Tips to Winterize Your Garage Door

With sweater weather approaching, you’ve likely started tackling your winter home maintenance checklist. Cleaned out the gutters? Check. Prepped the furnace? Check. 

But have you given any thought to your garage door? 

Your garage door is one of the key barriers protecting your car and stored belongings from the harsh winter elements. It’s also one of the main access points to your home. As temperatures drop, you’ll want it to operate smoothly and reliably.  

We’ve seen too many homeowners needing emergency garage door repairs in Reno, NV, because their doors gave out in the middle of winter. Luckily, you can avoid this with a bit of planning and routine maintenance.

Let’s walk through some simple steps to get your garage door ready for winter!

Table Of Content

1. Assessing Your Garage Door
2. Steps to Winterize Garage Door
3. Additional Winter Maintenance Tips
4. Get Your Garage Door Winter-Ready with Thompson!

Assessing Your Garage Door

Winterizing your garage door helps protect your vehicles and belongings from cold damage, keeps pests out, and reduces energy costs.

But before we get into the specifics, it’s important to assess the condition of your garage door to see what needs attention.

Checking for Existing Damage or Wear

Start by visually inspecting the entire door. Look for any cracks, dents, rust, or warping on the garage door itself, as well as damage to the hinges, springs, and rollers. If you notice anything off, address it now. Even minor damage can worsen when the temperatures drop.

Evaluating Insulation Levels

If you’re already feeling drafts in your garage or notice your heating bill creeping up in winter, poor insulation could be the culprit. Some garage doors in Reno come with built-in insulation, but many don’t. If your door isn’t properly insulated, this is something you’ll want to address during the winterization process.

Steps to Winterize Garage Door

Now that you’ve made your assessments, it’s time to take action. Follow these simple steps to winterize your garage door effectively.

Inspect and Repair Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is the rubber garage door seals that line the edges of your garage door. It helps block drafts and keep heat from escaping. Without proper weather stripping, your heating system may need to work overtime to keep your garage warm potentially driving up energy costs.

Checking for Wear and Tear

Inspect the weather stripping along the bottom and sides of your garage door for any cracks, tears, or brittle sections. You can also run your hand along the edges to feel for any cold weather seeping through.

Repairs or Replacement

If the weather stripping is damaged, pick up replacement strips at your local hardware store. Remove the old weather stripping and clean the surface. Then, attach the new strip by securing it along the edges of the door. Make sure it forms a tight seal when the door is closed – and you’re done!

Lubricate Moving Parts

During winter, the metal parts of your garage door can stiffen up and make it harder to operate. That’s why it’s best to re-lubricate the door before the cold air sets in. Fresh lubricant is less likely to get thick or freeze in cold temperatures, so your garage door will run smoothly all season long. 

Here’s how to lubricate your garage door the right way: 

• Start by cleaning the rollers, hinges, and tracks to remove any dirt or debris. 
• Apply a light coat of lubricant to each of the moving parts. Take care not to overdo it.
• Wipe away any excess lubricant to prevent build-up. Test the door afterward. 

Not all lubricants are suitable for garage doors. Avoid using grease or WD-40 since they tend to attract dirt and gunk. Instead, choose a silicone-based spray or a garage door-specific lubricant.

Seal Gaps and Cracks

If you find any gaps around the edges of your garage door or cracks in the wall near the door frame, you’ll want to seal them to keep out the cold. 

Examine the edges of your garage door, especially where it meets the frame. Look for visible gaps where light is coming through, or feel for any drafts with your hand. Don’t forget to check the bottom of the door as well. 

Recommended Materials to Seal Gaps 

Caulk is a great option for smaller gaps because it’s easy to apply and creates a smooth, clean seal. For larger cracks and gaps, you’ll want to use foam sealant. It expands to fill the space and provides a more airtight barrier. Both materials are available at most hardware stores. 

How to Properly Apply Sealants 

• Caulk

Clean the area where you’ll apply the caulk. Cut the tip of the tube at a 45-degree angle to control the flow. Apply a smooth, continuous bead along the gap or crack, and use your finger or a caulking tool to smooth it out. Let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

• Foam

Shake the foam well before use. Insert the nozzle into the gap and spray lightly. Allow the foam to expand and harden. Once it’s fully cured, trim any excess with a knife.

Insulate the Garage Door

Living in Reno, where winter temperatures can easily dip below freezing, insulating your garage door is a must. A well-insulated garage door can noticeably improve the temperature inside your garage and help lower your energy bills. 

When it comes to garage door insulation for cold weather, you have a couple of solid options: 

• Rigid foam insulation provides excellent thermal resistance and comes in panels that can be cut to fit your garage door. It’s an ideal option if your garage is attached to your home or if you spend a lot of time in there. 
• Reflective insulation is a lighter option that works by reflecting heat into the garage. Since it mainly focuses on bouncing radiant heat, it’s better suited for garages that aren’t heavily used or heated. 

While insulating your garage door can be a DIY project, it’s not something we typically recommend unless you’re handy and have the time. If you do want to tackle it yourself, start by measuring your garage door panels and cutting the insulation material to fit. 

For rigid foam, use adhesive or fasteners to attach the panels securely to the door. If you’re using reflective insulation, you can tape or staple it in place. Make sure the insulation fits snugly and covers as much surface area as possible.

Check the Garage Door Opener

Many of the calls we get for local garage door repairs in Reno, NV, are from people whose garage door openers gave out while they were stuck outside in the cold air.

We always remind homeowners to check on their openers before the worst of winter arrives. Because cold weather can cause the opener’s mechanisms to stiffen or malfunction, you need to keep an eye on it to avoid an inconvenient breakdown. 

Test your opener to make sure it operates smoothly. Check and replace the batteries, inspect the sensors, and lubricate the chain or screw drive system if required. 

Winter can impact smart garage door openers, too. Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is strong and stable in the garage, and check for any available firmware updates. You’ll be glad you have a smart opener when you can open the door from the comfort of your warm car!

Additional Winter Maintenance Tips 

Beyond winterizing the garage door itself, there are a few other maintenance tasks that can help keep your garage functional in the winter.

Maintain Clear Drainage 

Ice and snow build-up around the base of your garage door is a recipe for trouble. Ice can freeze the door shut, damage the weather stripping, and even cause the door to malfunction. 

See that the drainage around your garage is working properly. Clear out the gutters and downspouts so water doesn’t pool near the garage door. If snow piles up, shovel it away from the door and clean any drains. Adding some gravel or a de-icing agent around the base of the door can also help prevent ice formation. 

Prepare for Power Outages 

Winter storms are notorious for causing prolonged power outages in Reno. Hence, it’s best to have a manual release system alongside an automated garage door to help you access your garage in a blackout. 

The manual release cord is typically a red handle that hangs from the opener rail. By pulling the cord, you’ll disengage the opener and be able to lift the door manually.  

Once the power is restored, simply pull the cord again or follow your garage door manual to re-engage the system. Be sure to practice using the manual release a couple of times before an actual outage occurs.

Get Your Garage Door Winter-Ready with Thompson!

As simple as it is, winterizing your garage door can save you a ton of hassle and energy costs during Reno’s cold season. Take the time to get these steps done before the temperatures drop too low. A little early garage door maintenance can prepare you for whatever winter has in store! 

Need a hand? The expert team at Thompson Garage Doors is here to help. Whether you’re looking for a safety check, additional hardware, or pre-winter repairs, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for reliable service you can count on!