Tips for Weatherproofing Your Garage Door

A quality garage door should last you for many years. That said, there are plenty of things you can do to extend the life of a garage door.

Winter is generally a hard time for your home due to colder temperatures, snow and ice. And if your garage door gets stuck during the winter, this will allow cold air to rush into the home, driving up your energy costs and leaving your car exposed to the elements. Let’s go through the best ways for protecting your garage door for the winter.

How cold weather affects garage doors

First of all, colder temperatures will put stress on the garage door. This is because the garage door is comprised of numerous moving parts that have to work together to lift the door, which could weigh hundreds of pounds. In cases where the lubricant dries out or the door becomes denser due to the frigid air, that causes additional work for the rollers, springs and other parts.

Another issue is not having proper garage door insulation. Without this, heat transfer can become a problem. Warm air will escape the home through the garage door. This can be an issue when you notice that your energy bills are higher than you’re used to.

Lastly, snow can take a toll on the garage door. It will make the garage door harder to open and may make the various components of the garage door freeze and stick. Moisture may also damage the electronics in the garage door keypad or opener.

Preventing winter damage to your garage door

Luckily, there are preventative measures you can take to ensure your garage door stays functional all year long:

• Keep the parts tight: Garage doors typically open and close several times a day. All this movement will eventually cause the various parts to become a bit loose. This leads to gaps appearing in the door, which will allow cold air and moisture to enter the garage. Use a socket wrench to tighten all the door’s bolts so it’ll be ready for winter.
• Lubricate all components: Any part of the garage door that moves during operation should be properly lubricated. This will guarantee that the parts don’t damage each other and provides a layer of protection against the cold weather. Utilize a spray lubricant that’s specifically made for garage doors.
• Check the weather stripping: Ensure that the garage door has adequate weather stripping on the bottom edge. If you notice that the weather stripping is cracked or deteriorating, then it’s time to replace it.
• Inspect the rollers: Keeping the rollers moving properly is a good idea, as these parts need to be replaced every several years. Whether the rollers are steel or nylon, they will become chipped and worn after years of usage.

Whenever you’re looking for the best quality in overhead garage doors with great insulation, turn to Wes-Kan Siding Windows & Doors. We carry all the different styles and types of doors you need, with options that fit every homeowner’s needs. Contact us or stop by our showroom to view all our different products and learn more about how to protect your garage door this winter and beyond.

Categorised in: Garage Doors