Protecting Your Garage Door Against the Elements
November 28, 2016
It’s the season of colder weather and harsh elements and this can sometimes take a toll on your garage door. But have no fear, the experts at Precision Door are here to help. We have put together a quick list of the different ways you can protect your garage door from the elements, whether it be wind, rain, or extreme cold.
Let’s start with wind. For some people, strong winds and even hurricanes and tornadoes are a part of life in their home state. And if a wind is strong enough, it can blow in your garage door in and that puts your entire house at risk, because without the garage door to keep out the immense push of the wind, the entire structure of your home can be damaged or your garage could be torn away and permanently damaged. So there are two ways to prevent this. You can either take care of it yourself with a garage door reinforcement kit or invest in a storm and hurricane proof garage door. Adding your own reinforcement can certainly help but keep in mind that if your garage door is old and vulnerable, it might not do much to keep out a hurricane or tornado. So making sure you have a garage door that is strong and built to withstand this kind of weather is always your best bet.
Now onto the colder weather problems. When the temperature drops, your garage door can run into all sorts of problems. If a door isn’t properly winterized, snow and ice can get into the garage, the door can be frozen shut, and the individual parts can shrink and move and even get stuck if the lubrication freezes as well. And on top of all that, if your door isn’t doing it’s job properly, it could be leaking all of your home’s warm air, costing you more money and making your home less comfortable. For starters, take the time to check out your garage door and all of its moving parts. Make sure that everything is properly lubricated, especially during colder weather and look into buying lubricant that resists hardening and freezing.
From there, it’s time to “winterize” your garage door. We recommend insulating your garage door as early as possible, which will resist the cold and make it stronger during the winter months. The type of insulation you use depends on the material of your garage door, like foam board or fiberglass batt, and always make sure that the insulation has a good R-value. The higher the R-value is, the stronger the insulation. Another priority after insulation will be weatherstripping, which seals the space between the garage door opening and the door itself. If you haven’t replaced your weatherstripping in years or maybe ever, it might be time to do it. Weatherstripping can crack over time and this creates gaps in the seal which lets cold air, snow, ice, and wind in. You can take this project on yourself or you can easily call an expert to take care of it for you.
Try all of these tips to prepare your garage door for the winter. However, if your garage door is old and out of date, it might not matter how much reinforcement and sealing you give it. It might be time to invest in a new garage door. Modern doors are made with excellent insulation and are durable and strong, with custom options if you need them to withstand harsh elements and freezing temperatures. Replacing your old garage door for a new one is a great investment and we always recommend it as your best bet for keeping your house safe and warm all year long.
Whether you need help with winterization and maintenance or you want to look at your options for a new garage door, the experts at Precision can help answer any questions you may have! We answer the phone 24/7 so don’t hesitate to call!