what you need to know when buying a garage door

Prepare The Garage Door For Cold Weather With These 3 Tips

When the temperature drops and the cold months start moving in, you need to make sure your home is prepared. You may not think of the garage door when you're preparing for the winter, but since the garage door is the largest door in your home, it's a good idea to make sure it's in good shape. Prepping for winter will also help you avoid premature garage door repair. Here are some things to keep in mind along the way.

Put on New Weatherstripping

The rubber strips along the bottom of your garage door are also called weatherstripping. In order to make your garage door ready for colder temperatures, it is smart to replace the old strips and attach new ones. The reason for this is that worn or torn weatherstripping can allow water, wind, and snow to seep into your garage. Not only that, but tiny rodents may be able to squeeze themselves into your garage to stay out of the elements.

Getting new weatherstripping can protect your garage from any problems. Scrape off the old weatherstripping and sealant off the bottom of the door with a putty knife to ensure that there is a clean surface for the new weatherstripping. Align the new rubber strip so that the flap is flat against your garage door to make a good seal.

Spray Lubricant on Moving Parts

As it gets colder, you might discover that your garage door is making louder noises than usual. Oil and other lubricants might harden as temperatures dip, so it may already be time for you to once again lubricate all the moving parts. Rollers, springs and hinges are just some of the things that you should monitor on a regular basis so that your garage door can open and close as quickly as it does the rest of the year.

Insulate the Garage

Just like other areas of your home, such as the roof, the door to your garage may benefit from insulation. After all, the garage door is the largest door on your house. Therefore, pick up some foam boards or fiberglass insulation at any home improvement store so you can keep warm air inside and lower your utility bills. Follow the manufacturer's directions and use sealant or hammer and nails to get the job done. 

Consult a garage door contractor to assess the condition of your door and make any necessary repairs before the winter sets in.