Winter Garage Door Safety: Preventing Accidents and Injuries

Garage doors provide a number of benefits, from securing your storage space to an increased home value. But as temperatures drop and winter sets in, we also need to be aware of the potential hazards of the cold weather.

From accidents and injuries caused by malfunctioning garage doors to keeping your car safe in the snow – here are some garage door maintenance tips for preventing common cold-weather dangers associated with your garage door.

1. A Frozen Garage Door

One of the most common winter hazards for garage doors is ice and snow buildup, which can cause your door to freeze shut. Ice and snow paired with frigid temperatures make it difficult to open and put strain on your opener and motor, potentially leading to costly repairs.

To prevent this from happening, make sure to clear any snow or ice from your garage door before trying to open it. You can also use a de-icing product or a hairdryer to melt any ice buildup around the edges of the door.

2. Malfunctioning Sensors

Garage door sensors are essential for preventing accidents and injuries by detecting obstacles in the door’s path and stopping it from closing. However, these sensors can malfunction during winter due to extreme temperatures or snow drifts, leading to a potentially dangerous situation.

To prevent sensor malfunction, regularly check and clean your sensors and ensure they are correctly aligned. You can also add a protective cover or shield around the sensors to protect them from snow and ice. Giel Garage Doors can provide you with a number of options for sensor maintenance.

3. Power Outages

Winter storms can often lead to power outages, which can prevent you from opening or closing your garage door. This can be inconvenient and pose a safety risk if you need to get in or out of your garage quickly.

To prevent being stuck with a malfunctioning garage door during a power outage, make sure to invest in a secondary power source for your opener, such as a battery backup or generator.

4. Broken Springs

Cold weather can cause the metal to become brittle and more prone to breaking, including the springs on your garage door. Broken springs can cause the door to slam shut suddenly, potentially causing injuries or damage.

To prevent bodily harm or property damage, regularly inspect and maintain your garage door springs, and consider replacing them with high-quality, weather-resistant springs designed for cold climates.

Choose Giel Garage Doors for Safe and Reliable Garage Door Services

At Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors, we understand the importance of personal safety and garage door maintenance, especially during winter.

That’s why we offer a range of services, including tune-ups and weather seal replacements, to ensure your garage door is functioning correctly and safely.

Don’t let the cold weather bring potential hazards to your home. Contact us today for all your garage door needs.

Why Insulated Garage Doors Are a Must-Have for Winter

Winter brings about a range of challenges for homeowners. The dropping temperatures and the increase in precipitation can negatively affect various aspects of your home, including your garage. Installing an insulated garage door can be a proactive approach to not only protect your vehicle but also enhance your home’s living experience during the cold months. Let’s delve into the reasons why an insulated garage door is indispensable during winter.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

The first and foremost benefit of an insulated garage door is improved energy efficiency. Traditional garage doors often have gaps that allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape, leading to higher heating costs. An insulated door, however, keeps the garage warmer by preventing heat loss, helping you save on energy bills. Additionally, a warmer garage reduces the burden on your heating system, prolonging its lifespan.

Improved Durability

Insulated garage doors offer a more robust and durable solution compared to their non-insulated counterparts. They are constructed with a dual layer of steel and insulation, providing extra strength and resistance against dents and damages. This ensures a long-lasting door that can withstand harsh winter conditions, giving you peace of mind.

Quieter Operation

An added advantage of insulated garage doors is the quieter operation they offer. The insulation dampens the noise produced during the opening and closing of the door, resulting in a smoother and quieter function. This means no more disturbing sounds interrupting your peaceful home environment.

Better Protection for Your Vehicles

A garage shields your vehicle from adverse weather conditions. However, a garage with a regular door doesn’t offer optimum protection during the cold winter months. Installing an insulated garage door safeguards your car from freezing temperatures, helping maintain its battery life and fluid levels, which can significantly be affected in cold environments.

Increase in the Value of Your Home

Investing in an insulated garage door not only provides immediate benefits but also increases the value of your home. Prospective buyers often appreciate homes with upgraded features, and an insulated garage door stands as a testament to quality and modernity, potentially raising your home’s market value.

Conclusion

Winter calls for a home that embraces both functionality and efficiency. An insulated garage door encapsulates these attributes, promising a warmer, quieter, and more secure garage space. It’s more than a door; it’s a shield against the harsh winter, a guardian for your vehicle, and a wise choice for energy-conscious homeowners.

Get ready to step up your home’s functionality this winter. Contact Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors today and invest in a garage solution that protects and serves you in the best way possible.

Winterizing Your Garage Door: Essential Maintenance Tips

Winter can be hard on your garage door. Ice, snow, and cold air can do a lot of damage if your garage is not properly sealed and insulated. Taking the proper steps to winterize your garage door can help protect it from the cold weather and keep it functioning correctly. Here are some essential tips for winterizing your garage door.

1. Inspect Your Garage Door

The first step to winterizing your garage is to inspect it thoroughly for any wear and tear or damage that may have occurred over the summer months. Check for cracks, dents, rust spots, and other forms of damage. If you notice any issues that need to be addressed, it’s important to take action as soon as possible.

2. Clean Your Garage Door

Cleaning your garage door is essential for keeping it in good condition throughout the winter months. Start by using a damp cloth to wipe down the door and remove any dirt or debris that has settled on it. You can also use a mild detergent to clean tougher areas.

3. Lubricate Your Garage Door

To ensure your garage door is functioning properly, remember to lubricate all of its moving parts. This includes the hinges, rollers, springs, and tracks. We recommend using either white lithium grease or silicone spray.

4. Check the Weather Stripping

Check that your weather stripping is in good condition and that there are no gaps where cold air could get in. Additional weather stripping can be added between panels for an air-tight seal. If the weather stripping is cracked or detached, now is the time to replace it. You can purchase weatherstripping specifically designed for garage doors at most hardware stores.

5. Call in the experts

If you’re not confident in your ability to winterize your garage door yourself, it’s best to call in a professional. They can inspect the door for any potential issues and make sure that it is properly insulated and sealed against the cold weather. This will save you money in the long run by preventing weather damage and extending the life of your garage door.

Choose Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors for your Pennsylvania Garage Doors

With 73 years of experience in the industry, Thomas V. Giel Garage Doors is your go-to source for quality garage door products and services in Pennsylvania.

We specialize in residential and commercial garage doors, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and customization. Our team of certified professionals is dedicated to providing personalized service to meet all of your individual needs.

Contact us today for more information about our available products and services!