Garage Door Maintenance to Perform Before Winter Sets In
Before the coldest days of the year settle in, take a moment to do some preventative maintenance. With these tips, give your door a fighting chance to stand up to the worst the season has to offer.
CHECK YOUR INSULATION
Your door’s insulation is one of the most important aspects for keeping the draft out of your house. Check to make sure that it is still in good condition. If your garage door isn’t insulated or it needs replacing, you can find a kit at your local home improvement store that will add protection.
INSTALL WEATHERSTRIPPING
Any gap between the door and the floor can allow cold air into your garage. Even a small crack of less than an inch might lead to big problems because melting snow could get inside and damage your belongings. This is why installing a threshold seal such as the ones made by GaraDry® are essential. Available in various sizes, they can close any gaps, offering superior protection and energy efficiency.
INSPECT THE HARDWARE
Frigid conditions can wreak havoc on metal and wood, so it’s a good idea to check and tighten your door’s hardware before the temperature drops. The heat of summer may cause bolts to expand ever so slightly — meaning they may be loose by the time the mercury starts to dip. This is also a good opportunity to apply grease to your opener’s chain or screw, and spray lubricant to your springs.
MAKE SURE IT OPENS SMOOTHLY
Any hiccups in how the door opens or closes will be exacerbated in the winter when the components are at their stiffest. Take a close look at the tracks and see if there are any obstructions that could be hindering its performance. Rollers that appear to be cracked, chipped or otherwise out of shape should be replaced as soon as possible, too. If your opener has an electric eye, check it for anything that may be blocking the infrared beam.
Ensuring that your garage door will survive the winter is a good idea for many reasons. Not only will it prevent breakdowns that can be even more inconvenient during the season, but it can help keep your house more energy-efficient and lower your heating bills. Don’t wait until something goes wrong to pay attention to yours.