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.