If you live in an area that experiences cold weather and snowfall in the winter months, it’s important to take some steps to prepare your garage door for the elements. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help ensure that your garage door continues to operate smoothly and reliably all winter long. The experts at Bel Air Garage Door Repair have put together a list of seven tips to help you prepare your garage door for winter:
1. Inspect Your Garage Door
The first step is to inspect your garage door, looking for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you notice any cracks in the door itself or any loose hardware, make sure to have them repaired before the winter weather sets in. The experts from Garage door repair Perry Hall MD suggest that you also check the balance of your garage door, as an unbalanced door is more likely to be damaged by heavy snow and ice.
2. Lubricate Your Garage Door Hardware
Next, take some time to lubricate all of the moving parts on your garage door, including the hinges, rollers, and tracks. This will help to keep everything running smoothly and prevent any unnecessary wear and tear.
You can use a lubricant like WD-40 or a silicone-based spray. It’s important to avoid using anything too thick or sticky, as this can actually end up causing more damage.
3. Check the Weather Stripping
Another important step is to check the weather stripping around your garage door. If it’s worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced in order to prevent cold air from coming into your garage.
A good rule of thumb is to replace your weather stripping every two years.
4. Install a Garage Door Insulation Kit
If you don’t already have one, consider installing a garage door insulation kit. This will help to keep your garage warmer in the winter months, which can protect your door from freezing and becoming damaged. If you can’t install a kit, you can also try hanging a heavy blanket over the door to provide some extra insulation.
5. Clear Snow and Ice Away from Your Garage Door
Be sure to clear away any snow or ice that has accumulated around your garage door, as this can prevent it from opening and closing properly. It’s also a good idea to keep the area around your garage door clear of any snow or ice so that you don’t slip and fall when entering or leaving your garage.
6. Test Your Garage Door Opener
Before the winter weather hits, be sure to test your garage door opener to make sure that it’s still working properly. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where your opener fails in the middle of a snowstorm!
Also, be sure to keep your garage door opener batteries fresh so that they don’t die when you need them the most.
7. Schedule Regular Maintenance Checks
Finally, be sure to schedule regular maintenance checks for your garage door throughout the winter months. This will help to ensure that any potential problems are caught early and can be repaired before they cause serious damage. If you have a dented or bent garage door, you might want to get it replaced. A garage door panel repair is much cheaper and it would only take an hour or two.
By following these simple tips, you can help prepare your garage door for winter and keep it running smoothly all season long. If you have any questions about caring for your garage door, or if you need to schedule a maintenance check, look for a reliable garage door repair company in your area.
