Temperatures are dropping. Snow is falling. And it’s only a matter of time before we begin to see ice set in for the season. As a Winter enthusiast, the weather can be beautiful! But as a homeowner, you’ll want to watch out for ways the winter weather can affect your garage. Luckily, there are also actions you can take to prevent ice and snow from damaging your garage door.
The short answer – yes! Once your car is safely stored inside, you may not give much thought to how the weather outside can still affect other assets of your home. Specifically, your garage door. Below are just a few of the ways ice and snow can damage your garage door, and how you can prevent it.
You’re not the only one feeling the chill! Your garage door parts and mechanisms are also feeling those super low temps. The snowy and icy conditions can cause garage door frames to contract, while springs begin to lose their strength. In fact, broken springs are the most common issues homeowners face during the winter season. Having an insulated garage door and climate controlled interior can help battle the effects of freezing temperatures.
Most of us still open and close our garage doors throughout the Winter season. If snow has accumulated on your garage door while it is open, you must clear it away before closing it again. Otherwise, you run the risk of the door not fully closing or the weight of the snow damaging the door. Furthermore, water and snow can easily accumulate at the bottom of your garage door, causing it to freeze. If you find yourself with a frozen garage door, try to scrape the ice underneath, pour hot water, or use a small space heater to melt the ice. Avoid a frozen garage door by sweeping snow, ice, and water away from the base of your garage door.
The best way to keep your garage door running smoothly all year-round is to properly inspect and maintain its components! It’s recommended to check your garage door every three months by disconnecting the door opener and operating the door manually a few times. You can also invest in a weather resistant door that is built to withstand the effects of snow, ice and freezing temperatures.
Adam’s Door Systems has the expertise to figure out your winter garage door woes and provide you with affordable solutions. Contact us today! We can be reached at info@adamsdoorsystems.com or 905-602-6550 (Mississauga) or 416-502-2212 (Toronto).
Want to avoid costly and time-consuming repairs during the Winter months? Then now is the time for some Fall garage door maintenance! By taking action now, you can prolong the service life of your garage door while identifying fixable issues before they become a problem. Ensuring a safe, working garage door for years to come. Follow our top 5 tips for Fall Garage Door Maintenance.
Visually inspect your garage door for places where light may be seeping in from outside and repair accordingly to minimize the winter elements from entering your garage. Remember to also look for air drafts along your garage door and windows as well. Repairing any gaps with weatherstripping or sealant.
Your garage door tracks are extremely important. Spend time ensuring both tracks are free of rust and debris. You should also keep an eye out for any bends; the tracks should be perfectly vertical. If your tracks are bent, consult with a residential garage door professional to avoid further damage.
Consult with a professional garage door repair team for a seasonal inspection of your door and its major components. With years of experience and an eye for issues, they will be able to quickly identify problems and provide a quick solution. So you can leave your worries at the door.
Please note garage door springs are under a high amount of tension; be mindful when working with them. After disconnecting your garage door from the power source, inspect rollers and springs for any damage, over-stretching, and general wear and tear. Worn parts should be replaced, dirty parts should be cleaned, and all moving parts should be lubricated.
Pro Tip! All metal parts used by your garage door require lubrication not once, but regularly year-round.
Get ahead of Spring cleaning by preparing your garage interior in the Fall. Pack away Spring and Summer items, while moving all Fall and Winter items into easily accessible places You can also utilize shelving and stackable storage bins to make the most of the space while improving HVAC flow.
For your garage door to remain in proper working order, regular garage door maintenance is required, just like you would with your vehicle. Looking for more garage door maintenance tips? We can be reached at info@adamsdoorsystems.com or 905-602-6550 (Mississauga) or 416-502-2212 (Toronto).
The warm and sunny season of Summer has come again! Meaning it’s time to get outside and take care of those exterior maintenance projects. One project not to be missed from that list is taking care of your home’s garage door. Routine maintenance is not only essential for ensuring the door continues to function properly and safely. It is also paramount for enhancing the door’s curb appeal, and can even contribute to a more comfortable environment inside the garage. Here are our top Summer Garage Maintenance Tips!
Before cleaning or any other type of maintenance activities, you should first inspect your garage door and all of its hardware for any signs of excessive wear and tear. Take a good look around the tracks, springs and mounting hardware. Remember – the more you do this, the more likely you are to notice when something doesn’t look right. If anything appears broken, contact a professional so that it can be repaired safely.
Dirt and debris can easily accumulate on your garage door over the Winter. Use a mild mixture of detergent and water to remove any build-up on both sides of the door. This is also an excellent time to lubricate your garage door’s springs, rollers, and hinges to keep your door running smoothly and quietly. If your garage door is made of metal, this is also the time to remove rust.
Pro Tip: To really keep your garage door looking its best, Summer is also an excellent time to apply a fresh coat of paint! This will do more than improve the door’s appearance, it can also protect it from the winter elements to come! White or another light color are the best options, as these will reflect rather than absorb the summertime heat.
Now that you’ve taken care of the essentials, it’s time to look at other maintenance tasks that can be accomplished for a cozier summer. You may wish to install a ceiling fan or install a mini-split A/C unit. If you didn’t already, you could even declutter your garage as a way to improve airflow.
In the midst of your summer fun, don’t forget to give your garage a little TLC. And if you require additional help with your summer garage door maintenance, turn to Adam’s Door Systems. Whether you’re looking for a whole new garage door or in need of a repair, we have your back. Contact us at info@adamsdoorsystems.com or 905-602-6550 (Mississauga) or 416-502-2212 (Toronto).
The Holidays are here! And nothing is more exciting at this time of year than decorating your home. And as one of the most prominent features of your home’s facade, there’s no reason your garage door can’t spread some of the Holiday Cheer too! Here are some creative tips for decorating your garage door this Christmas.
For those of us who do not open and close our garage door on a daily basis, this is an excellent idea! Wrap your garage door with two giant waterproof outdoor ribbons, one positioned horizontally and one positioned vertically. Cross them in the middle, and place a bow in the center. Your garage door will take on the appearance of a giant gift, wrapped up for the season. If you do need to open your garage door, remove the bow beforehand to prevent it from getting stuck in the system.
Buy or create a massive wreath using a circle of wire and artificial green garland. Spend some time adding decorative ornaments like red bulbs, faux pinecones, or whatever expresses your seasonal style. You can hang the wreath in the center of the garage door with wire. But bear in mind, this is also not the best decoration if you will need to open and shut the garage door.
Garage door murals are available online and can usually be found in home improvement stores. These murals are designed to be hung on the outside of the door and create the illusion that something impossible is happening inside the garage. At the holidays, murals are available that can make your garage look like Santa’s workshop or a winter wonderland. These decorations are easy to install, weatherproof, and most companies advertise that you can continue to use the garage door even when one is attached.
Tried and true! Twinkling string lights around the opening of your garage door are an excellent decoration for the Holidays.. To add a little something extra to the lights, attach garland or exterior grade ribbon to the garage door opening as well. Not only does this string your garage door’s aesthetic with the rest of your home, but it also doesn’t interfere with the operation of your garage door.
Now your garage door is all dressed up for the Holiday season! As we head into the new year, you may be considering some upgrades for your garage door. Contact us today to find out more about your garage door options at info@adamsdoorsystems.com.