How to Winterize Your Garage Door
Preparing your house for the cold season is crucial. This also entails garage door improvements, even though this area is often overlooked. Still, it is key to your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
In this post, we will walk you through the steps to winterize your garage door. We will focus on two key areas – insulation and weatherstripping, and ways to increase your door’s thermal efficiency with the right garage door insulation and how to seal gaps to stop drafts and heat loss. This guide will help you winterize your garage door whether you’re a DIYer or would rather hire a pro.
However, if you are not so hande and do not even know what is weatherstriping, you may always turn to Up & Down Garage Doors for excellent service and support. Call us and schedule a service now!
Sealing the Gaps: Replacing Worn Weatherstripping
The first line of defense for your garage door against winter is weatherstripping. This vital part can deteriorate, crack, or become brittle with time and lose its ability to seal. One of the most important steps in winterizing your garage door and keeping the interior at a comfortable temperature is to replace old weatherstripping.
Examine the weatherstripping that’s on your garage door top, sides, and bottom first. Look for damage signs like cracks, holes, or places where the material has crumbled or solidified. Pay attention to the bottom seal as it gets the most wear and tear. Remove the old stripping by unscrewing the retainer or track holding it in place to replace the bottom seal. Take a measurement of your door to make sure you get the right replacement. Most modern garage doors have an easy-to-slide T- or U-shaped bottom seal that fits into the existing track.
For the sides and top of the door, you’ll find rubber or vinyl strips attached to the door frame. The old screws or nails can be pried out to remove these. Make sure to clean the area before installing the new weatherstripping to ensure a tight seal when the door is closed.
Choose materials for your new weatherstripping that can withstand high temperatures and remain flexible in cold weather. Vinyl and EPDM rubber are popular options because of their efficiency and durability.
You can minimize drafts, keep out moisture and pests, and insulate a garage door for winter by replacing worn-out weatherstripping. This small but mighty step can make a big difference in comfort and energy efficiency throughout the winter. And if your unsure about how to insulate your garage door for winter properly, call UAD anytime!
Boosting Thermal Efficiency: Adding Insulation to Your Garage Door
When it comes to keeping your garage at the right temperature and saving on energy costs insulating your garage door is a game changer. Many modern garage doors come pre-insulated but older doors or cheaper doors don’t. Adding garage door winter insulation to your door will act as a barrier to the cold air.
Foam board insulation or reflective foil insulation panels are the most popular and effective way to insulate a garage door for winter. These have good R-value (thermal resistance) and are light and easy to install.
First measure each garage door panel and cut the insulation to fit each section’s frame snugly. Use a strong glue to attach the insulation panels to metal doors. Wooden doors fit together with friction but glue will give you extra security.
For maximum garage door winter insulation use 1-2 inches of foam board when using it. Because of its radiant barrier properties reflective foil insulation can be just as effective even if it’s thinner.
Pay attention to the corners and seams between panels, make sure there are no gaps that will affect the insulation’s performance. When the door is closed consider installing weatherstripping between the panels for extra protection.
Insulating your garage door will add weight to the frame. To ensure smooth and secure operation inspect and adjust the spring tension of the door after installation. This is a job best left to the pros.
Summing up
Winterizing your garage door is part of your home maintenance that can make you more comfortable and energy efficient during winter. It’s a two part process: insulation and sealing. Proper insulation gives you a steady temperature in your garage and sealing prevents breezes and heat loss.
If you’re not sure about DIY weatherstripping or how to insulate a garage door for winter in the best possible way, professional garage door services can winterize and keep your door running smooth all winter. And for a proven go-to company, choose Up & Down Garage Doors! We are always at your service!
