Spring cleaning gets all the hype, but preparing your home for fall is just as important (if not more so). Your garage is an important part of your home, and weatherizing the doors helps ensure your home remains safe and efficient as the weather starts to cool down. While we recommend regular maintenance throughout the year – fall might be the best time to kick-start your garage maintenance checklist.
Why Weatherize Your Garage Doors?
Cold air, moisture, and debris can easily find their way into your garage as temperatures drop through unsealed or poorly insulated doors. This can cause multiple issues, such as:
- Energy Loss. Gaps and cracks in your garage doors can let cold air seep in, making your home less energy-efficient. This increases heating costs and puts additional strain on your HVAC system.
- Moisture Damage. Fall and winter bring rain, snow, and ice, which can infiltrate your garage if the doors aren’t properly sealed and treated. Moisture can lead to rust (or rot if you have wood doors), mold growth, and damage to any items stored inside. A great tip is to wash your garage door regularly with a gentle soap and add a wax. We have a full garage door cleaning guide here.
- Pest Control. Small animals and pests seek warmth during the cooler months and may enter your garage through openings in unsealed doors. Weatherizing helps keep these unwanted guests out.
Steps to Weatherize Your Garage Doors This Fall
Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping. Over time, the weatherstripping on your garage doors can crack or wear out. Inspect the seal along the bottom of the door and the sides, and replace it if necessary. Proper weatherstripping helps create a tight seal that prevents drafts and moisture.- Lubricate Hinges and Tracks. As the weather cools, garage door mechanisms can become stiff. Lubricating the hinges, tracks, and other moving parts ensures that your door operates smoothly and reduces wear and tear caused by colder temperatures.
- Upgrade to Insulated Garage Doors. If your garage door isn’t insulated, consider an upgrade. Insulated garage doors can help maintain a more consistent temperature in your garage, reducing energy costs and protecting any belongings stored there from extreme temperatures.
- Check for Gaps and Cracks. Inspect the entire door for any visible gaps or cracks where cold air could enter. Caulking these areas can help seal off potential leaks and prevent cold air from seeping into your garage.
- Test the Garage Door Opener. Cold weather can affect the functionality of garage door openers. Test the opener and its sensors to ensure everything works properly before temperatures drop.
Weatherizing in the Fall Leads to Better Garage Doors
Weatherizing your garage doors not only saves on energy costs but also extends the lifespan of your garage door system. It creates a safer, more comfortable environment, and helps protect your garage’s contents from damage caused by moisture and pests.
By taking a proactive approach every fall, you can ensure your garage stays energy-efficient and remains a useful part of your home, no matter the weather. During your weatherization, if you happen to run into any issues, our team at Suburban Overhead Doors would be happy to assist. From service and repair to installation, we are your one-stop shop for all your garage door needs. Contact us today.
