No matter what area you live in, your garage door is exposed to the elements. Here in the Pacific Northwest, your garage door will experience all for seasons. The last thing you want is for the life of your door to be cut short due to poor planning on your part. Fortunately for you, we’ve put together precautions you can take to ensure the safety of your garage door year-round.
Insulation
We’re no stranger to cold temperatures up here in Washington. However, when the temperature drops, your garage door may take a beating if you’re not prepared. Before those winter months with snow hit us, insulate your garage.
Insulation is one of the best ways to keep heat inside your garage where it belongs. The type of insulation you’ll need depends on the kind of garage door you have.
If your door doesn’t currently have insulation, it might be time to install some or upgrade to an insulated door. Now, many garage doors come with insulation already integrated into the design, like these Clopay Canyon Ridge Modern doors.
Weather Stripping
If your garage door has exposed edges, it’s all too easy for cold and moisture to seep in. After insulating your door, you’ll need appropriate weather stripping to go with it.
Weatherstripping creates a seal between the door and floor that will keep water and cold out. While it may have been in good condition at installation, it’s important to regularly check it for cracks or tears.
If it’s damaged, you can simply remove the old stripping and replace it with a new one. This will help your garage door continue to withstand the elements.
Reinforcement
For some homeowners, strong winds and hurricane-like conditions are a common occurrence where they live. If the wind is exceptionally strong, it could cause your garage door to be blown inwards, damaging its structure. Even worse, it could be blown clean off, leaving your home vulnerable to more damage.
To avoid this, consider investing in a bracing kit for hurricanes and powerful storms. Or you might want to look into buying a garage door that is strong enough to withstand Category 3 and 4 storms.
Clean and Inspect Regularly
Regular maintenance of your door will help tremendously. Doors that are repeatedly beaten by snow and ice may start to show signs of rust.
Check springs, rails, and tracks regularly for rust and remove rust on the affected areas. If you’re not confident doing this yourself, it’s better to call a professional technician.
Contact The DoorMan Service Co, INC. Now
If you are in the market for a new garage door, you’ve come to the right place. With over 40 years of experience under our belt, you can rest assured that you’re in capable hands.
If you’d like to know more about what we have to offer, fill out our online contact form. We’ll get back to you within 24-48 hours and work to answer any questions you have.