How to Winterize Your Garage Door

As a Michigan homeowner, you understand the importance of getting your garage door ready for the cold and its necessity for any home. With garage door maintenance and winter preparation, you can boost energy efficiency, create a comfortable space and protect your garage’s interior.

Learn how to prepare garage doors for winter with the following steps from Ingstrup Garage Doors. Discover crucial maintenance tips, go through a winter preparation checklist, and find out why you may want to invest in insulation.

Essential Maintenance Tips for Winter

Living in Michigan, you know how cold the wind can be, so it is essential to ensure your garage door seal is secure and free of any cracks or damage. This goes for your weatherstripping that fits along the outside perimeter and bottom of your door and the garage door caulking seal.

Check and Replace Weatherstripping

Assess the weatherstripping with a quick visual once-over. Look for cracks, gaps, or pulling all around the door. Replace the stripping if necessary to create a better seal when the door is closed.

To replace the weatherstripping, call a professional or follow these steps:

• Remove the old weatherstripping: Use a flathead screwdriver or hammer to pry off the old weatherstripping from the doorframe.
• Clean the surface: Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove dirt or adhesive residue.
• Measure and cut new weatherstripping: Use your old weatherstripping to help measure the new strips and then cut them to size.
• Install the new weatherstripping: Align the new weatherstripping with the doorframe and press firmly into place.
• Secure with nails or screws: Use finishing nails or screws to secure the weather stripping.
• Replace the bottom seal: Remove the old bottom seal and install the new one.
• Check for gaps: Make sure the weatherstripping now forms a nice and tight seal.

Relying on professional garage door seal replacement services is always best to ensure high-quality and lasting results.

Garage Door Seals

To create a complete garage door seal, you should look for gaps that could allow a draft to creep through the cracks and cool down your garage. Caulking around your garage door perimeter creates a tight seal against wind, water and cold temperatures. Follow these steps to ensure a complete seal, and be sure to caulk around your windows, too:

• Remove any old caulk with a utility knife to create a clean surface.
• Wipe away debris or dirt and use a brush if needed.
• Place tape around the surfaces where the caulk is applied.
• Apply an outdoor-appropriate caulk as needed.
• Spread the caulk evenly and neatly using a caulking tool.
• Caulk any surface imperfections to protect against the environment.

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Winter Preparation Checklist

As winter approaches, ensuring your garage door is ready to withstand the cold is crucial. This checklist will guide you through essential tasks to keep your garage door functioning smoothly and reliably all season long.

1. Fix Broken Garage Door Springs

Broken garage door springs can impact your door’s function and pose a safety hazard. Some signs of a broken spring include the following:

• Loose cables
• A crooked door
• Cracking or popping noises
• Gaps in the springs
• Fast or jerky movement
• Slow movement

If you have a snapped spring, call professionals for spring repair before the cold months come.

There are two main kinds of garage door springs: torsion and extension springs. We recommend calling a professional to replace the springs for you, as replacing garage door springs yourself can be dangerous.

2. Lubricate Your Garage Door

Winter can make your garage door parts cold, dry, and brittle, so lubricating the garage door can help all moving components. Use WD-40 in a pinch, but preferably purchase garage door lubricant from a hardware store and try to find one that includes rust-inhibiting properties.

If you need assistance finding the right product, speak to a store assistant or contact your local garage door specialist and have them do it as part of the overall maintenance.

When lubricating your garage door, you'll want to pay attention to the following components:

• Torsion or extension springs
• Metal rollers
• Pivoting points and hinges
• Roller tracks
• Locking mechanisms
• Bearings

3. Check the Rollers and Clean the Tracks

Rollers help your door move smoothly along the tracks. It’s recommended to replace your door rollers as soon as they show signs of wear. It is possible to replace your rollers yourself. However, you could potentially damage the tracks or the door. Therefore, getting garage door maintenance services from professionals is highly advisable.

Dirty tracks can impede the door’s efficiency. Give them a good cleaning before it gets too cold, and inspect them for damage. You can clean them using a non-abrasive brush or cloth and wipe away any dirt, dust, cobwebs, or old lubricant. If you think it’s time to change them out, contact a garage door installation company for assistance.

The Benefits of Upgrading to an Insulated Garage Door

Insulation is a comprehensive way to improve your garage door’s weather resistance. You can choose from a few insulation types with different efficiency ratings. If you already have an insulated garage door, inspect it for damage and wear, and consult a professional to upgrade the door if it is no longer working as needed.

The following are the advantages and reasons to purchase an insulated door:

• Energy efficiency: Insulation reduces heat transfer through the door, lowering heating and cooling costs. It helps maintain indoor conditions and reduce strain on your HVAC system.
• Noise reduction: An insulated door dampens noise from outside, keeping your home quieter.
• Protection for belongings: Maintaining a stable temperature can help protect any stored items affected by temperature fluctuations.
• Increased durability: Insulated garage doors tend to be sturdier and more robust, making them more resistant to dents and damage.

Contact Ingstrup Garage Doors for Assistance

If your garage door still doesn't seem ready after you prepare it, it might be time for a repair or replacement. Turn to Ingstrup Garage Doors for everything from cable repair to garage door maintenance, a new garage door replacement, and much more. Call (517) 305-8459 or request service online to get started.