Garages get a lot of use throughout the winter, especially if homeowners park their cars inside to keep the vehicles away from the cold. Meanwhile, the season’s frigid temperatures can take a toll on your garage doors. For instance, the door’s metal components can shrink in colder weather, making it difficult to move the panel as a result. To prevent strain on your garage door, follow the winterizing guide outlined here.

3 Tips to Protect Garage Doors in Winter

1. Lubricate Mechanisms

Springs and screws are prone to shrinking in cold weather. Low temperatures can distort the tracks as well. To prevent movable components from snapping under the strain, apply a layer of lubricant. This solution will also provide a barrier to prevent oxidation, which causes metal parts to rust. 

2. Install New Weather Stripping

While shoveling the driveway, you’ll have to remove the snow and ice buildup along the garage door. Installing weather stripping on the bottom of the panel will keep moisture out of the garage, preventing property damage. In an attached garage, weather stripping stops cold air from seeping inside and filtering into the house. The seal will also keep out insects and rodents looking for warmth.

3. Schedule a Maintenance Check

To ensure your garage door can get through winter unscathed, it’s best to enlist a professional to conduct a thorough inspection. They can replace worn springs and insulate the door to boost its efficiency. A trained eye can also spot cracks and additional damage left from summer and fall and provide repairs to prevent operational problems in winter.  

If you notice frequent malfunctions with the garage door, cold weather could exacerbate the issues. In this case, reach out to Overhead Door Co of Lycoming County, a division of Schrader Architectural Products. The company has been the leading supplier of high-quality commercial and residential overhead doors, as well as rolling steel, carriage-style, and additional models, in the Williamsport, PA, area since 1926. With over 50 years of combined experience, the garage door service technicians will provide maintenance and repairs to prevent future concerns. Call "The Genuine, the Original Overhead Door Company" at (570) 326-4749 for an appointment, or browse options online.