Montana’s winters are known for their changing temperatures and precipitation. Make sure your garage stays safe and dry throughout the winter by winterizing essential parts of the area, including the garage door. Here are four tips for getting your garage ready for the cold season today.

Prepare the Garage for Winter with this Advice

1. Insulate the Pipes

If your garage is attached to your house or contains any plumbing, it’s essential to insulate the pipes to prevent them from freezing. Frozen plumbing can burst and flood, causing water damage and requiring extensive cleanup. Avoid the possibility of frozen pipes by covering the pipes with a heating blanket or wrapping them in foam. You can even shut off water lines to the exterior to further safeguard against moisture issues.

2. Install Insulation

Add insulation to keep your garage at a stable temperature. Place weather stripping around the windows and side door to make the garage airtight. To insulate your garage door, install PVC stop molding around the sides and top of the door, or add caulk and seal retainers. These insulating materials will block gaps that let in cold air and make it easier to control the temperature inside the garage.

A professional can provide you with even more comprehensive insulation solutions. Have a technician install insulation between the door panels to stop cold air from entering. They’ll use a material like foam board or fiberglass batting with an R-value between three to six, to provide the best thermal resistance.

3. Lubricate the Door Opener

In the cold months, many overhead garage door openers slow down, or they’ll stop and won’t open. Often, the tracks need lubrication to promote smooth operation along the cold metal. Call a maintenance technician to apply the lubricant or use a lithium-based grease to lubricate the rollers, springs, bearing plates, lock, armbar, and the top of the rail for optimal movement.

If you’re interested in maintaining an overhead garage door before the winter, contact Kalispell Overhead Door Service in Flathead County, MT. Their experienced staff provides care and installations for residential and commercial garage doors. Call the licensed and insured team at (406) 755-4120 or visit the website for information on their experience with top brands like Liftmaster®, Genie®, and Wayne®.