Preparing Your Garage Door for Winter: Essential Tips
2024-01-10 7 min read
Winter in Washington can be harsh on your garage door system. Cold temperatures, moisture, and ice can cause various problems if your door isn't properly prepared. Here's your comprehensive guide to winterizing your garage door.
Inspect and Replace Weather Stripping
The weather stripping around your garage door creates a seal against the elements. Over time, this rubber seal can crack, become brittle, or pull away from the door.
Signs you need new weather stripping: - Visible cracks or gaps in the seal, Cold drafts entering the garage, Water or snow infiltration, Increased energy bills
Replacing weather stripping is relatively inexpensive and can significantly improve your garage's insulation.
Lubricate All Moving Parts
Cold weather causes metal to contract, which can make moving parts stiff and noisy. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to:
- Hinges and rollers, Springs and cables, Tracks and bearings, Lock mechanisms
Avoid using WD-40 as a lubricant.it's actually a solvent that can strip away existing lubrication. Use products specifically designed for garage doors.
Check Spring Tension
Garage door springs are under tremendous tension and can become less effective in cold weather. Signs of spring problems include:
- Door feels heavier than usual, Door doesn't stay open when raised halfway, Visible gaps in torsion springs, Unusual squeaking or grinding
Warning: Never attempt to adjust springs yourself. Spring repair is dangerous and should only be performed by licensed professionals.
Insulation Considerations
If your garage is attached to your home, proper insulation can reduce heating costs and prevent pipes from freezing. Consider:
- Adding insulation panels to non-insulated doors, Upgrading to an insulated garage door, Sealing gaps around the door frame, Installing a garage heater for extreme cold
Prevent Frozen Doors
A frozen garage door can be more than inconvenient.forcing it open can damage the opener, panels, or weather stripping. To prevent freezing:
1. Clear snow and ice from the bottom seal regularly 2. Apply silicone spray to the weather stripping 3. Keep the door closed during ice storms 4. Never pour hot water on frozen components
Schedule Professional Maintenance
The best way to prepare for winter is with a professional tune-up. Our technicians will inspect all components, make necessary adjustments, and identify potential problems before they leave you stuck in the cold.