As the colorful foliage of autumn gives way to the stark beauty of winter, homeowners have more than just holiday preparations on their mind. Cold months bring with them a unique set of challenges, and your garage door is no exception. An unprepared garage door can compromise your home’s energy efficiency and safety. AAA Action Garage Doors would like to share how to winterize your garage door, ensuring its a smooth running garage door through those icy cold days.
Benefits of Winterizing Your Garage Door Before Winter
Winterizing is not just something you get to if you have the time, it is a necessity. A winter-ready garage door ensures:
• Conservation of Energy: A well-insulated garage reduces the amount of cold air entering your home, helping to lower heating costs.
• Protects Your Vehicle: For those who park their cars in the garage, ensuring the door operates smoothly prevents potential car damage or inconvenience on frosty mornings.
• Ensures Safety: A door free from winter-related glitches reduces the risk of accidents.
How to Winter-Proof Your Garage Door
Inspect and Replace Weather Stripping – The weather stripping, located at the bottom of your garage door, acts as a seal against cold drafts. Over time, it can become brittle or damaged. Examine the seal for cracks or gaps. If it is damaged, remove the old stripping and replace it with a new one, ensuring it’s appropriately sized for your door.
Lubricate Moving Parts – Cold weather can make the metal parts of your garage door contract, causing it to operate less smoothly. Use a silicone-based lubricant on all moving parts, including rollers, tracks, and hinges. Avoid heavy greases that can harden in cold temperatures.
Insulate Your Garage Door – If you have a non-insulated garage door, consider adding insulation. Not only does it keep your garage warmer, but it also adds soundproofing and increases door strength. Purchase an insulation kit from your local hardware store. They typically come with detailed instructions. Ensure you choose the right insulation type for your door material.
Check and Tighten All Hardware – The continuous movement of a garage door can loosen its hardware over time. Use a socket wrench to tighten up bolts and brackets, ensuring your door remains secure and aligned.
Test the Door’s Balance – An unbalanced door can strain the garage door opener. Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle which is usually a red cord. Manually move the door about halfway up. If it does not stay put, the counterweight system or springs might be imbalanced, requiring professional attention.
Examine the Cables – Never interfere with high-tension cables, as they can cause serious injury. However, inspecting them is essential. Look for any damage or wear on the cables that lift your garage door. If they appear frayed or damaged, call a professional for replacement.
Regularly Check the Batteries – Cold weather can drain batteries quickly. Ensure your garage door opener and external keypad have fresh batteries heading into winter.
Clean and Paint – While not directly related to function, a fresh coat of paint can act as a protective layer against moisture and the elements. Clean the door thoroughly, then apply a weather-resistant paint, especially if you notice existing paint is chipping.
Garage Door Services in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
Prepping your garage door for winter might seem like a chore, but it is an effort that pays off in comfort, safety, and energy savings. If you find you need or want professional help winterizing your garage door, contact AAA Action Garage Doors today.
