One of the benefits of owning a garage during the frigid months of winter is the ability to retreat into the warmth of your home right from your car. Of course, the winter weather does pose issues that are unforeseeable such as your garage door, not opening. This, in fact, is a very common occurrence. The garage door can stick for any number of reasons when the temperature drops.
Your garage is very important to your home because it keeps you and your car safe during dangerous weather conditions. With a few simple steps, you can safeguard your garage door from cold weather and the stress that it causes.
Remove Any Grease Buildup:
Grease and debris can build up on the tracks and rollers, which can interfere with how your door can open and close. Eventually, the tracks and rollers won’t be able to open or close your garage door. Use a cloth to wipe away and remove any grease build up inside of your garage.
Lubricate Moving Parts:
After the tracks are cleaned, use a regular grade machine oil to lubricate the rollers, tracks, hinges and bushings. These parts can stick and become stalled in cold temperatures. When finished, wipe away any excess oil to prevent build up. The cleaning and lubricating process should happen a few times a year.
Look for Cracks to Repair:
The garage door can suffer a lot of wear and tear because of the constant use. The weather stripping at the bottom of the garage door can be damaged over time. Cracks in the weather stripping can lead to snow and water to seep in and freeze the inside of the garage. Wipe down the weather stripping portion of your garage door and inspect it for any damages. If your weather-stripping is in bad shape, replace it immediately.