When it comes to the maintenance and care of the exterior of your home, your first thought may not be your garage door or gate. These elements add to the overall aesthetic of your property and play an essential role in protecting your home and belongings from the elements. With historic rain and snowstorms in California, weatherproofing your garage door and gate is more important than ever. Weatherproofing can help to prevent damage, save on energy costs, and prolong the lifespan of these features. Here are some tips for weatherproofing your garage doors and gates.

Garage Doors

Seal Gaps

Check your garage door for any gaps or cracks that may allow air and moisture to enter. Use a weatherstripping kit to seal any openings around the door frame. Or install a threshold seal (a strip of rubber or vinyl that attaches to the bottom of the garage door), creating a seal between the door and the ground. This helps to reduce the amount of rain and debris entering your garage.

Insulate

If your garage is attached to your home, installing an insulated garage door can help to keep the rest of your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Various insulated door options are available; most manufacturers use polystyrene (better) or polyurethane (best) as insulation between a steel front and back.

Upgrade to a Weather-Resistant Material

If your garage door is old and worn, consider replacing it with a material such as steel or aluminum or composite, which are less susceptible to moisture, wood-destroying insects, and rot. These materials are durable and low-maintenance and designed to withstand adverse weather conditions.

Care for Wood Products

For wooden doors (and gates), periodic staining is essential to keep the product looking good and operating optimally. Although Clear Western Red Cedar and many other kinds of wood are naturally durable and possess high resistance to decay, staining your wood products is recommended annually. For paint-grade doors, painting is recommended at least every five years. If the aspect of your garage is North Facing or heavily shaded, the frequency can be reduced.

Automatic Openers

Cold drafts and seeping rain can sometimes be caused by an easily overlooked issue - leaving the door open. Luckily, this can be resolved with the help of modern automatic openers with timer features or remote monitoring.

Gates

Choose a Weather-Resistant Material

When selecting a fence or gate, choose a material that is resistant to weather damage, such as galvanized or powder-coated steel or aluminum. These materials are not only durable but also require little maintenance.

Apply a Protective Coating

If you have a wooden fence or gate, apply a protective coating of exterior grade stain or paint to help prevent water damage, rot, and insect infestations. There are various coatings available, including paint, stain, and sealant.

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Check your fence or gate for any gaps or cracks that may allow moisture to seep in. Use a sealant to fill any openings or replace any damaged boards.

Consider Wind Resistance

If you live in an area with high winds, consider a more open gate design that allows the air to move through. Gusts and wind events on a solid panel can create additional wear and tear on the gate motors. Designing a gate with pickets, slats, or laser-cut designs that allow wind to pass through and installing a magnetic lock on your swing gate can help increase the lifespan of your gate system.

By taking the time to weatherproof your garage and gates, you can help to protect your property from the elements and potentially save on energy costs. These simple steps can also prolong the lifespan of these everyday elements of your home and keep them looking great for years to come. At Consolidated, we happily take care of your equipment maintenance and repairs, but weatherproofing is an extra step in preventing excess wear and tear on your home.