preparing your garage door for winter infographic

How to Prepare Your Garage Door for Winter

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With fast winter approaching, ensuring your garage door is ready to withstand the cold weather is essential. Winter can cause various issues with your garage door, from squeaking and sticking to outright failure. To prevent these problems and keep your garage door functioning properly throughout the winter, it’s essential to take the time to prepare it before the coldest months arrive. This blog post will provide tips on getting your garage door ready for winter so you can keep it running smoothly.

Inspecting the Door

It is crucial to inspect your garage door before winter arrives. Start by looking for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Check for any cracks in the panels, dents in the tracks, or rust on the hardware. If you find any of these issues, it is best to have them repaired before winter sets in. Additionally, ensure that all the nuts and bolts are tightened and that the door is properly balanced. If the door is not balanced, it can cause extra strain on the opener and lead to premature failure.

Lubricating the Moving Parts

To keep your garage door running smoothly, it is essential to lubricate all of the moving parts. Start by lubricating the tracks with a silicone-based lubricant. This will help reduce friction and make it easier for the door to open and close. Next, lubricate all hinges, rollers, and springs with light oil or lubricant. This will help reduce noise and prevent rust from forming. Finally, lubricate the chain or belt on the opener with a light oil or lubricant. This will help ensure that the opener runs smoothly and efficiently throughout the winter months.

Check the Door Opener plus its Safety Sensors

The winter season can be especially hard on them when it comes to door openers and safety sensors. For the proper functioning of these elements, make sure that the safety sensors are clean and free of debris. The sensors detect when something is blocking the door’s path and are essential for preventing injuries. Clean the lenses with a damp cloth and wipe away any cobwebs or dirt.

Next, check the power supply of the door opener. If it’s not working, check the fuse and replace it if necessary.

Test the door opener before you officially use it in the winter season. Make sure that the door opens and closes without any issues. If you encounter any problems, contact a professional service to help repair or replace malfunctioning components.

Inspect the Door Panels and Weather Stripping

Ensure the panels are properly sealed and free of any cracks or dents. Check for any damage in the weather stripping, as it is essential for protecting the door from weather elements like snow, wind, and rain. If the weather stripping looks worn, consider replacing it with new material. You should also ensure that there are no gaps between the door panels, as these can cause heat to escape from your garage and lead to higher energy costs during the winter months.

Insulate Your Garage Door

You’ll also need to make sure you have the necessary insulation to protect your garage door from the cold winter weather. Depending on the age of your garage door, you may need to replace the insulation or add additional insulation to the door. If the door is relatively new, you can easily add insulation strips or foam boards designed specifically for garage doors. Before making any changes, you should check with a professional garage door repair specialist to ensure your current door is up to code.

Cover Water Pipes

Water pipes are also vulnerable to cold temperatures during winter. It is essential to ensure that the water pipes in your garage are adequately covered and prepared for the colder months. To do this, you’ll have to check for signs of cracks, leaks, or other damage. Identifying any areas of damage before attempting to cover them up is essential, as this will help prevent further damage during the winter. In addition, cover exposed pipes with insulation foam sleeves or blankets. These materials provide an effective barrier against the cold and can also help to reduce noise from the pipes.

Conclusion

Preparing your garage door for winter is vital in ensuring that it remains in good condition throughout the cold months. By inspecting the door for any signs of damage or wear and tear and lubricating all the moving parts, you can ensure that your garage door will remain in good condition and operate smoothly throughout the winter. Taking these steps will help extend your garage door’s life and save you money in the long run.

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