It’s the time of year when everybody is scrambling to get prepped for the winter. In all the commotion, don’t forget about you garage door!
The winter months can be hard on your garage door especially if you don’t take the proper steps to protect it. As many home owners know all too well, garage doors can become sluggish when the temperatures dip below a certain point. Every once in a while, you’ll need to get a pro to check out any potential long-term problems, but in most cases, if you keep your garage warm, the door will keep on working like a champ. Winterizing your garage also has the added benefit of making sure your vehicle isn’t exposed to extremely low temperatures.
Popular Mechanics, says that winterizing your garage as early as possible is the key to protecting your home and vehicle. Two of the most important steps for proper weatherization are weatherstripping and proper insulation. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Weatherstripping:
Weatherstripping creates a seal between the garage door and garage door opening. “Over time, this weatherstripping can become brittle and cracked, allowing air to make its way between the door and the frame and create cold drafts,” says Konrad Witek, director of engineering at eComfort.com.
If you feel air seeping into the garage, remove the existing weatherstripping and scrape off any remaining sealant. “A pry bar and flat scraper or putty knife will make the process much easier,” he says. The cleaner and smoother you can make the surface, the easier it will be to install the new weatherstripping, and the better it will seal.
Witek says there are a variety of products available to insulate garage doors, including specifically designed kits. “Insulation options include foam board, reflective barriers, and fiberglass batt insulation,” he says.
Regardless of which option you choose, Witek says the insulation will need to be cut to fill the garage door panels, then secured with adhesive to make sure it stays put. “Some garage doors will not have recessed panels that make for an easy insulation project.”
Good luck on your own weatherizing projects, and remember to consult a professional for any major renovations!