Jump To:
- 1. Add Insulation
- 2. Check the Weatherstripping
- 3. Use an Automatic Opener
- 4. Seal Any Cracks and Gaps
- Garage Door Weatherproofing Services From Valley Overhead Door
A new season always seems to be right around the corner. To prepare for temperature changes over the course of 12 months — and unpredicted weather conditions — in Oregon, it’s important to make sure that your garage door is able to protect your home and the individuals inside it. Fortunately, preparing your garage door for the weather is generally a simple task.
Keep reading to learn more about how to weatherproof your garage door to protect it from weather like rain, smoke and more.
1. Add Insulation
One of the first things you can do to check if your garage door is prepared for harsh weather is to see if it’s insulated. Not all garage doors have insulation, and without it, hot and cold air will seep out. During colder months in Oregon, you want to be able to trap all the heat you possibly can inside the house to keep you and your family warm and reduce your electricity bill. The opposite is true during warmer months.
To find out if your garage door is insulated, you can use a handheld thermometer pointed at the door to compare the temperature inside and outside of the door. First, go inside your garage, point the thermometer at the door to take the temperature and record the number. Next, go outside and repeat the process to compare the numbers. Another trick is done by taking a quick glance at your garage door panels — if you can see the garage door’s design through the inside, it means there’s no insulation material in your garage door.
If you discover that your door doesn’t have insulation, your best option is to have a professional install some. However, you could also use this opportunity to install a new garage door altogether. Gauge the situation to see whether it’s time to invest in a new one before the cold weather arrives.
2. Check Your Garage Door for Weatherstripping
Check if your garage door has open spaces around the sides, top and bottom. If you see a noticeable space, it’s more than likely that your door doesn’t have any rubber or vinyl weatherstripping. This weatherstripping acts as a filler between the inside and outside of the garage. By installing weatherstripping, you can seal the door, ensuring no air goes in or out.
Have you recently replaced your garage door? Even still, it’s important to see whether the weatherstripping has cracked. Every year, you should examine your garage’s weatherstripping to ensure it’s completely sound — if you notice any gaps, you should replace it before the colder weather arrives.
There are different kinds of weatherstripping, so be sure to do your research before choosing one for your garage door. Additionally, you’ll want to pay particular attention to two forms of weatherstripping that your garage door may feature. These are:
Stop Molding
More specifically, pay attention to the stripping on the top and the bottom of the garage door, called stop moldings. This material seals the surface between the door and the top and bottom of the garage door opening. The stop molding is essential in protecting against bad weather.
For example, stop molding will keep out heavy rain, preventing flooding inside of the garage. Also, stop molding can prevent outdoor odors from coming inside, such as smoke from nearby wildfires. Replacing the moldings when they’re worn down can make a difference in protecting your garage door and any belongings inside.
Panels
Note that weatherstripping between the garage door panels is different than stop mold stripping because the weatherstripping is set in between the panels. If you have an older v-shaped garage door, you’re more likely to see this kind of stripping. Ensure that each panel has weatherstripping tightly secured around it. While you’re updating the weatherstripping here, you can check the condition of your garage door’s panels to ensure they’re in good condition.
3. Use an Automatic Opener
One of the most effective ways to weatherproof your garage is to use an automatic garage door opener to close the garage door during harsh weather. Investing in an automatic garage door opener will help you remember to shut your door in the winter when you leave your house, which can prevent cold air from getting into the garage. As a bonus, automatic garage door systems are often safer, as they come with control features.
With many automatic door openers, you can also set a timer for the door to shut within a certain amount of time. That’s important to have in case you forget to shut the door on your way out. If you choose a smart home garage door opener, you can control your garage door from any smart device. These come with endless features, like being able to open the garage door for package deliveries when you’re at work.
4. Seal Any Cracks and Gaps
A final tip to weatherproof your garage door is making sure all gaps are sealed. Unfortunately, weatherstripping can’t seal every crack, so you should keep an eye out for small holes that can let in outdoor air. To find cracks, turn off the lights in your garage and see if any sunlight passes through the door from the outside.
If you spot gaps on the outside of the garage door, such as on the sides, you may be able to use small amounts of caulk to seal the gaps. However, cracks in the panels of your garage door typically require professional assistance. Consider the material of your garage door before making any changes.
Garage Door Weatherproofing Services From Valley Overhead Door
Here at Valley Overhead Door, we’re committed to providing Oregon residents with reliable and effective garage door repair services. Let our team of experts take care of the weatherproofing process for you, ensuring your garage is well prepared to stand against whatever weather the seasons bring. From rain to smoke and everything in between, we can help you protect your garage and whatever’s stored inside.
Contact us today by filling out a service request form or give us a call to leave garage door weatherproofing up to us!