Those frigid Toledo winters can take a toll on your home in many ways — including making it more difficult to open and close your garage door. There are several weather-related issues that can prevent the system from operating efficiently. In the worst-case scenario, you could end up stuck inside or, even worse, outside of your garage, which is something you don’t need when the temperature dips below the freezing mark!
In this post, we’ll explore some of the more common cold weather garage door problems you’re likely to encounter. We’ll also provide some helpful tips on how to correct them — or even prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Common Cold Weather Garage Door Problems
1. Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener
The opener is that small, electrically powered box-like device at the top of the door that controls its opening and closing. Cold temperatures can hinder the performance of the opener’s motor and other essential system components. If your garage door isn’t working correctly, try disconnecting the opener and raising the door manually. If you’re able to do so, there could be a problem with the opener. Changing the batteries can sometimes rectify the issue. If it doesn’t, contact a garage door professional for assistance.
2. The Door Feels Heavy
The cold weather can also affect the garage door’s springs, causing them to become brittle and possibly break. A door that feels “heavy” when you try to raise it manually is often a sign of a worn or broken spring. You may also hear a popping noise during operation. Working with garage door springs can be dangerous due to the tension in the coils. Always consult with an experienced garage door technician if you suspect trouble with the springs.
3. The Door Doesn’t Roll Smoothly
Garage door systems include rollers that enable the door to move along the tracks when opening or closing. The rollers require lubrication to facilitate smooth, efficient movement. However, cold weather can freeze the lubricant, which may result in “jerky” rolling or even cause the door to become stuck. Applying a grease solvent to the rollers and other moving parts can remove the hardened lubricant. You’ll then need to reapply a silicone-based lubricant to ensure proper door function.
4. Frozen Door
Another of the typical cold weather garage door problems is an accumulation of ice and snow at the base of the door, which can cause it to freeze to the concrete floor. If you experience this issue, try chipping away the ice or using hot water to melt it. Do not try to force open a frozen door, as this can break the weather stripping and allow snow, ice and cold air inside.
Quality Overhead Door: We Know How to Fix Cold Weather Garage Door Problems
At Quality Overhead Door, we’re experts at correcting these and other cold weather garage door problems that routinely cause trouble for homeowners in the Toledo, OH area. You can count on us for garage door repairs and maintenance. We can also “winterize” your door at the start of the season to prevent these issues from occuring. Give us a call today to learn more.
Additional Resources On Garage Door Service:
- Avoiding a Garage Door Repair Scam: 9 Tips to Help You Avoid a Scam
- What Do the Sounds Coming From Your Garage Door Mean?