Tips for Protecting Your Commercial Garage Doors This Winter
December 11, 2013It is important to take care of commercial garage doors during winter weather. When garage doors are exposed to inclement weather, they tend to warp, buckle and wear unevenly. By protecting commercial garage doors, storage and warehouse owners can extend their investments and save money over the life of the garage doors. What Causes Commercial Garage Doors To Wear During Winter? Winter presents a special type of problem to those who operate or use commercial garage doors. While rain can be damaging over the long term, ice causes much more immediate damage and buckling. Unlike most substances, water expands when it freezes. This means that if water particles are caught in the cracks or seams of a garage door and then freeze, they expand and move outward in all directions. While this would not be a problem for a few drops of water, a great deal of water exerts a powerful force on the garage door. Ice can bend the aluminum or metal frames of garage doors to the point where they do not close properly. Another issue caused by cold weather is sticking from freezing temperatures. It does not take much moisture to create a tight seal between the garage door and the ground or track. When someone tries to open the garage door, that person may find it impossible to break that seal without using a tool. If a tool is used, the garage door may bend or even break under the pressure. What Can Be Done To Prevent Winter Garage Door Damage? There are several ways to prevent ice and other types of damage to commercial garage doors. Some simple steps to take include: Keep Things Lubricated It is very important to perform periodic lubrication on all the moving parts of a garage door, including springs, hinges and rollers. These parts need the protection of a quality lubricant to prevent the formation of rust from moisture and to keep them moving against each other smoothly without undue wear and tear. Lubricants also help keep moisture out by deflecting it, making it more difficult for ice to form. Check Spring Ratings If garage doors are located in an area where freezing is likely, be sure that they are rated to withstand the freezing temperatures that are found in that climate. Replace worn or damaged springs immediately. Close All Ventilation Holes If the garage doors are equipped with vents or windows that open, be sure they are sealed tightly during winter. This not only helps to maintain the temperature gradient on both sides of the door, lessening the likelihood of condensation that can turn to ice, but also maintains a more comfortable interior temperature. Check Rubber Seals Many garage doors have a rubber seal at the bottom. Be sure this seal is working properly and is not allowing cold air to flow at the bottom of the door. Replace the seal if necessary. By taking care of winter commercial garage door maintenance and addressing issues immediately as they arise, those with large garage doors can prevent costly damage. A good garage door company can be a great partner in scheduling and performing winter commercial garage door maintenance.