Why is weatherizing your garage door important?
Living in Barrie, Ontarian, winters can be brutal with frequent snowfalls, freezing temperatures, and bone-chilling wind chills. In addition to sealing windows and doors, many homeowners forget the importance of weatherizing their garage doors. Old and worn-out garage doors not only let in cold air and dust but also increase heating costs. According to the US Department of Energy, a typical homeowner can save 10 to 30% on energy bills by simply weatherizing their home and garage doors.
1. Inspect and Seal the Garage Door
Inspect your garage door for any damage, rot, or wear. Cracks, dents, gaps, and holes will allow cold air to get in and cause drafts. Seal any cracks and gaps with weatherstripping, sealant or insulation, and make sure to seal the bottoms of your garage doors with a threshold seal or weatherstripping. The seal will keep the water, snow, and dust from getting in. Insulating your garage door is also a good idea because it will keep the space warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
2. Add Extra Insulation to the Garage Walls and Ceiling
Adding extra insulation to the walls and ceiling of your garage will help prevent heat loss in winter. Insulating the garage will make a huge difference in the overall comfort of your home and reduce energy bills. There are several types of insulation on the market. Do some research on which one is right for your garage. Fiberglass batt is the most common type of insulation, while blown-in insulation is ideal for walls and ceilings with many obstructions. Rigid foam board insulation is a great option if you have a garage with a flat roof.
3. Install a Garage Door Cover
Gasketed covers or blankets are designed specifically to fit over your garage door. They help insulate your garage, reduce noise and drafts, and keep your garage warmer. By covering your garage door with a thermal barrier, you’re effectively creating a thermal envelope, keeping the cold air outside.
4. Tune-up the Garage Door Opener and Hardware
Your garage door opener and hardware must be in good working order to operate smoothly and efficiently. Schedule a maintenance service every year, or do it yourself by lubricating the moving parts, tightening the bolts and screws, and adjusting the springs and the track alignment. During harsh winters, spray a silicone-based lubricant on the metal parts to prevent rust and corrosion.
5. Replace Old Weatherstripping
If the weatherstripping on your garage door is old, worn out, torn or missing, replace it immediately. Weatherstripping helps seal off gaps and cracks around the garage door’s frame and keeps the warm air in and cold air out. The rubber strips can wear out over time, and if they lose their shape, they won’t seal properly. Replacing worn weatherstripping is a simple and affordable way to keep out the winter chill.
In Conclusion
Winterizing your garage door will not only keep your garage warmer, but it’ll also help you save money on your energy bills. By following these simple tips, you can significantly improve the insulation and effectiveness of your garage door during the harsh Barrie winters. Seeking to dive further into the topic? Garage Door Openers Barrie https://canadoorsystems.com, we’ve put this together just for you. Here, you’ll find valuable information to expand your knowledge of the subject.
Discover other perspectives and additional information on this article’s topic through the related posts we’ve gathered:
Explore this external research