The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Garage Door for Simcoe County Winters

garage door repair

We know that the weather in Simcoe County can be very unpredictable. Our homes take a beating because of the heavy lake-effect snow in Barrie and the biting winds near Lake Simcoe’s shores. The garage door is one of the most important parts of home security that people forget about.

If your garage is attached to your house, it’s probably the largest “hole” in your home’s thermal envelope. This is how to make sure your garage door is ready for the weather in Simcoe.

1. Why R-Value is Important

When you look at new doors, you’ll see a rating called “R-Value.” This tells you how well it resists heat. For attached garages in our area, the R-Value should be at least R-12 to R-16. A well-insulated door keeps the heat in your home, protects your car battery from extreme cold, and lowers your monthly gas or hydro bills.

2. Which is better, steel or wood?

Wood doors are very charming, but they require a lot of care to prevent warping due to Simcoe’s high humidity. Most homeowners in the area prefer galvanized steel. Modern steel doors are available in “wood-grain” finishes that look like oak or walnut but are as strong and weatherproof as metal.

3. Don’t forget to put on the weatherstripping.

If the seals are broken, even the most expensive door won’t work. The rubber gasket on the bottom and the “stop” moulding on the side are the first things that keep snow and rodents from getting inside. It’s time to get a new door if you can see light coming through the edges when it’s closed.

4. Spring Tension and Cold Snaps

When it gets really cold, metal shrinks. That’s why garage door springs often break on the coldest mornings of the year. Don’t wait for your door to break if it feels unusually heavy or the opener is working too hard. A quick tune-up can keep you from getting “stuck” in your garage when you’re already late for work.

Service You Can Count On in Your Area

We live and work in this community at Simcoe Garage Doors. We know the kinds of problems weather in your area can cause for your home’s doors and windows. Our team is ready to help you with any door problem, whether it’s an emergency spring repair, a new opener installation, or a full door replacement.

Are you ready to fix or upgrade your door? Call Simcoe Garage Doors at 705-996-1739 today for quick, friendly service in your area.