Did you know that weather changes cause most garage door problems? You probably did not, but you have seen how your door sometimes gets heavy during winter. Even if you know the degree of harm that weather can do to your garage door, are you aware of the proper ways to prepare it for various seasons? From inspecting the weather stripping to garage door opener installation, there are so many tips that you can adapt to prepare your door for winter seasons.
The Best Tips for Winter Preparation for Your Garage Door
1. Inspect the weather stripping
The weathers tripping insulates your garage from cold air. However, it may crack or shrink with time and become brittle, allowing drafts in. Check the bottom and sides of your garage door for signs of damage to the weather stripping. If it is too worn out, replace it so you have an effective seal against the cold.
Tip: You can easily find new weather stripping at any hardware store. It’s a very DIY-friendly project that can make a big difference.
2. Grease Moving Parts
A garage door comprises moving parts: hinges, rollers, and springs. Cold is likely to stiffen or freeze the moving parts, causing operational problems and damage. Before the temperature drops, lubricate all moving parts using a garage door-specific lubricant. Your garage door will then operate freely without future winter operational problems.
Tip: Don’t use heavy grease. Heavy grease becomes stiff at colder temperatures so that you may use silicon-based spray, the type used for lubricating garage doors.
3. Test the Garage Door Balance
A well-balanced garage door means the opener won’t have to work any harder than it must. Proper door balance is vital in winter when mechanical parts are more likely to strain. You can check the garage door’s balance by detaching it from the opener and then manually raising it to the midpoint; if it levels, you’re good to go. If it falls or rises, the door might need some adjustments by an expert.
Tip: An out-of-balance door makes the garage door opener work harder, shortening its life. So, catching it early before winter can help you prevent expensive repairs shortly.
4. Check and Lubricate Hardware
Your garage door goes up and down a large number of times in a year, and with all of that motion, the screws, bolts, and brackets can loosen. Inspect your door’s hardware and tighten any unfastened parts. Do not forget the hinges and roller brackets because these are major components that ensure the smooth operation of your door.
Tip: This easy step is designed to last you for the long, cold winter months, keeping your garage door functional and breakdown-free.
5. Add Insulation to Your Garage Door
If your garage door lacks insulation, the cold weather from Outside will creep in in winter. You will be better off to insulate and keep cold out. Many garage doors are sold with insulation; you may need to purchase a new one if you have none.
Therefore, you can purchase and install an insulation kit from the garage door service. With insulation, you have a warmer environment inside the garage; additionally, it will prevent the cold from creeping into the house.
6. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
An auto-reverse keeps the garage door from closing on objects, people, or pets. Check by placing something small in the door’s path and trying to close the door. If the feature does not reverse when striking the object, it should be set or serviced. A reserve feature is critical in winter because ice and snow interfere with the garage door sensors.
Tip: Use this feature occasionally to ensure that your garage door is safe for use over the winter months.
7. Conceal any Gaps
Even with the best weather stripping installed on your garage door, gaps will always permit cold air. Inspect the perimeter around your garage door and the outer walls surrounding it. Use caulk or foam sealant to seal in areas where cold air is likely to seep in. Sealing all the gaps will keep your garage warm while increasing your home’s energy efficiency.
Tip: It seals the gap, saving energy and keeping pests and rodents from entering your garage during the winter.
8. Smart Garage Door Opener Upgrade
Loveland winters can be pretty rugged, with freezing temperatures challenging garage door opening and closing. A smart garage door opener installation will enable you to initiate opening or closing the garage door right from your smartphone; this is very helpful during winter storms when no one wants to spend forever manually opening or closing the garage door.
Tip: Many smart garage door openers come equipped with battery backup during a power outage when a snowstorm rolls through.
9. Keep Your Garage Door Tracks neat and clear.
Debris, dust, and grime can accumulate along your garage door tracks. When winter comes, it freezes all the accumulated debris in the track and disrupts its smooth operation. Clean the tracks before winter sets in with a damp cloth. A damp cloth collects even the finest particles. After that, sit back and see your garage door open and close without hassle, even in freezing temperatures.
Tip: Grease or oil on the tracks attracts even more debris, so oiling your tracks is not wise. Cleaning is mostly enough.
10. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Some homeowners would love to do these tasks, but hiring a professional garage door service to inspect your garage door before winter is always a good idea. The trained professional will then spot issues you might miss, and the technician will ensure your door is fully prepared for winter. He will also check the technical aspects, such as springs, cables, and sensors, which can be looked after and used in optimal working conditions.
Tip: Have a professional inspect your garage door so you can rest assured that it’s ready for the fierce winter month of Loveland.
Final Note
Just like how you are happy to be in a warm house and your car is protected from harsh winter temperatures, your garage door also needs protection. The necessary preparation that you will do for your garage door from smart garage door opener installation will not only guard your car but also save you from countless needs for garage door services. On top of all, you will be extending the lifespan of your garage door. Garage door repair Loveland CO is just a click away from all your garage door needs. Partner, with our professional and highly skilled mechanics, is well-versed in all garage door needs in Loveland.
FAQ
Who can perform winter preparation for garage doors?
The homeowners can perform most of the adjustment work, including lubricating moving parts, checking weather stripping, and sealing gaps. Technical adjustments, however, like resetting the door balance or testing the springs, are best left to a professional.
Why does my garage door opener cease to function in cold temperatures?
Sometimes, a garage door’s lubrication can thicken from severe cold, jeopardizing the opener’s functioning. Cold can also affect the battery and sensors. Inspection and Proper lubrication of your garage door parts are always life-saving when it comes to movement.
Does the garage door weather stripping need replacement?
When your weather stripping shows clear wear and tear damage, it is time for you to get a new one. You can also inspect it before a different season begins. Even though it is guaranteed to support your door for a long time, all these harsh weather conditions can reduce its lifespan.