Garage Doors for Harsh Winter Conditions: A Buyer’s Guide

If you’re located around various parts of Utah or Idaho, you know that weather conditions in the winter can get pretty severe in both states. Protecting your home or building is vital in these conditions, and having the proper garage doors for winter can play a key role here.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’ve spent years serving as your one-stop shop for all things garage doors, entry doors, exterior doors, Pella windows and more around Idaho and Utah. We offer a wide range of ideal garage doors for winter, including storm screen doors and several other options. Here are some of the ways harsh winter conditions can impact garage doors, plus some of the top features that help garage doors withstand these conditions and some important maintenance tips to keep your garage door in optimal shape this winter.

How Winter Impacts Garage Doors and Their Performance

Winter weather can impact garage doors and their performance in a few key ways:

• Freezing tracks: When the temperature drops below freezing, moisture and condensation can cause tracks to freeze. This can prevent the garage door from opening and closing properly.
• Ice buildup: Snow and ice can accumulate on the bottom of your garage door, causing it to become stuck or difficult to open. If not addressed promptly, this can lead to damage to the door’s components.
• Contraction of metal parts: In extreme cold temperatures, metal parts of a garage door may contract, causing issues with movement and operation.
• Wear and tear: Harsh winter weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, strong winds, and low temperatures can all contribute to wear and tear on a garage door over time.
• Hail: In areas where hail is common, this can also be a potential danger for garage doors. Hailstones can cause dents and cracks in the door panels, affecting their functionality.
• Salt corrosion: For those living in coastal regions, salt corrosion from ocean air can also impact the functioning of a garage door. The salt particles in the air can cause rust on metal components, leading to malfunctions and breaks.
• Power outages: Winter storms can often bring power outages, rendering electric garage door openers useless. It’s important to have a backup plan for manually opening and closing the door in case of an outage.

Garage Door Features That Help With Winter Readliness

Luckily, most standard garage doors today come equipped with features that help manage the above risks:

• Insulation: As mentioned earlier, insulation helps to regulate the temperature inside your garage. This not only keeps your car and other belongings safe from extreme temperatures but also reduces the strain on your heating system.
• Weatherstripping: This is a type of sealant that is placed around the edges of your garage door to prevent drafts and moisture from entering. It helps to keep out cold air and prevents snow or rain from seeping in.
• Sealed panels: Garage doors with sealed panels are better equipped to withstand harsh weather conditions, as they provide an extra layer of protection against the elements. They also help to keep out dust and debris, keeping your garage cleaner.
• Insulation: As with any other part of your home, insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable temperature in your garage. It not only helps to regulate the temperature but also reduces noise from outside. There are various types of insulation available, such as foam boards, fiberglass batts, and reflective insulation.
• Quality materials: By using materials of high quality, you can ensure that your garage door will last longer and require less maintenance. Look for doors made from steel, aluminum, or wood as these are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Top Garage Doors for Winter

Here are some of the garage door types that are often ideal for winter, especially in areas that experience particularly harsh conditions:

• Customized storm doors: The very best garage door you can get for winter is one that’s specifically designed to withstand harsh weather. These doors will have a thicker frame, reinforced panels, and tighter seals, keeping the cold air out and the warm air in. Contact our team at Price’s Guaranteed Doors for more info on our custom storm doors.
• Steel garage doors: Steel is an incredibly strong and durable material, making it a great choice for winter. It can withstand heavy snow loads, strong wind gusts, and extreme temperatures without warping or cracking. Plus, steel doors are often insulated to provide additional protection against the cold.
• Insulated garage doors: Insulation is key when it comes to keeping your garage warm in the winter. Look for garage doors with high R-value insulation, which measures the effectiveness of insulation. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation and the warmer your garage will stay. Insulated sectional garage doors, for instance, are especially common for harsh winter conditions.

Maintenance Checklist for Winter Garage Door Care

Here are a few basic maintenance tips to ensure your garage door stays in top shape during the winter:

1. Inspect and clean: Regularly inspect your garage door for any damage or debris that may interfere with its operation. Clean the tracks, rollers, and hinges to prevent buildup of dirt, dust, or ice.
2. Lubricate moving parts: Use a silicone-based lubricant to keep all moving parts of your garage door well-lubricated throughout the colder months. This will help avoid any strain on the motor and keep the door running smoothly.
3. Check weather stripping: Ensure that the weather stripping along the bottom of your garage door is sealing properly against the ground. If it is worn out or damaged, replace it to prevent cold air or moisture from entering your garage.
4. Insulate the door: If your garage is attached to your house, insulating the door can help keep the cold air out and reduce energy costs. You can purchase insulation kits specifically designed for garage doors or use foam panels to cover the inside of the door.
5. Secure loose hardware: As temperatures drop, metal contracts and can cause nuts and bolts on your garage door to become loose. Check all hardware and tighten any that may have loosened.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re proud to offer the best selection of garage doors for winter you’ll find around Utah or Idaho. Contact us today to learn more about our winter maintenance services or to schedule an appointment for a garage door tune-up.