Winter's icy grasp can do a number on any part of your home, including your garage door. If you want your garage door to survive the winter unscathed, then you'll have plenty of work ahead of you. Here are a few tips that'll ensure your garage door stays in good shape this season.

1. Keep Your Garage Door Clean

A clean garage door is a garage door that not only maintains its curb appeal, but also functions properly longer. Dirt, debris, and residue from dead insects can damage your garage door's finish and harbor moisture that could cause rust or corrosion. A dirty garage door can also hide flaws and defects that not only affect its appearance, but also how it functions.

The best way to clean your garage door is with some mild detergent and warm water. Use a soft sponge or chamois cloth to prevent dirt and grit from scratching the finish. Forget about pressure washing the garage door. Pressure washing is one of the quickest ways to damage garage doors made from wood or pre-finished steel. Don't forget to pick a relatively warm day so you won't have to deal with ice buildup afterward.

2. Lubricate Important Moving Parts

Your garage relies on dozens of moving parts to open and close smoothly. Lubrication is the key for keeping these components moving smoothly and without sticking together or creating unnecessary friction. Use a high-quality silicone spray to lubricate the springs, hinges, steel rollers, and bushings.

Keep in mind that there are some moving parts that don't need lubrication. Nylon rollers don't require lubrication, for instance, as most lubricants can cause the material to degrade over time. Tracks don't require lubrication, either, since lubricants can cause dust and debris inside the track to stick.

3. Check Your Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping can harden, crack, and deform with age and use. Bad weatherstripping can slowly suck the warmth out of your garage and leave your garage door vulnerable to other issues. Inspect your garage door weatherstripping on a regular basis and replace it as needed.

4. Inspect The Insulation

Like garage door weatherstripping, insulation can also degrade as time passes. Whether your garage door uses foam board or fiberglass batts for insulation, it pays to check it on a regular basis for settling or deformation. These two problems can drastically affect your door's ability to keep the outdoor cold at bay.

5. Watch For Rust

All garage doors are vulnerable to rust, especially those used in homes located seaside or in areas where road salt usage is common. Poor maintenance can also cause rust to appear on your garage door and its hardware. Whenever you spot rust, have your garage door technician take care of it immediately. Quick action not only prevents rust from spreading, but it also keeps the affected component from failing prematurely.

For more tips, contact a company like J & B Door today.