As the temperatures drop and winter takes hold, your garage door may start to experience some unexpected problems. Your garage door’s longevity and performance may be impacted by cold weather, which might result in problems, expensive repairs, and even safety issues.
But don’t panic, you can maintain everything functioning properly throughout the coldest months by knowing how cold weather impacts your garage door and what to do about it. Additionally, prompt garage door repair might save minor concerns from becoming huge hassles if you find yourself dealing with problems that cannot be resolved quickly. Let’s break it down!
Why Cold Weather Affects Garage Doors?
- Metal Components Contract: Usually composed of metal, garage door springs, tracks, and rollers contract in cold weather.
- Lubricant Thickness: In colder climates, the lubricants that keep your garage door operating smoothly may thicken, creating friction and making the door move more slowly.
- Frozen Garage Door: If there is ice accumulation on the tracks or along the door, it can literally stop your garage door from moving, which puts strain on the motor and other parts.
Common Cold Weather Garage Door Problems—
- Sticking or Jamming: A door that sticks or jams may have frozen parts or misaligned tracks. This problem basically can worsen if you try to force the door open.
- Broken Springs: Cold temperatures put extra tension on garage door springs, increasing the risk of breakage.
- Slow Response Time: If your garage door opener takes longer than usual to open or close the door, it definitely could be due to thickened lubrication or motor strain.
What You Can Do to Prevent Cold Weather Garage Door Issues?
- Use a silicone-based lubricant that won’t thicken in cold temperatures to lubricate moving parts. Apply it to the tracks, rollers, and springs on a regular basis.
- Examine the weather stripping at the bottom of the door and replace any that are brittle or damaged.
- Remove any snow, ice, or other debris from the garage door’s tracks and the area surrounding it.
When to Call a Professional?
While DIY maintenance goes a long way, there are times when you should call in a garage door repair professional, especially in cold weather:
- Broken Springs or Cables: These are dangerous to replace on your own and should always be handled by a trained technician.
- Persistent Sticking or Jamming: If your door continues to stick or jam despite your best efforts, a pro can diagnose and fix the underlying issue.
- Full Inspection: An annual inspection before or during winter can catch small problems before they turn into big (and expensive) ones.
Conclusion:
Cold weather can be very tough on your garage door, but with a little preparation and maintenance, you can simply avoid the most common issues and ensure your garage door operates smoothly all winter long. Take time to lubricate moving parts, replace worn weather stripping, as well as keep the tracks clear of ice and snow. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to call in a professional to keep your garage door in top shape. Need an upgrade or a garage door repair service in Stafford, VA? Adams Garage Doors LLC is here to help with top-quality, affordable garage door repair, maintenance, replacement and installation. So, reach out to us today for a free estimate!
Stay warm, stay safe, and keep your garage door working flawlessly — even when the temperatures drop!