A 3-Step Guide to Prepping Your Garage Door for Winter
Winter is fast approaching, and you need to think about preparing your house for the season. Cold temperatures have a direct impact on door operation, and winterizing is something you can do to save big by avoiding damage and preventing malfunctions. Set an afternoon aside this weekend to get your garage door ready to enjoy proper functionality and peace of mind all season long.
How to Winterize a Garage Door
Winterizing is essential regardless of the door’s size or how it opens. If your garage door breaks during the middle of the winter, things can get pretty uncomfortable. Broken doors can get stuck open, exposing your home and property to the harsh winter climate. They can also get stuck closed, trapping you inside or outside until you schedule repairs.
Take the right steps to prepare or you run the risk of having a garage door that doesn’t work when colder temperatures set in.
Step 1: Inspect Your Door
Give your garage door a thorough visual inspection. This includes:
- Checking the weatherstripping: Take a look at the weatherstripping all around the door. If you see cracks or any sections lifting away, replace it.
- Maintaining the door: Take this opportunity to clean the rollers and tracks. Use an appropriate garage door lubricant on all moving parts.
- Inspecting the hardware: If you see any damaged hardware or parts coming loose, replace them. For complicated repairs, call a professional.
Step 2: Protect the Interior
Garages vary, but most have a wide assortment of personal items stored inside. Yours may also be home to exposed pipes and gas-powered landscaping tools. If you have lawn equipment that you won’t need until next spring, drain the fuel and store it safely away. Cover your pipes with plastic or foam pipe covering to protect against freezing. You can also put tape or covers over your electrical outlets to eliminate minor drafts.
Step 3: Stay on Top of the Snow
Keep the door clear of snow and ice. Ice can freeze the weather seal at the bottom of your garage door to the concrete. If yours does end up freezing, let it melt naturally. Forcing it open or melting the ice with heat or commercial products can wind up trading a temporary issue for a permanent one you will have to pay to fix.
Do Insulated Garage Doors Work?
Whether you have a detached garage or one connected to the home, there are multiple benefits to gain during the wintertime from an insulated garage door. These doors do an excellent job of trapping warm air inside and keeping cold winter winds outside where they belong. With reduced heat loss, you also end up paying less to keep your home and garage warm, saving on monthly costs.
Insulated garage doors have other advantages that extend year-round. As the snow melts and spring rains roll in, insulated doors help keep interior moisture levels low, reducing the chances for outbreaks of mold and mildew. When the summer sun starts beaming down, these doors help keep the garage much cooler inside than the standard alternatives.
Have the Local Professionals Winterize Your Door
Save time getting your home ready for the winter with service from Hunter Door. We provide professional garage door installation and care throughout New Jersey, including complete winterizing services and repairs.
Reach out today to request an estimate for your home or call us at 856-482-2325.
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