Winterizing the garage is an essential task. If the garage is not insulated, the cold air will get into your home. It will produce an unpleasant interior atmosphere and increase your energy bills.

Even unattached garages should be insulated. Vehicles and other gear like lawnmowers and bicycles can get damaged in the cold weather. Winterization will keep them protected.

Here are some things you can do to winterize garage doors and lower your heating bills.

Tips to Winterize Your Garage Doors

Insulate Your Garage Door

Insulation can be your best friend during a cold winter. It is especially effective in keeping your home and garage warm. 

Non-insulated garage doors allow heat to escape and cold air to get in. Statistics show that garage door insulation can keep garages 12 degrees warmer in 20-degree weather. That 12 degrees can make a big difference in your heating bill costs and your equipment functionality.

Insulating your garage door isn’t difficult. You can purchase garage door insulation kits with materials you can cut down to fit your garage. The make and model of your door will help you determine which kit you should buy.

You can also insulate your garage door using rigid foam insulation. Cut the material down to fit your door. The material you use must be rated for expanded polystyrene or foam board to ensure the solvents don’t damage the insulation.

If your door is old and damaged to the point where insulation won’t help, you may need to replace it.

Garage Door Caulking

Caulking is an effective way to winterize garage doors. It will fill holes and gaps to ensure cold air doesn’t get in.

Here are the steps you will need to take:

1. Use a putty knife to remove old caulk.
2. If you are working with wood surfaces, you will need to prime the area to ensure adhesion.
3. Measure the size of your holes. Holes that are ½” deep, ¼” wide, or larger will require a backing rod. The rods are water-resistant and fit into holes. They will make your job easier. Choose backing rods that are at least 1/8” larger than the gap. Smaller holes can be filled with an insulated foaming sealant and the appropriate application tool.
4. Caulk the remaining gaps. Painter’s tape will ensure your lines are clean and neat.

Note: Garage door caulking requires a caulk that is designed for outdoor use. Polyurethane, acrylic, and silicone caulk are suitable choices. If there are windows in your garage, caulk them as well.

Garage Door Seals

 Garage door seals are a great way to keep cold air from coming in under your garage door. There are two main options to choose from. They include:

Bottom Seal

The door sweep or bottom seal, prevents dust, snow, moisture, and cold air from getting in through the bottom of your garage door. It’s not necessary to replace the bottom seal every year, but it can become damaged over time. Check it before winter begins to ensure it’s in proper working order.

If your bottom seal is damaged, you can replace it by pulling it out through the gap behind the garage door track. Clean the area where the seal had been attached. Then attach the new seal to the track.

If you have a wooden garage door, the bottom seal may be nailed in. You must remove the nails before removing the seal. Then seal the wood, apply caulk for adhesion, and nail the new seal in place.

Garage door seals should be made of silicone or similar material that stays flexible in cold temperatures.

Threshold Seal

A threshold seal is similar to a door seal, but it attaches to the garage floor instead of the door. It can be used instead of a door seal or in combination with a door seal. It is installed with an adhesive that’s usually included in the package.

Thresholds are ideal for filling large gaps. They also keep water, snow, rain, and large pests out of the garage.

Upgrade the Weatherstripping

You have a choice of weather-stripping materials you can use to winterize garage doors. Vinyl is recommended thanks to its durability and flexibility. If you don’t have vinyl weather-stripping in place, or if the insulation is damaged, you may want to upgrade it.

Most weather-stripping is nailed or tacked in, so the first step involves removing the nails. Then follow these steps:

1. Cut the weather-stripping so it fits your door. Tack it into the surface every few feet along the right and left sides of the door.
2. Press against the door to ensure there are no gaps. If you see gaps, pull them out and re-tack them to create a tighter seal.
3. Enforce the seal with nails.

You should also apply weather-stripping to your garage door panels. Cold air can come in through the gaps between the panels. You can seal panels with foam tape or V-type weather-stripping.

Other Garage Winterization Tips

Here are some other tips that will keep your garage protected from the winter weather. 

• Seal Gaps in Switches and Outlets: Cold air can also get in through gaps in the electrical outlets and light switch boxes in your garage. You can fix this issue by installing foam gaskets behind your cover plates. You can also use caulk or foam on wall-mounted boxes.
• Waterproof Your Garage Floor: During the winter, your car can bring moisture and slush into the garage that can damage your garage floor. You can protect the surface with an epoxy waterproof paint or a crystalline concrete agent.
• Protect Your Pipes: Many homes have water pipes that run through their garage that can freeze during the winter and cause extensive damage. Insulate pipes with foam or fiberglass insulation to prevent freezing. You should also cover outdoor spigots that run into your garage.

Consider a Garage Door Replacement

If your garage is old or damaged, it may not respond well to winterization methods. A new garage door may be necessary.

Raynor Door Authority can assist with your garage door replacement. We offer extensive experience and a high level of professionalism. We will help you find a garage door that suits your needs and your home’s aesthetic.

We also provide all the products you need to winterize your garage door. We carry weather-stripping, caulk, door seals, insulation kits, and more. We have everything you need to get your garage ready for the cold weather. 

Contact us for all your garage door service needs.