Why Garage Door Maintenance is Critical Before Winter

As the winter months approach, homeowners often prepare their homes for the colder weather by insulating windows, servicing their heating systems, and stocking up on supplies.

However, one area frequently overlooked is your first line of defense against frigid temperatures – the garage. Ensuring your garage is in top condition before winter is essential for several reasons, from protecting your car to preventing costly repairs. In this blog post, we’ll explore why garage maintenance should be at the top of your pre-winter to-do list.

1. Protecting Your Vehicles

For many homeowners, the garage is where vehicles are stored, providing shelter from the elements. However, if your garage door isn’t functioning properly or if it has gaps and cracks, the cold air, snow, and ice can find their way inside. This can lead to:

• Battery Issues: Cold temperatures can reduce a car battery’s performance, leading to unexpected breakdowns.
• Frozen Fluids: Fluids like oil and coolant can thicken in low temperatures, causing damage to your vehicle’s engine.
• Rust and Corrosion: Moisture from snow and ice can get trapped in your garage, creating the perfect conditions for rust and corrosion on your car’s undercarriage and other metal parts.

By performing routine maintenance on your garage door and ensuring it seals properly, you can avoid these potential issues and keep your vehicle protected throughout the winter.

2. Insulating Your Home

Your garage can have a significant impact on the overall energy efficiency of your home, especially if it’s attached. If the garage isn’t properly sealed and insulated, cold air can seep into the living spaces, causing your heating system to work harder and increasing your energy bills. Key areas to focus on include:

• Garage Door Insulation: Check that the garage door is well-insulated and that weatherstripping is in good condition. This prevents cold drafts from entering and keeps warm air from escaping.
• Walls and Ceilings: If your garage walls and ceiling lack insulation, consider upgrading. This can help regulate temperatures and reduce heating costs.
• Windows and Doors: Inspect any windows or doors in the garage for cracks, gaps, or broken seals. These should be repaired or replaced to keep your garage warm and energy efficient.

A properly insulated garage not only makes your home more comfortable but also reduces strain on your heating system, leading to savings on utility bills.

3. Preventing Damage to Tools and Equipment

Many homeowners store valuable tools and equipment in their garage. However, the harsh winter temperatures can wreak havoc on items that are sensitive to cold. For example:

• Power Tools: Cold weather can cause mechanical parts to contract, making them more prone to damage or malfunction when used in freezing conditions.
• Paint and Chemicals: Many paints, adhesives, and chemicals can freeze, causing them to separate or become unusable.
• Batteries and Electronics: Cordless tools, electronics, and batteries can lose efficiency or become permanently damaged when exposed to cold for extended periods.

Regular maintenance of your garage ensures that temperature-sensitive items are stored in a controlled environment, protecting them from damage.

4. Ensuring Garage Door Safety

The last thing you want during winter is a malfunctioning garage door. Cold weather can cause garage door mechanisms to freeze or malfunction, which can be inconvenient or even dangerous. Routine garage door maintenance should include:

• Lubricating Moving Parts: Cold temperatures can cause the metal parts of the garage door, such as springs, hinges, and tracks, to seize up. Applying a high-quality lubricant ensures that your door operates smoothly, even in freezing weather.
• Checking the Springs: Garage door springs are under constant tension and can weaken over time. The cold can exacerbate this issue, increasing the risk of them snapping. Have a professional inspect your springs before winter to avoid costly repairs.
• Testing the Opener: Ensure your garage door opener is functioning properly. The cold can affect the batteries in remote controls, so replace them if needed. You should also test the safety sensors to ensure the door reverses if it encounters an obstruction.

By keeping your garage door in top shape, you can avoid being locked out in the cold or, worse, trapped inside.

5. Preventing Water Damage and Mold Growth

Winter often brings snow and ice, which can lead to water buildup in your garage. If your garage floor or walls have cracks, water can seep in, leading to long-term damage such as:

• Cracking and Pitting: When water enters small cracks in your garage floor and freezes, it expands, causing the cracks to grow. Over time, this can result in significant damage that requires costly repairs.
• Mold and Mildew: If your garage isn’t properly ventilated or sealed, moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth. This not only affects the structural integrity of your garage but also poses health risks.

Taking preventive steps, such as sealing cracks in the garage floor, ensuring proper drainage, and installing a dehumidifier, can help you avoid these issues.

6. Increased Security

A well-maintained garage is also a more secure garage. Winter months often bring longer nights and an increase in break-ins, as thieves take advantage of the darkness. Here are some steps to improve garage security:

• Lock Maintenance: Ensure your garage door lock is functioning properly and hasn’t been compromised by rust or wear.
• Garage Door Opener: If you have an older garage door opener, consider upgrading to a model with modern security features such as rolling codes, which prevent code theft.
• Lighting: Install motion-sensor lighting around the garage to deter potential intruders.

By maintaining your garage’s security features, you can protect your home and belongings during the winter months.

Contact Bushelman Supply to Schedule Your Maintenance Appointment

We get it – garage door maintenance is rarely at the top of your to-do list. But when something goes wrong, it disrupts daily life in a significant way. The experts at Bushelman Supply have the training and technical expertise to deliver peace of mind all year long.

To schedule your routine garage door maintenance appointment, give us a call today at (513) 771-9121.