Snow and ice during the winter months can certainly cause damage to various parts of your home, including your garage door. This can lead to costly repairs as well as security issues, but there are steps that you can take to reduce the chances of damage from extremely cold temperatures, snow, and ice. 

Maintenance 

The first thing you can do is ensure that you keep up with regular maintenance on your garage door. Garage doors should be inspected regularly, at least 2 times a year. Check all parts of signs of wear and tear or damage and have it repaired as quickly as possible to prevent more damage and further issues. Also, be sure to lubricate all moving parts of your door and use a silicone-based lubricant to prevent freezing. 

Seal gaps around the door

Sealing around the edges of your garage door is vital. Weatherstripping should be installed as it will prevent drafts as well as preventing rain and snow from entering and freezing inside your garage. The bottom of the door is particularly susceptible as this is where the majority of snow accumulates. A heavy-duty rubber seal should be considered to tightly seal the bottom.

If you already have weatherstripping around your door and a good bottom rubber seal, you should inspect them while you carry out your regular door maintenance. If you notice that there are any gaps, tears, or cracking, you should have the pieces replaced. Keeping your weatherstripping and bottom seal in good condition will also keep the inside of your garage warmer and can help with reducing your energy costs.

Keep your driveway clear of ice and snow

When ice and snow accumulate around your garage door it can prevent it from opening freely and can even cause the door to become frozen to the ground. Snow and ice should be regularly removed as soon as possible to reduce the chance of this happening. It is best to use calcium chloride or magnesium chloride rather than rock salt as it is less damaging to surfaces. Rock salt can corrode your metal components over time.

Inspect the garage door tracks

Inspect the tracks of your door regularly for any ice or snow as this can cause strain on the door’s components and motor which could lead to damage. If you notice any build up you can melt it away carefully by using a hairdryer or a space heater and allow it to properly dry prior to using the garage door. 

Consider using a de-icer or an anti-freeze spray

If you reside in an area that experiences particularly harsh winter conditions, using a de-icer or anti-freeze spray on the tracks of the door and other moving components can be beneficial. These products can help with preventing ice from forming so that the door is able to continue to move smoothly. It is important to choose products that are designed for use on garage doors and you should be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Upgrade to an impact-resistant garage door

Impact-resistant doors can be worth the investment if you are in an area that frequently receives severe weather such as heavy snow, ice storms or high winds. These types of doors are specifically designed to withstand extreme weather and are made with material such as reinforced steel to reduce damage. 

Think about installing a garage heater or an insulated cover

A garage heater or an insulated cover can make a world of difference if you live in a very cold climate. A garage heater will maintain a warm temperature within your garage which will protect your garage door’s components against freezing. Insulated covers can be another solution. While they won’t keep your garage as warm as a heater would, they can be placed over the door when not in use and will add a layer of protection to keep your garage warmer.

Protecting your garage door from ice and snow will keep it functional, prevent damage and increase its lifespan. Following the recommendations above will also help with energy costs, efficiency, and can save you repair costs. Taking preventative measures is always best and can save you a major headache!