Halloween is over and you know what that means? It’s the holiday season! While this may only be true for the real Christmas enthusiasts, the one thing we can all relate to is that colder weather already rolling in. When the temperature dips, ice and snow can hamper the abilities of your garage door, freezing moving objects such as rollers, springs and hinges.
The best option is to be well-prepared for the sub-zero temperatures and unexpected ice & snow so you can focus on the important things this upcoming season; cookies and family gatherings.
5 TIPS TO STOP YOUR GARAGE DOOR FROM FREEZING THIS WINTER.
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SHOVEL SNOW AND ICE
The good news is that the most effective method to prevent your garage door from freezing is also the easiest to implement! When you wake up to a blanket of snow, ensure you shovel your driveway as soon as possible, especially directly in front of your garage door. If snow is left sitting, it can become rock hard and extremely difficult to later remove. When you are removing the snow and ice from your driveway, give the area around your garage door some extra attention. This is where excessive water or moisture can quickly form into an icy seal and stop the door from operating normally. In the worst-case scenario this ice could damage some of the important components the operate your garage, causing fractures or broken pieces.
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SPREAD SALT IN FRONT OF YOUR GARAGE DOOR
If you are away on vacation or miss your opportunity to shovel, a great way to lower the chances of ice damage is to add a little salt. When it comes to melting ice, nothing is better because salt acts as a freezing point depressor. It lowers the freezing point and the melting point of water. Any water that is on your driveway or around your garage door will normally freeze when the temperature reaches 0°C or 32°F but if you apply salt to the area, water will not freeze or re-freeze as easily. This can be a garage door saver when the temperature drops quickly and can lower the risk of damage.
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REPLACE GARAGE DOOR WEATHER SEALS
The weather-stripping on your garage door is like the defensive line in football. This is the seal that stops ice and snow from entering through the opening. The weather-stripping on the garage door has a tough job, constantly being exposed to the extremes- cold weather, hot weather, moisture etc. Overtime this stripping can become damaged and brittle. This allows the outdoor elements to start working their way in. At this point, it is critical to replace your weather seal to keep the cold air and water outside where it belongs! Need help with the repairs or modification of your garage door? Give the Alpha Team a call and have it fixed ASAP.
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MAINTENANCE FOR YOUR GARAGE DOOR
The best way to ensure that your garage door can weather the winter is with a garage door tune-up. Lubrication and the replacement of old and broken parts will ensure that each and every part of your garage door works the way it is supposed to all winter.
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USE A HEATER INSIDE YOUR GARAGE
It’s not a big surprise that giant cement boxes don’t stay very warm over the winter. Installing a heater in your garage can help keep the space warmer and prevent ice from forming along the edges of the door. Keep in mind that if you choose to have an electrical heater, your energy bill will be higher.
Follow these 5 steps to help keep your garage ice & snow proof all winter long. If you have any issues this winter, give us a call. We can help you replace any winter-damaged rollers, cables or springs to help you get back to the holiday baking and festivities.