Avoiding Garage Damage from Snow and Ice in the Winter

The temperature is dropping outside, and the winter is beginning in earnest, which means that we are likely to experience plenty of snow and ice in the coming months. If you own a home, you will want to watch out for ways that winter weather can wreak havoc on your garage, and you should take steps to protect your garage from damage as efficiently as possible.

How Can Snow, Ice, and Cold Temperatures Affect Your Garage?

Winter conditions can have an adverse effect on your garage, and it is best to address these issues as quickly as possible. During the winter season, any of the following can happen:

• Contraction of metal or wood frames
• Hardening of vinyl or rubber
• Cracking or shattering of plastic
• Moisture absorption by wood doors
• Broken garage door springs or cables
• Bent or misaligned garage door tracking
• Imbalanced or shifted door weight
• Excessive strain on garage door opener motors

Protecting Your Garage Door from Freezing

One of the most common issues that homeowners encounter in the winter is when water accumulates at the bottom of the garage door, causing the door to become frozen shut. Here are a few ways to make sure your garage door is working to the best of its ability during these cold months:

• Replace any cracked weather sealing to keep water from entering the garage and freezing.
• Install a heater to warm your garage and prevent freezing.
• Clear away the snow and ice that accumulates around your garage door.
• Sprinkle table salt on the ground along the area where your garage door closes.
• Use an effective lubricant on your garage door’s tracks, rollers, and hinges.

Avoiding Damage to Your Garage Roof During the Winter

The accumulation of snow and ice on your garage’s roof can lead to damage from leaks. Water can become trapped on the roof and freeze, creating an ice dam which causes more water to pool, work its way under the shingles, and cause interior damage. To avoid these ice dams, make sure your garage is properly insulated and ventilated. Clean out your gutters to keep them from being clogged with ice, or, if necessary, remove the gutter system from your garage altogether during the winter.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

Watching out for the signs of damage to your garage from snow and ice can help you address issues quickly and prevent further damage. If you have any questions about how to protect your garage during the winter, you can count on Blue Sky Builders, Inc. to help. We have over 38 years of experience in the garage sector, so you will be guaranteed a professional and efficient customer experience. Please contact us at 630-852-8485 today. To check out our work, please visit our gallery.