How to Prepare Your Garage Door for Winter in Calgary

Winter is right around the corner! Don’t let it sneak up on you without preparing your garage doors first. Many people have a tendency to take their garage doors for granted in Calgary, but with each passing season the wear and tear takes a toll on your doors.

Think about all the times you use your residential garage door; every time you come and go in your vehicle, operate your snow blower and take out the trash. These routine tasks can become significantly more difficult if your garage door isn’t working properly.

By taking a few precautions before winter’s arrival in Calgary, you will:

• Keep your overhead doors operating safely

• Be more comfortable during the winter

• Reduce your energy costs

So, where do you start?

Lubricate all moving parts

Well lubricated garage door parts help it function properly. All metal moving parts should be cleaned and lubricated including hinges, cables, springs, rollers, and tracks. Doing so allows the door to easily glide up and down. Avoid using an all-purpose lubricant. Instead, use a lubricant that is specifically designed for garage doors that can withstand extreme weather conditions. This one small step can help you avoid many garage door repairs in the future.

Check the weather-stripping

Weather-stripping can deteriorate over time causing cracks and gaps to form. That lets cold air and moisture into your garage. Run your hand along the closed door and frame. If there is a draft, remove the old weather-stripping and scrape off all remaining sealant. Measure new weather-stripping against the frame. Align it so the rubber flap flattens slightly when the garage door is closed to form a tight seal.

Insulate your garage doors

Insulation addresses energy efficiency, especially for attached garages and year-round workshops. Most newer models have built-in insulation, but older garage doors can be insulated manually using foam board for wood doors or fibreglass for steel doors. Place the insulation in the recesses between the frames of your garage door. It should be cut to size and make a tight fit. The more you use, the better insulated your garage will be.

Not into DIY garage door maintenance?

That’s okay! General Door Services are your go-to specialists in overhead doors in Calgary. If you need help winterizing your garage door in Calgary or if you need a garage door repair, contact us today at 403-720-2012 to book a free estimate.