When temperatures are cold and weather is severe, the integrity of your garage door may be seriously compromised. Because of cold weather temperatures, contraction and expansion can occur, and your garage door’s screws and springs may shrink. When this happens, problems with garage door opening and closing may occur. The same thing can happen when moisture enters the garage and that moisture freezes. These problems can not only be a major inconvenience, but also dangerous as well.
The good news is is that while winter may present some complications and dangers for your garage door, most of these problems are entirely preventable, if not fixable. Here are some tips for preventing and remedying cold weather garage door dangers:
If it has been a while since you, or a garage door professional, thoroughly inspected your garage door, do not wait any longer. Take a look at all parts of your garage door, including:
If your garage seems to be sticking or is off-balance when opening and closing, if you notice and dents or cracks in the garage door, or if screws seem loose, the next step is garage door maintenance and repair.
After thoroughly inspecting your garage door, take notes about what parts of your garage door need a little TLC. You should lubricate your garage door rollers and all other moving parts. Choose a lubricant that is silicone-based. While you should lubricate all moving parts well, do not over-lubricate; doing so can lead to gunk buildup and stickiness.
In addition to lubricating your garage door, make sure your batteries in your garage door opener are working well, and replace them if necessary. Then, check your weatherstripping and replace it if necessary – dated weatherstripping can result in cracks, which allow for moisture to enter the garage, leading to freezing. Finally, double-check your garage door and correct any noticeable problems, like dents or cracks. Then, give your garage door a good wash. Garage door maintenance is a very important part of making sure your garage door is safe and operating efficiently.
If your garage door needs to be repaired or replaced, the professionals at Affordable Garage Door, Inc. are ready to help. Our team has more than 30 years’ worth of experience serving home and business owners in the Lowell, Indiana area. For all of your garage door servicing needs, contact us today at 219-696-4279.