We can all appreciate a snow storm, but when we lose power things become inconvenient. Here are a few more tips to avoid a garage door lock-in:

3. Lock the garage door. When the automatic opener is disconnected, the garage door is not securely shut until you manually slide the lock bar.

4.Reconnect the automatic garage door opener when the power comes back on. Make sure the garage door is unlocked when the opener is reconnected. Attempting to open the garage door with the lock bar in place can cause major damage.

5. Invest in an automatic garage door opener that includes a battery back-up feature. That way, when the power goes out, the garage door will still function using the opener, as will the entry keypad and safety sensors.

Remember, it's best to think about a power outage before it actually happens. Stay safe this winter!

Power outages are common during winter storms. Getting electricity restored can be a multi-day effort. What happens if you have an emergency and your car is essentially locked inside your garage?

Most people do not even think about their automatic garage door opener not working during a power outage. We just expect it to faithfully go up and down when we press the button.

If the power goes out, you may need to disconnect your automatic opener to manually open the garage doors. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the process in advance to avoid having to search frantically for the garage door instruction manual in the dark.

Here are some tips to help avoid getting “locked-in” the garage:

1. Disconnect the automatic garage door opener when the garage door is closed, not when it’s open. Otherwise, if the springs aren’t balanced, the garage door could suddenly drop to the ground and cause injury.

2. If the springs are properly balanced, the garage door will open easily with the lift handles. If it is difficult to lift, have a garage door maintenance professional service the door as soon as possible to avoid further damage or safety risks.

A few more garage door tips before it gets too cold...

Surface Cleaning

Wash steel garage 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. This should be done twice a year, immediately following cleaning.

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.

Replacing your garage door

The average life span of a garage door is 15 to 20 years.  If you are in the market for a new door, use the Internet to research garage door manufacturers and find a professional garage door dealer in your area.

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. Homeowners who purchase a qualifying energy efficient garage door by December 31, 2010 will not only save on their heating costs, they may qualify 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.