As a homeowner, you can take several steps to protect your property from the effects of harsh winter weather. You could clear the gutters to prevent ice dams, wrap exposed pipes with insulation, caulk cracks in the foundation and around windows, and have a professional HVAC technician inspect your heating system.
Winterizing garage doors is an important step many homeowners overlook. Preparing the largest opening in your home offers many benefits, including increasing comfort and energy efficiency, enabling you to protect stored items and maximizing the door’s life span.
How to Winterize Your Garage Door
Use these tips for winterizing your garage door and protect it from freezing temperatures.
Test the Door
Checking the door in late fall allows you to identify problems that can worsen when the cold weather arrives. Assess the door’s ability to function by using the remote to open and close it a few times. Ensure it’s running smoothly and that there are no unusual noises. Inspect the tracks to make sure they’re not bent or damaged.
Check the Opener and Sensors
The opener is the “nerve center” of a garage door system. Test all the functions to ensure they’re working properly. Now is also an excellent time to replace the batteries, especially if it’s been a while since the last upgrade.
Verify that the auto-reverse mechanism, the safety feature that prevents the door from falling on a person, animal or object, is performing correctly. If it isn’t, there could be an issue with the sensors on either side of the opening that requires immediate attention.
Inspect the Weatherstripping
The weatherstripping is the rubber material that rims the door opening’s perimeter and keeps out cold air. If you observe tears, cracks, gaps or missing sections, you should remove and replace the entire strip. Avoid using cheap, flimsy material, as this will provide minimal defense against winter weather.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Applying fresh, non-silicone lubricant to the rollers, hinges, springs and other moving components can prevent them from freezing, which could keep the door from opening or closing.
Get Your Door Services Before Winter Arrives
If you live in Durham, Pitt or Wake County, North Carolina, the experienced professionals at Custom Door & Gate can winterize your garage door for you. We can also install an insulated door that provides maximum protection against the cold.
Contact us to learn more about our garage door services or schedule a convenient appointment today.