Winter is quickly approaching, and in some parts of Colorado it’s already here! Is your garage door ready? When winter does hit and the snow starts to pile up, it can have adverse effects on your garage door and its dependable operation.
We at Primos Garage Doors are here to tell you that you don’t need to have a heated garage to be concerned about protecting it from winter and all the conditions that follow. Without being properly winterized, garage doors allow icy cold air to pour inside regardless, heated or not!
Depending on the part of Colorado you live in, snow, ice and freezing rain can seep into your garage with ease. By winterizing your garage door now, you can reduce energy costs, protect your garage door and stay more comfortable this winter. We at Primos Garage Doors can assist you with this task.
What Damage Can Occur?
Without the proper winterization of your garage door, damages can occur, which could be costly for you and your wallet. The experts at Primos Garage Doors is here to help you out this winter season. We can assess the problematic areas and assist you in steering clear of hazardous issues with your garage door this chilly time of year! Possible damages if not properly cared for or maintained include:
- Rubber and vinyl could potentially harden and/or crack.
- Wood doors WILL absorb any and all excess moisture.
- Tracks can bend or misalign.
- The weight of your door can shift and become imbalanced, which could throw off the counterbalance systems and cost more to repair.
- Motors are forced to lift heavier loads due to inclement weather conditions.
Consider doing some of the following specific actions to keep your garage door operating through the winter season:
- Only close on a clear doorsill: Meaning, if the garage door has been open for an extended period, snow or ice has developed along the doorsill. Clean/clear it away before closing.
- Watch for ice on the doorsill: When the garage is closed, ice can sneak in and form along the doorsill. Of course, when you go to open your door, the motor must work extra hard to pull the door away from the formed ice.
- Shovel away snow: Be sure snow does not pile up in front of the garage door. Damage can be done to the seal with other debris mixed in with the snow, such as: rocks, branches, leaves, etc.
- Plow with caution: If you utilize a plowing service, ask them to please leave some space in front of the garage door.
Assess the Condition of your Garage
Before assessing your garage door, it is necessary to complete some routine minor maintenance. If your garage door is already insulated, be aware that insulation degrades over time. If you have weather seals and stripping, pay close attention as seals and stripping can lose their ability to keep out the cold air and moisture.
Lubrication is key! It is important that ALL moving metal parts are lubricated regularly throughout a calendar year. This allows them to glide easily along when the winter weather strikes. The type of lubrication is dependent on your specific garage door and their components, however, WD-40 will work for the moment. Steer clear of lubricants that contain petroleum and silicone. The importance of lubrication can’t be stressed enough!
Preparing your Garage Door for Winter
Insulation
Insulating your door depends on the type of door you have. Wood framed garage doors and panel garage doors ideally use rigid insulation. Foam board is the most popular option, and rigid panels can be cut to size. For extra protection, consider installing two layers. Foam board insulation has an R-value of between three and six, it’s definitely worth the money. The higher the R-value, the better a material’s insulating power. Foam board can also be used for a flat garage door, or one that does not have any panels. If you have a steel garage door, you can technically use any kind of insulation.
Seals & Weather Stripping
Another form of insulation consists of garage door seals or weather stripping. Have you ever noticed gaps around the edges or cracks? It’s totally normal, but not necessarily good. Those cracks allow wind, cold air, snow, ice and rain to seep into the garage, especially during the winter season. Seals and weather-stripping can be utilized to close those gaps and cracks in order to insulate your garage more effectively!
Primos Garage Doors is Here for You!
Is winterizing a garage door a do-it-yourself job? It can be, however, if you’d rather save yourself the time and hassle, have the professionals at Primos Garage Doors do it for you.
We are the garage door experts, and we’ll use the best materials and tools to properly and efficiently prepare your door for winter before the cold weather strikes again! Give us a call at 720-621-7737 to book an appointment or to request an estimate from us.
