It’s the single largest opening on a home and the most frequently used entrance. Yet when it comes to winterizing, many homeowners forget to include the garage door on their list of items to inspect and repair.
Here are some tips to help get your garage door ready for the cold.
Keep the Heat In
Keeping the garage warm in the winter doesn’t have to be a challenge. The easiest way to trap heat in and keep cold air out is with a weather seal. If you see a gap between the bottom of the garage door and the driveway when the door is closed, it’s time to replace the stop.
If cold living spaces above or next to the garage are an ongoing problem, upgrade to an energy efficient garage door. Today’s insulated garage doors can help keep an unheated garage 10 -20 degrees warmer on a cold winter day. If you purchase a qualifying energy efficient garage door by December 31, 2010 you will not only save on their heating costs, and may be eligible for up to $1,500 in federal energy tax credits, thanks to the new stimulus legislation.
Visually Inspect Hardware for Wear and Tear
Look for bent or loose hinges, broken wheels, bent shafts or worn out bearings on steel rollers, and bent or misaligned track. Tighten or replace loose or missing bolts on the door and track supports. Check the spring lift cables for proper operation. Regardless of its age, your garage door should open and close smoothly. If it doesn’t, the spring system may be out of balance.
The bottom brackets, cables, pulleys and springs are under great tension and should ONLY be repaired by a garage door professional.
Clean and Lubricate Hardware
Use a clean rag to remove any debris, grease or dirt build-up from the track. Lubricate all moving parts of the door (hinges, metal rollers and track) with 3-in-1oil. Never use heavy oil or grease. DO NOT LUBRICATE nylon rollers, plastic idler bearings or locks. Use graphite to keep locks in operational condition.
Surface Cleaning
Wash steel and aluminum door surfaces with a mild household detergent and rinse with water. In harsh coastal environments, applying car wax to a painted steel door surface will help maintain its finish.
Remove Rust
Visible rust or flaking paint on a steel door indicates that moisture is taking its toll. Sand the rust, apply a zinc-rich primer, and paint with a quality exterior latex.
Water Marks
On a wood door, look for blackish marks near the bottom of the door. These can signal rot and should be attended to as soon a possible. Sand the areas where you find flaking or peeling paint. Prime and apply two coats of finish coat.
Replacing your garage door
The average life span of a garage door is 15 to 20 years, so chances are if you’re the second or third owner of a home, you may have never been faced with replacing the garage door. Today’s doors are much better engineered for durability and energy efficiency than in the past and the design choices are unlimited.
Use the Internet to research garage door manufacturers and find a professional garage door dealer in your area. Click here for information on where to buy a Clopay door.