Winter in East Tennessee can be a beautiful time of year – but it can also take a toll on your garage door which can affect your whole house. From cold snaps to moisture buildup, the winter weather brings some unique challenges, like your garage not being sealed properly against the winter cold, or water entering your garage door seal.
Luckily, a few simple steps can help protect your garage door, keep it running smoothly, and avoid unexpected issues. Here’s what you need to know to get your garage door winter-ready.
Why winter can be tough on garage doors
First off, let’s talk about what can actually happen to your garage door during the winter. The cold weather can impact your garage door in a few ways:
- Freezing temperatures: Cold temperatures can cause metal parts to contract, making it harder for your garage door to operate smoothly. Springs and cables may become more brittle, which can lead to unexpected breaks if they’re not in top shape.
- Moisture buildup: Snow, ice, and rain can lead to increased moisture around your garage door. If water seeps into parts of the door, it can lead to rust on metal components, swelling of wooden doors, and even freezing around the door’s edges.
- Weatherstripping wear: The weatherstripping around the bottom and sides of your door keeps cold air and moisture out. But winter can cause this material to crack or wear out more quickly, which lets cold drafts and moisture seep in.
Now that we know the risks, let’s dive into some tips to help keep your garage door in great shape throughout the season.
1. Give it a good clean and lubricate moving parts
Winter can be tough on the door’s mechanics, so start by giving everything a quick tune-up. Wipe down the tracks, rollers, and hinges to remove any dirt or grime, which can make the door harder to operate in colder weather. Then, apply a garage door lubricant to moving parts, such as the springs and rollers, to help them move more easily even in the cold.
Tip: Avoid regular grease or oil, which can thicken up in the winter. Instead, go for a silicone-based lubricant designed for garage doors – it’s made to perform well in colder weather!
2. Inspect the weatherstripping
Take a look at the weatherstripping along the bottom of your garage door. If it’s cracked, brittle, or showing any signs of wear, it’s a good idea to replace it before winter fully sets in. Fresh weatherstripping helps seal out cold drafts and moisture, keeping your garage warmer and protecting your door’s metal components.
If you’re not sure how to replace it, don’t worry – your local garage door professional can quickly install new weatherstripping to get your door winter-ready.
3. Keep the area around your door clear
Snow, ice, and other winter debris can build up around the base of your garage door, making it harder to open and close. If you see snow or ice along the bottom, gently clear it away so it doesn’t put extra strain on your door. This is also a great way to prevent moisture from creeping into your garage.
Pro tip: Avoid using salt or other chemicals directly around your garage door. While salt can help with ice, it can also speed up rusting and damage your door’s hardware.
4. Check the springs and cables
Your garage door springs and cables do most of the heavy lifting, but cold weather can make them more likely to snap due to the weather change on the metal. If they’re getting older or showing any signs of wear (like rust or fraying), it’s a smart idea to have them inspected before winter.
Garage door springs and cables are under high tension, so this is one step best left to a professional. A quick inspection can ensure everything is in top shape, so you’re less likely to experience a breakdown when it’s freezing outside.
5. Consider insulating your garage door
If your garage door isn’t insulated, winter is a great time to consider adding insulation. An insulated door helps keep your garage warmer, which can make it easier on the door’s hardware and reduce energy costs. Plus, if your garage is attached to your home, an insulated door can even help keep your home a bit warmer. Contact us to learn more about our insulated garage door options.
By taking a few steps to protect your garage door this winter, you can avoid most of the common issues that pop up when temperatures drop in East Tennessee. And if you do run into any problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help East Tennessee homeowners keep their garage doors running smoothly, no matter the weather.
Contact us today to schedule a service repair.