In this blog entry, the Chicago garage door repair and Chicago garage door upgrade experts here at Garage Door Repair Chicago will detail the best ways to protect your garage from the rain and intense weather.
Weather Stripping
Weather stripping isi narrow material strips that are installed on the edges of your garage door. They help to seal the door, keeping out moisture, prests, and wind. There’s a few kinds of weather stripping on the market: foam, vinyl, and rubber. Foam is the most common, being easy to install and able to cut in any size opening. Vinyl weather stripping is popular and created from a smooth and durable PVC material. Vinyl weather stripping is used on both doors and windows. Rubber is the heaviest duty weather stripping, most often used on commercial or industrial applications.
Garage Door Functionality Test
Test to verify garage door functionality before bad weather hits. Open and close the garage door a few times to make sure it’s properly working. Clean any sensors blocked by debris or dirt. If you notice anything not working right, call a professional for assistance.
Garage Door Inspection
Inspect your garage door for signs of wear like holes and cracks. Ensure the bottom of the door is properly aligned. If you notice any issues, contact a professional for repair assistance.
Trench Installation
A trench train is a drainage system that can channel water away from areas with risk of flooding. They are installed underground and lined with a waterproof material. The trench is then covered with a grate or slotted cover so that water can enter the trench but debris will be trapped on top of it. This is a good idea if after you’ve checked the water path around your garage you’ve determined that water from rain can easily flood into the garage space.
Gutter Cleaning
Gutters are essential for protecting your home from rain. When gutters are clogged with leaves or other debris they cannot effectively divert water from your home. This causes rainwater to spill over their sides and on your garage door, causing corrosions or cracks, making your garage look bad and making it last less long. Regularly clean your gutters and ensure that they are properly installed and angled to move water to a drainage area and away from your home.
