When winter brings snow and ice, you might expect to have trouble getting on the road—but not getting out of your garage. However, the elements and low temperatures of the season may put your garage door at risk of freezing. In addition to blocking you in or out of the space, this freezing can damage parts of the door and cause lasting operational issues. Fortunately, while you can’t change the weather, you can minimize your risk by following these tips to prevent your garage door from freezing in the winter.  

5 Tips to Prevent Frozen Garage Doors

1. Don’t Wait to Shovel

After a storm, take care to remove all snow and ice from your driveway. If you wait too long, the precipitation could collect against the door, melt, and penetrate the surface. When temperatures dip, this moisture may freeze.

2. Reseal the Door

Make sure the rubbery weather seal along the edge of the entrance is intact. If it’s loose or worn-out, moisture and cold air can pass through, increasing the risk of the freezing. In these instances, you can resolve the problem by removing the seal and installing a new one.

3. Salt the Surface

Once you’ve got an intact weather seal, sprinkle table salt along the bottom edge of the door. This salt will prevent moisture from freezing along the edge so that the garage door doesn’t stick to the ground. Avoid using other road salts, as these products may contain chemicals that could cause corrosion and harm the concrete floor.

4. Lubricate Moving Parts

Lithium-based grease sprays can help deter moisture from sticking to and freezing on metal components. Before you apply the lubricant, disconnect the power source and clean all door surfaces and parts to remove dirt buildup.

Next, apply a small amount of lubricant to the rollers, hinges, bearings, plates, and springs. While you shouldn’t treat the tracks, it’s wise to wipe them clean, as dirt can trap moisture that could freeze.

5. Insulate

Installing an insulated garage door or adding insulation to an existing entryway is a great way to prevent cold temperatures from passing through. By keeping the door warmer, insulation will make freezing less of a possibility. It will also help reduce your energy costs by preventing hot air from escaping to the outside.

When New York’s cold temperatures put your garage at risk, turn to Tracey Door Co. for reliable solutions. Providing comprehensive garage door repairs in Rochester, these certified professionals can fix and replace components affected by freezing, such as springs, rollers, hinges, panels, and tracks. If you’re due for an upgrade, this team can also install a wide range of stylish, insulated garage doors. Visit this family-owned business online to learn more about these services or call (585) 426-6060 to request assistance.