Time to Winterproof Your Garage – Here’s How

As the winter weather approaches, there are probably many different things that you do to prepare your yard and home for harsh weather and cold temperatures. You bring in your outdoor patio furniture, wrap delicate bushes and landscaping, and perhaps even rake some leaves. Something that many people forget about is preparing their garage for the winter. We’re not just talking about packing away and organizing summer toys and outdoor items. This is about protecting your garage door, the flooring, keeping moisture and cold out, etc. Here are some tips and suggestions that can help get you started with winter proofing your garage.

Seal Up Cracks and Gaps

A garage can have a lot of cracks and gaps around its door and foundation that can let in moisture, insects and even rodents. A lot of those unwanted visitors may want to come in to avoid the cold, but you want to do all you can to keep them away. You can start by walking around the inside and outside of your garage, looking for these gaps. The location of the gap or crack will determine what kind of product or remedy you use to fix the issue. You can use caulk, expanding foam insulation and weather stripping as a quick fix.

If you have windows in your garage, it’s really important that you think about winter proofing these areas. Windows can be a major source of heat loss, especially in an area like a garage, which tends to lack insulation as it is. Make sure that the area around your windows is intact and doesn’t have any cracks or damage. You could also consider using a shrink film kit to add a protective layer to your windows.

Apply a New Coat of Oil or Grease to Your Garage Door

There are a number of benefits associated with applying a new coat of oil or grease to your garage door. If you’ve been noticing that your door is quite loud when it opens or closes, this is a definite sign that lubrication is needed. Not only will this cut down on the noise level, but it can also protect the different components of your garage door. Lack of lubrication can cause a lot of friction that puts wear and tear on your opener. You can really prolong the life of your garage door with this simple maintenance step.

Inspect the Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is a very affordable product that is easy to install, and it offers a number of benefits for your garage door and home. Ultimately, this weather stripping is designed to increase the energy efficiency of your home. It maintains a comfortable temperature inside of your garage while also keeping moisture out. It can also cut back on the insects and rodents that you have making their way into your garage.

You can determine if your weather stripping needs to be replaced by giving it a quick inspection. Look to see if it’s discolored or has cracks or chunks missing out of it. The material of weather stripping is pretty durable, but it definitely doesn’t last the life span of your garage door.

Perform Safety Tests

The safety of your garage door is incredibly important in the winter months but year-round as well. You should check that your garage door sensors are working properly in regard to safety. Place an item in the path of the sensors to see if the door will automatically stop itself. You can also put an item underneath the garage door to ensure that it bounces back up upon impact. If these tests fail, give us a call right away.

Upgrade Your Garage Door Entirely

If you are performing any of these winter proofing steps and notice that your garage door’s condition is deteriorating, it’s a good idea to speak with a professional about having the entire door replaced. A garage door can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, depending on its quality and how well it was installed. If you’re approaching that time frame or have passed it by, now may be the time to have a new door installed to protect your home and garage from inclement weather.

If you would like more information on different ways that you can winterproof your garage, reach out to the professionals at Commonwealth Garage Door. We would be happy to provide you with a seasonal inspection of your garage door, take care of any repairs that you’ve been putting off, or talk to you about investing in a new garage door that will provide more protection in the winter months in central Virginia.