The purpose of a garage is to protect your vehicles and tools and store seldom-used belongings. However, your garage will only be as effective as its door at keeping out the weather and cold air. There are a few key steps that you’ll want to follow to ensure your garage door is up for the task.
Get Maintenance Service
One of the most effective ways to prepare your garage door for winter is to have professional maintenance service performed. This will include lubricating moving parts and checking the condition of components like the torsion springs. Ultimately, service goes a long way in helping to prevent your door from having issues over the winter months.
Redo Weatherstripping
One of the most imperative parts of your garage door when it comes to winter weather is its seal. The weatherstripping that runs around all the door’s sides helps prevent air from seeping into your garage and alternating its temperature. Some of these seals wear out within just a few years. Ideally, you’ll want to do this replacement in the fall so it’s fresh and ready for the winter weather.
Wipe Off Sensors Regularly
Nowadays, all garage doors come with safety sensors to help prevent the door from shutting on anyone. The sensors sit just inside the garage door, close to the ground. There will be one on either side, and they must be in perfect alignment so that a beam can shine between them. It’s important to know that anytime the beam between the sensors is interrupted, such as someone walking through the area, it will kick the garage door back open.
Unfortunately, when the photo sensor eye gets dirty, the dirt can obstruct the beam and cause your door to reopen. A good rule of thumb is to regularly wipe off the sensor eyes so they’re functioning correctly. Just be sure you don’t knock the sensors out of alignment while doing so.
Lubricate Regularly
When a professional comes out to perform service on your garage door, they’ll lubricate the main parts of your door. However, it’s important to regularly lubricate the moving parts of your door to prevent them from drying out in the cold weather. Be sure to use a lubricant meant for your specific climate, as lubricants not rated for colder weather can quickly deteriorate and create problems for your door.
Keep Up With Clearing Snow
When you experience adverse weather conditions during the winter, it’s important to properly care for the area where your garage door comes down. Snow and ice in that area can cause the seal to freeze to the ground. Additionally, it’s a good rule of thumb to wait and ensure that your garage door shuts the whole way before leaving your home, as you don’t want it to be left open during the cold winter season.
Consider Upgrading Garage Doors
If your garage door is over 10-15 years old, consider investing in a new one. Garage door technology has come a long way in the recent decade. Garage doors are more energy efficient and can offer more insulation. This can be particularly important for a garage you regularly heat, as the more efficient the door is, the more money you can save on your energy bill. Newer doors can even let you take advantage of windows that can allow natural sunlight to come in and heat your garage.
Helpful Garage Door Maintenance Service
KJ Doors offers the Telford, PA community helpful garage door maintenance services. We can also help with all your garage door repair, installation, spring, opener, weatherstripping, rolling door, door operators, dock equipment, door lock, bathroom partition, and commercial needs. Simply call our friendly staff today to book your next service appointment
