Winterize Your Garage Door With Bakersfield Garage Door Repair Professionals
When the chill of winter sets in, your garage door can become more susceptible to damage from the elements. Here are several important tips from the Bakersfield garage door repair experts to help you prepare your garage door for the cold blasts of winter and to also help keep your home safe and warm throughout the season.
Get a Garage Door Checkup Before Winter Gets Here
One of the best ways to avoid cold-weather problems with your garage door is by giving your entire system a maintenance check before winter arrives. Garage doors feature a wide range of moving parts that receive regular wear and tear day in and day out, so getting a diagnostic on your system may help you fix a small problem before it becomes a much larger problem once the cold weather arrives.
A simple inspection of the garage door track, springs, rollers and other components may help you spot parts that need to be replaced or adjusted. Calling in the experts such as the professionals with Visalia garage door repair facilities for a full maintenance check may also be a good idea. They will be able to address any concerns you may have and perform needed maintenance that will help your garage door hold up through any storms that come your way.
Lubricate the Moving Parts to Keep Things Running Smoothly
Dry, cold air can help create extra friction throughout your garage door system, so keeping the garage door components well-lubricated during the winter may help you avoid a variety of problems. Many garage door repairmen recommend using a non-silicone lubricant on springs, rollers and hinges to keep all the parts moving freely and to avoid a sticky build-up of dirt and debris on the door track during operation. Plus, fresh garage door lubricant will be less likely to freeze or crack when the temperatures drop and will help keep your system on track.
If you are unsure how to properly lubricate your garage door system, give the experts in garage door repair in Bakersfield a call. They will be able to assess the situation and determine the proper products for your specific garage door system that will keep things working properly and moving freely throughout the winter.
Check Your Garage Door Opener and Safety Sensors
Make a thorough inspection of your garage door opener and safety sensor system to make sure there is no condensation build-up or any cracked or broken components. If you find your garage door is sticking while in operation or moving more slowly than normal when operated, faulty or dirty sensors may be causing some of the problems, so make that a top priority when winterizing your garage door.
As the winter months wear on, be sure to make regular checks of the garage door opener and safety sensors to ensure continued safe operation. Remove excess condensation from snowfall or other precipitation that may have built up on the sensors whenever necessary to protect your family and home from faulty garage door operation. Also, when using your garage door opener, make sure the motor is humming smoothly, and, if you notice any new problems arise or hear any strange sounds from the motor or throughout the system, call in a professional team to make any needed repairs on your garage door in Bakersfield.
Update the Weather Stripping on Your Garage Door
Throughout the year, wide swings in temperature cause existing weather stripping to dry, crack and fail, so this may be the perfect time to invest in fresh weather protection before the cold blows in. Make a careful inspection of all the areas around the door to find places where the weather stripping may be peeling or breaking allowing outside air, dirt and bugs free access to your garage and your home.
If you do find damage, be sure to replace the entire strip and not just the damaged portions to ensure the very best overall seal. Do your research and make sure you purchase the proper type and size of weather stripping for your particular garage door needs. This will help keep the cold out of your garage which not only keeps your garage door healthy but also protects any items stored in your garage or exposed plumbing that may be running through or near your garage area.
Add Insulation to Your Garage and Garage Door If Needed
Does your system need additional insulation to effectively weather the upcoming drop in temperatures? Excess moisture build-up from outside winter precipitation can weigh your garage door down causing difficulty or failure in operation and possible further damage throughout the system. For help with insulation on your garage door in Bakersfield, be sure to check with the professionals about installing additional protection throughout your garage.
You may also find that exterior walls require additional insulation to keep the overall garage temperature better balanced and to help protect the door mechanism. In whatever way your garage may need it, bundling up with added insulation is always a good idea to protect your home throughout the winter.
Manage the Area Outside Your Garage Door
While you have worked hard to prepare the inside of your garage for the cold blasts of winter, you will also need to keep an eye on the area outside your garage door during these coldest months. Snow or ice can build up on the ground around the garage door causing the door to freeze to the ground. This can cause big trouble, making operating the door difficult or even impossible. Be sure to keep the area outside free of excess water, ice and snow throughout the winter to keep your garage door moving freely.
When in Doubt, Check With the Bakersfield Garage Door Repair Specialists
Even when you perfectly prepare your garage door for the winter months with proper lubrication, added insulation and brand-new weather stripping, you may still encounter unexpected issues. Plunging temperatures can cause surprise damage and unexplained issues, so rather than tackling unfamiliar jobs yourself, it is always a good idea to call on your local garage door specialists. They will have the know-how to diagnosis and fix any unexpected problems that pop up during the chill of winter.