Improving My Garage Door

Winter can wreck havoc on many different areas of your home but one particular spot you might not remember to safeguard is your garage door. Winter can provide some unique challenges in this area that you should be prepared for if you want to avoid having to call a garage door repair company. Here are some tips that should help you keep your garage door in excellent shape for the duration of winter and beyond.

Lubrication is Key

You should always keep your garage door lubricated but this is especially important in the winter. The dry air can cause your previous lubrication job to dry out much faster, leading to problems for your springs or rollers. Lubricate your garage door track and all moving parts at the start of winter and then continue to add lubrication about once a month for best results.

Make Sure Your Weather Stripping is Doing Its Job

Your garage door's weather stripping can be the difference between a normal and an abnormally high heating bill during the winter months. Inspect the weather stripping before the winter begins to ensure that it is providing a proper seal that will keep cold air outside where it belongs. If you notice any part of the strip starting to become loose, fix it immediately or hire a professional to help you before it worsens.

Keep the Tracks Clear

Hopefully you're already paying attention to the garage door track because you are providing frequent lubrication, but it bears repeating that this is an area you should keep an eye on during the winter. First, make sure any dried leaves or grass left over from the fall is removed. Then, keep an eye out for debris during the coming months. Keep the tracks clear so that your door's moving parts can get the job done without any resistance.

Don't Forget the Exterior

If you have a wood garage door, you'll also want to keep an eye on the exterior side of things to make sure it does not suffer water damage that could lead to peeling or chipped paint. A steel door might be at greater risk of developing rust during the winter. If you accidentally get salt on the door while salting your driveway, wipe it off with soapy water as soon as you can.

When you are going down your home maintenance checklist for the winter, don't forget about your garage door. If you notice any problems you can't fix on your own, contact a professional for help.