Winter may be warmer here than in most of the country, but ice storms and wind still threaten your home with repairs involving the need for garage door service in McDonough, GA. The best time to prepare for winter contingencies is the summertime, when temperatures are warm enough to make outdoor repairs more pleasant. Here are six tasks you can complete to prepare your garage door for winter and prevent the need for additional repairs:
- Weather stripping: The seal between the door and the opening eventually wears out. Temperatures and use will make it brittle, and you will see it crack and tear. Dirt, water and debris also contribute to further deterioration. When you feel air seeping in around the seals, it indicates it is time to replace weather stripping. Remove it and scrape off any remaining sealant. With a smooth surface, you are ready to apply the new material and make sure it is aligned so your door stays closed and cold air stays out.
- Inspect for damage: Look for dents, cracks and other damage that could give way with one strong gust of wind. You may not be able to repair all of this yourself, but getting a contractor in now to do the job prevents future stress. Also check the windows for any cracks in the glass, as you may need to replace them.
- Insulate garage: An insulated garage controls utility bills and makes your garage a cozier place to work when temperatures are lower. It protects elements of your garage door as well. While garage door openers are made to operate in outdoor temperatures, like any other electronic item, they function better when temperatures stay relatively constant. You are less likely to have a failure in the event that a deep freeze hits.
- Check tracks and fasteners: Summer is a busy time, and garage doors constantly open and close. In order to avoid wintertime breakdowns, inspect door tracks and their fasteners to make sure they are still firmly connected and the doors glide across them easily. This way, if there are any issues, you can take care of them now before weather becomes cooler.
- Consider a garage heater: Insulation is nice, but a heater can make the garage area even better. If you keep your laundry facilities in the garage or plan to continue projects through winter, a garage heater adds more comfort. Plus, like insulation, it keeps garage electronics at a constant temperature, which also extends their lifespan.
- Fill in cracks: Besides the seals around your door, you may also notice air leaks around windows in your door or garage. Giving these areas a good caulking will also help keep temperatures consistent and prevent further wear and tear.
Affordable Dock & Door offers 24/7 emergency garage door service in McDonough, GA, as well as installation and repairs. If you have any questions about winter preparation for your garage or garage door, please give us a call so we can help you have a less eventful winter season.