Winter is Coming You Must Be Prepared
As the famous hero John Snow once said, “Winter Is Coming,” you better be prepared not to fight some zombie monster but rather protect yourself and your home from extreme weather conditions. Winter can be very abrasive not only for humans but home appliances like garage doors, pipes, openers, sensors, etc. Last year, Fort Worth witnessed the “Big Freeze” , a climate phenomenon that affected the DFW area and caused the city a major shutdown due to the extreme weather conditions. According to the National Center of Environmental Information, Fort Worth was one of the major victims of this event, experts say “ Cars slid off of freeways and streets resulting in accidents, including a pile-up of over 100 vehicles on I-35 West in Fort Worth, leaving several fatalities in its wake.” During this cruel winter, residents had to deal with busted water pipes, broken down AC and damaged garage doors. On average winter losses amount to $102 million dollars, don’t become another statistic, and get ready for the winter with us!
Caption: Historical Car Wreck in I-35 Fort Worth Amid the 2021 Big Freeze
6 Ways To Protect Your Garage Door
The garage door is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during extreme winter conditions. Many issues arise with garage door springs, openers, and mechanisms due to inadequate maintenance and insulation. Here are six ways to protect your garage door this winter:
- Inspect Garage Doors: Regularly check for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for frayed cables or rusted hardware that could compromise functionality.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply a high-quality lubricant to the springs, rollers, hinges, and tracks to prevent them from drying out and reduce friction.
- Install or Replace Weather Stripping: Ensure proper sealing by inspecting weather stripping for cracks or gaps that could allow cold air leaks.
- Insulate Garage Door: Consider adding insulation panels or using a foam insulation kit to regulate temperature and reduce energy consumption.
- Check and Maintain Cables and Springs: Schedule a professional maintenance checkup to identify any potential issues with cables and springs before they escalate.
- Clear Snow and Ice From The Area: Keep the area around the garage door clear of snow and ice to prevent operational issues.
Benefits on of Garage Door Insulation
Now that you know how to protect your garage door you need to understand the benefits of the insulation. One of the most important here is keeping your house warm for the very low winter temperatures. One of our experts says, “ A warm garage isn’t just about comfort—it’s also practical. A heated and insulated garage creates a cozy space for storage, hobbies, and car maintenance, especially during colder months. By keeping your garage warm, you protect your belongings and vehicles from potential damage due to extreme temperatures.”
- Temperature Regulation: Insulating your garage door can help maintain an average temperature that is 10 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit warmer in winter and as much as 20 degrees cooler in summer. This creates a more comfortable environment for various activities in your garage.
- Noise Reduction: An insulated garage door significantly reduces noise transfer. This means you can enjoy peace and quiet inside your workshop, avoiding distractions from street traffic. Plus, your neighbors will appreciate the reduced volume during late-night jam sessions when your son practices with his garage band.
- Energy Efficiency: By keeping temperatures stable, an insulated garage door can help reduce energy costs. This is particularly beneficial if you use your garage as a workspace or if it connects to your home.
- Increased Durability: Insulation can add structural integrity to your garage door, making it more resistant to dents and damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes figuring out how to fix mechanical issues can be very intimidating. If you are wondering about how you should start preparing your house for the winter, you can find some expert’s advice on the most common question regarding common garage door problems during winter.
How Do I Insulate My Garage Door For The Winter?
Hey there! I’m a technician for Supreme Garage Door in Fort Worth, Texas. I’ve been in the industry for a couple of years, so I can give you the rundown.
First, you want to find a trim seal for around your door and a new bottom weather seal. Keep in mind that these tend to flatten over 3 to 5 years. This measure is preventive for winter preparation.
Avoid insulation kits at all costs. Why? Because they add weight to your door, which causes stress on the springs. Consequently, this could end up costing you even more in repairs.
Do I Really Need to Insulate My Garage Door?
It really depends on how you use your garage. If it’s just a place to park your car, you might think it’s not necessary. But if you’re using it as a gym, a play area for the kids, or even a music rehearsal space, then insulation becomes pretty important. Without it, your garage can turn into a chilly, uncomfortable zone that’s not great for you or your family. Plus, if you’re relying on appliances like your washer and dryer, they’ll have to work overtime to keep up with temperature changes, which can lead to some serious wear and tear—and nobody wants that!
What’s the Best Way to Insulate a Garage Door?
First, assess whether this is something you want to tackle yourself. Insulating a garage door can be tricky, so if you’re feeling unsure, it might be best to call in a pro. But if you’re up for the challenge, start by checking out the material of your door panels. Measure them accurately and figure out what kind of insulation fits your needs best.
When choosing insulation, keep in mind the thickness and the R-value—this is how effective the insulation is at keeping heat in or out. Here’s a big tip: make sure your door stays balanced after insulation. If it’s not balanced properly, it can really mess with your garage door opener and lead to costly repairs.
Before winter rolls in, don’t forget about those weather seals! Find a new trim seal for around your door and replace that bottom weather seal too. They tend to flatten out after about three to five years, so this little maintenance step can make a huge difference.
Oh, and one last thing: steer clear of those insulation kits you see advertised everywhere. They might seem like an easy fix, but they can actually add too much weight to your door and put extra stress on the springs. Trust me, you don’t want that headache!
How Can I Insulate My Roll-Up Garage Door
The insulation itself isn’t really different for roll-up doors, but the process of insulating them is a whole other ballgame compared to your typical sectional door.
Picture this: you’ve got this super thin roll-up door. Now imagine trying to stick a layer of bubble wrap insulation on it. Sounds simple enough, but trust me, you’ll be regretting your decision the moment you start. You’ve got to make sure there are zero creases and that the insulation is perfectly even all over. One little slip-up, and you could be looking at replacing your entire garage door. And let me tell you, that’s not a bill anyone wants to see.
In other words, trying to insulate a roll-up door by yourself is probably not worth it. It’s best to call in a professional for this type of job.
Need Help with Garage Door Installation? Contact Us
Garage door insulation is crucial to protect your house, your home appliances and your loved ones from the chilly temperatures. Remember, the best way to keep you and your loved ones safe is to solicit the services of certified experts, that’s when our team of fort worth technicians come in. We are located in 307 W 7th St #828, Fort Worth, TX 76102, just 10 minutes away from the historical landmark of Fort Worth Stockyard. Any inquiries or requests for quotes you make it to the phone number: (972) 619-7222 and the business email: fortworth@supremegaragedoortx.com.