Getting Your Garage Ready For The Winter

We know you don’t want to think about winter yet. Especially with the summer we seem to be having finally. But, a little preparation now will go a long way before the snow flies.

As winter begins its approach, it’s a great time to start thinking about what routine maintenance your garage door needs before the cold comes. In Calgary, we can get pretty brutal winters. Having your garage door stop working in the dead of winter is extremely inconvenient. It’s essential to complete garage door maintenance before winter.

You don’t want to have the nasty surprise of your garage door not opening in the morning, leaving you stranded for work or school. Your garage door is also defending your home from the outside cold air, so it’s essential to make sure the door can close and seal out the cold. Otherwise, you could be facing increased heating bills if you have an attached garage, and no one wants that.

Luckily, there are many tips and tricks for homeowners to keep their garage doors in great shape. These tips can also help you avoid a more costly repair down the road. Winter conditions such as the cold and snow will cause more significant strain on your garage door. It’s essential to make regular garage door maintenance a part of your routine before the first snowfall.

The cold weather can also cause the metal parts of your garage door to shrink. This will affect how it opens and closes. Inspecting and making sure that your garage door’s metal parts are in perfect condition before it starts to get cold is crucial. If you have issues with the garage door springs, screws or tracks breaking during the winter, it’s always best to consult a professional for a fast and experienced fix.

It’s also crucial to look at the springs, pulleys and cables to see if both sides are symmetrical. Regularly inspect the garage door cables and tracks to ensure they are clear of any debris or rust. Everything should move smoothly. Keeping the tracks clear of any debris or dirt can increase its total lifespan.

Does your garage door seal correctly? If it doesn’t, it can let in cold air into your home. The seal also prevents the release of heat from inside, preventing more significant issues down the road. The best way to inspect the seal is to stand in your driveway at night. Once it’s dark out, you can look for cracks of light coming out from around the door.

It’s essential to do this inspection of the garage door seal to replace any damaged or missing sections before it becomes a larger fix. Additionally, the presence of dirt and grime can cause it not to close correctly. Wiping down the seal around your garage door could fix the issue, and is a super easy fix! Just use any all-purpose household cleaner and a cloth to wipe it down and see if your garage door seals appropriately after.