Anyone in New England can tell you, winters can be tough. Good preparation in the mid to late fall can go a very long way in protecting your home and your property from winter weather. As temperatures plummet and our homes get pelted by wintery mixes, it is important to make sure your garage is prepared for the winter. Whether your garage is where you simply keep your cars, or it is where you store extra things, winter air can have a negative effect on whatever’s in your garage.
Cold Air & Your Garage Door
Winter air is going to have an impact on your garage door. No one wants to wake up the day after a blizzard and find out that aside from shoveling out your driveway, your garage door is also frozen shut. Cold air can make your garage door denser, putting more weight on the springs and cables that lift the door. Snow and ice sticking to your door can also increase the wear and tear on your springs and cables. And an uninsulated door can quickly let heat out of your garage. If your garage is attached to your home this is going to decrease the energy efficiency of your home. If your garage is separate, it can still cause issues for all of your stuff stored in your garage. But there are things you can do now that will protect your garage this winter.
Check & Replace Weather Stripping
At the bottom of your garage door is the weather stripping. Because this is made of rubber it will likely crack and break over years of use. If you notice cracking or missing chunks of your weather stripping you should get it replaced. Additionally, look for cracks around the windows of your garage door. You may need these windows replaced if they are cracked or broken.
Apply Lubricant To All Moving Parts
The key to any mechanical operation is proper lubrication. Garage Door tracks and rollers should be lubricated before the start of the winter season. This can help decrease the wear and tear on the springs and cables as winter weather affects the door.
Prepare Road Salt
Many homeowners invest in some road salt for their sidewalks and driveways. It is important to put salt in front of the garage door to prevent snow drifts from building against the door and causing extra stress on the pulley system. Whenever you see snow buildup in front of your garage door you should remove it quickly.
For Repairs, Parts, and Garage Door Replacement Give Us A Call
Merrimack Valley Glass & Mirror helps homeowners throughout the Merrimac area with garage door services. If you need a garage door replaced, or you simply need adjustments made to your pulley system we can help. Give us a call or send us a message to learn more.