In this blog entry, the professional Queens and Long Island garage door repair service team here at Danibul Garage Doors will detail the common reasons garage doors get stuck in cold Winter weather.
Common Winter Garage Door Issues
The multiple moving components of garage doors each face potential issues from cold temperatures. When these components freeze or become rigid they create operating issues which manifest as sticking, hard-to-open doors or total failure. Common winter issues with garage doors include:
- Frozen Tracks: Water trapped in the tracks freezes and obstructs smooth door movement.
- Lubrication Problems: During cold weather conditions the lubricants used in garage door mechanisms thicken which causes friction that results in slower door movement or jamming.
- Broken Springs: Garage door springs contract or snap under extreme cold temperatures which causes the door to malfunction.
- Weatherstripping Damage: The cold makes door seals brittle which causes gaps for drafts and ice accumulation.
- Battery Failure in the Opener: Cold temperatures can deplete the battery of your garage door opener which is battery-powered resulting in operational failure.
Why do garage door components contract and fail in cold weather?
As temperatures fall the materials in garage doors and their parts contract and become more brittle. Here’s a closer look at why this happens:
- Metal Components: When temperatures fall below freezing points metal elements such as springs cables and tracks experience contraction. Cold temperatures cause metal parts to contract which results in stiff movement and added friction that makes your garage door operate less smoothly.
- Lubrication: The primary lubricants for garage door systems are derived from petroleum. The lubricant becomes thicker when exposed to cold temperatures which results in reduced efficiency and higher resistance among moving components.
- Moisture: Water or moisture that collects near or on the door freezes during cold weather which makes the door get stuck. The pattern of garage doors sticking occurs frequently when melted snow or rain freezes over again during evening temperature falls.
- Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping rubber seals meant to block cold air and moisture become rigid and lose their elasticity in low temperatures which leads to gaps and door malfunction when it moves over this compromised seal.
Professional Solutions
For optimal performance of a garage door that malfunctions or sticks during cold weather you should seek professional assistance. Here are some steps a professional garage door technician can take:
- Inspection and Lubrication: Technicians inspect moving components like springs, rollers and hinges while applying specialized winter-grade lubricant to avoid sticking and maintain smooth operation.
- Track Cleaning: Technicians clean tracks that contain ice or debris build-up which prevents proper movement.
- Spring Replacement: When cold weather breaks a spring a professional will install a properly calibrated spring for winter use.
- Weatherstripping Replacement: The garage door’s old or brittle weatherstripping will be replaced to establish a tight seal and stop freezing problems from happening again.
- Opener Battery Check: Technicians check and replace garage door opener batteries to keep the system operational during cold weather.
What is the recommended schedule for winter servicing of my garage door?
Schedule a garage door service in the fall to prepare for upcoming winter weather. A professional inspection will verify that all garage door components are prepared to operate through the winter months. For those who frequently use their garage during winter months a mid-season maintenance check can help detect problems before they become serious.
How do I know if my garage door requires winter maintenance?
When your garage door starts moving sluggishly or produces grinding sounds while getting stuck your garage door most likely needs maintenance. Your garage door might need winter maintenance if you encounter problems while opening or closing it and notice uneven door movement or visible wear on the springs and cables.
Does cold weather cause damage to my garage door opener?
The performance of your garage door opener may degrade in cold weather when it runs on batteries. Batteries lose charge more rapidly in cold temperatures which often leads to failure. The garage door opener’s internal parts can become stiff or less functional when exposed to cold temperatures which results in operational problems. Battery checks along with regular maintenance form the backbone of effective issue prevention.
