate Moving Parts
One of the easiest things you can do in preparation for the winter is to lubricate moving parts, such as hinges and rollers. This will help the parts slide more smoothly and reduce the chance of freezing up during extreme cold. You can spray the lubricant or use standard engine oil to ensure your overhead door functions smoothly. However, try to avoid using grease as this will make your garage door tracks sticky, causing them to collect dust and hairs.
Insulate Your Garage Door
If you want to keep the house warm, it makes sense that you should try to stop cold air from getting in! This is why we recommend insulating your garage door so that no chilly winds blow through. You can do this by purchasing weather-stripping and sealing your garage door’s tracks. This will also help your garage door last longer, as it won’t be exposed to the harsh elements that cause wear and tear over time. If you already had weather-stripping, make sure that it’s in good condition and that there are no cracks in it.
Ensure the Garage Door Seals Are in Order
The best way to keep your existing door weather-tight is by checking the seals that go around it. This includes interlocking garage doors, side paneling, and any other spots where light might get in during the colder months. You can use caulk or insulation foam to fix these areas to be nice and snug against the door. You can also check if any screws have loosened up, as these could create air pockets where cold air gets in through the garage.
Replace Old Batteries
Furthermore, it’s essential to check your garage door opener, circuit board. This is where all of the electrical components are stored and can be damaged by frigid temperatures. If you find any parts rusted or broken off components, replace them as soon as possible so that everything works smoothly again. It would help if you also changed batteries in case cold temperatures drain the old ones.
Clear Off Snow
As you know, heavy snow can pile up outside of your home, which could put weight on your garage door. If left for too long, it could cause misaligned or broken gears that keep you from opening and closing the door properly. To avoid this danger, clear off any snow on top of your wooden garage doors as soon as possible so that no damage occurs over time.
Conduct Garage Door Repairs and Maintenance
Finally, you might want to hire a professional to conduct garage door maintenance on your overhead door. This will ensure that your garage door opener is up to par and working smoothly, so you don’t have any inconveniences over the winter. It will also be a great time to figure out any underlying garage door problems and correct them in time to guarantee an incident-free winter season.
Can my garage door freeze during winter?
Your garage door can freeze during the winter months, which would cause it to malfunction. This will cause problems for you as it will keep you from opening and closing the garage. However, freezing can be avoided when adequate insulation, cleaning, and maintenance are done on the garage door.
What Are My Garage Door Insulation Options?
There are a few insulation options for your garage door. These include:
Weather-Stripping
This involves purchasing weather-stripping that you can attach to the bottom or top of your garage door. This will create a seal around the frame so that no cold air gets in, which could damage components and cause malfunctions over time.
Insulating Foam
You can purchase insulation foam for use on any gaps between doors or panels where light might come through. This will create a solid barrier that cold air cannot pass through, making it ideal for winter weather.
Insulated Roll-Up Doors
If you have insulated garage door tracks, this means they are already covered with insulation materials to prevent them from freezing over time. However, if your track isn’t insulated, but the door is, you can purchase insulation to prevent cold air from getting in.
Let Us Help With Your Garage Door!
Legacy Garage Doors is here to help you with all your garage door opener maintenance and repair needs. We offer 24-hr emergency services, and we’re available anytime, anywhere! Contact us today for a free estimate on updating or repairing any part of your garage door system.
