subject: Garage Door: How To Maintain It To Keep Out The Elements [print this page] The garage door covers a large portion of the house and even though it is not living space, it is important to keep this area protected from the elements. This section of the house is not heated or cooled, but it does have an effect on the home's energy efficiency. So, how can you make sure that your garage door is working as efficiently as possible to keep out the weather and the ranging temperatures?
Here are some easy tips to protect this area of your house and the contents inside:
Routine maintenance-Every year, you need to check the moving parts for rust and clean out any dirt and debris that may prevent them from working properly. Also, oil all of the moving parts for smooth operation. If you notice during your maintenance checks that it is not closing all the way, check the sensors to make sure they are aligned.
Then, check the tracks to make sure they are not warped and then make sure it is properly balanced. You can do this by putting it on manual lift and raise it halfway. If it falls down or back, it is off balance. If it is warped and not fitted properly in the entryway, there may be cracks on either side to let in the cold and wet.
Bottom seal-There is a rubber seal at the bottom of every garage door. Over time, they may dry and split. Check it yearly for any compromised spots and replace it if necessary. However, the seal is not fool-proof. You can add a threshold seal as described below.
Threshold seal and weather stripping-For additional protection, you can place a threshold seal on the floor. It is shaped like a ramp with the higher side lying inside the garage. It fits perfectly onto the seal. This higher back keeps out the debris, rain and snow. Weather stripping along the sides of the doors also keeps out the elements.
Insulation-Not all equipped with insulation. If yours is not, you might consider upgrading to a style like the steel door that does have insulation. This protects the room from wildly varying temperatures of summer and winter.
As a result, it helps keep the interior home's temperature regulated. In the long run, it will save you money and keep the room comfortable and safe for your stored belongings.
If you have any questions about how to prepare your garage door for the elements, find a reputable dealer to help you determine your needs, provide you with the proper materials or even make the repairs for you. Just doing these simple steps, you can keep your garage dry, clean and energy efficient.
