A door that works in every season
Reno's high-desert climate swings from hot afternoons to cold nights, and from dry summers to freezing winters. Washoe County's residential design criteria use a 17°F winter design temperature, and NOAA's engineering weather data for the Reno airport records about 123 freeze-thaw cycles a year. Garage doors in Reno have to cope with all of it: cold that stiffens lubricants and makes springs work harder, sun that dries out seals and finishes, and wind that pushes on large doors.
Insulation and weatherstripping
Many Reno homes have attached garages, and an uninsulated door lets cold air into a space that shares walls with the house. An insulated door and good weatherstripping help keep the garage warmer in winter and cooler in summer, protect anything stored there from freezing, and reduce drafts into adjacent rooms. Check the bottom seal every fall. If daylight shows under the door, or snow blows in, it's time to replace it. A threshold seal on the floor can help where the slab is uneven.
Cold-weather problems
- Springs are more likely to break in cold weather, when the metal is under extra stress. A broken spring usually announces itself with a loud bang.
- Lubricants can thicken in the cold, making the door noisy and harder for the opener to move. Use a lubricant recommended for garage doors and low temperatures.
- Bottom seals can freeze to the ground. Don't force the door with the opener; break the seal free gently, and clear snow and ice from the threshold.
- Openers may need their force settings checked after cold weather changes how the door moves, but never adjust force to compensate for a door that's out of balance.
Wind
Strong winds in the Reno area can flex large garage doors and stress their hardware. A sturdy door with good reinforcement, properly installed tracks and secure mounting resists wind better. Ask the installer whether the door they recommend is rated for your area's wind conditions and whether a permit is needed.
Dry heat and finishes
Reno's sun is intense at altitude, and dry air pulls moisture from wood. Wood doors need regular refinishing, and painted steel doors can fade. Choose finishes and colors with the sun in mind.
Before you hire
Ask Reno garage door installers about insulated doors, weatherstripping and seals for winter, wind ratings, and whether the price includes permits and disposal. Get it in writing, and look up the contractor with the Nevada State Contractors Board.
Annual tune-up before winter
A fall service is worth scheduling in Reno. The technician checks spring balance and wear, inspects cables for fraying, lubricates rollers, hinges and bearings, tightens hardware, adjusts the opener and tests the safety reversal. A worn spring found in October is better than one that snaps on a 17-degree morning.
Battery backup
Winter storms and wind can bring power outages. An opener with battery backup lets you open the door without pulling the manual release. Replace backup batteries according to the manufacturer's schedule, since cold reduces battery capacity.