Winter and the Garage Door That Suddenly Decides It’s Too Cold to Work
While it might seem like the door is being dramatic, there are actually a few reasons why winter is the perfect time for garage doors to start acting up.
When the cold winter months roll in, most of us focus on layering up, grabbing a hot drink, and staying cozy indoors. However, for some, winter can bring a more frustrating experience: a garage door that suddenly decides it’s too cold to work. Picture this: you’ve just pulled into your driveway, your car’s heater is working overtime, and all you want to do is park in the warmth of your garage. But instead, your garage door won’t budge. The chilly weather is wreaking havoc on something that usually works like clockwork.
While it might seem like the door is being dramatic, there are actually a few reasons why winter is the perfect time for garage doors to start acting up. Understanding the causes behind this behavior can help prevent future headaches, making a garage door’s winter strike just a minor inconvenience rather than a major problem.
Why Garage Doors Struggle in Winter
Garage doors, like everything else, don’t exactly thrive in the extreme temperatures that come with winter. One of the most common culprits of a stubborn door is the freezing of moving parts. Cold temperatures cause the metal components of the door and its tracks to contract, making them less mobile. The door may become sluggish or even become stuck halfway, refusing to open or close properly.
Lubricants that normally keep parts like rollers and hinges running smoothly can thicken or harden when temperatures drop. As a result, they lose their ability to lubricate the system effectively. What was once thought of as a simple squeak may turn into a full-blown, cold-weather struggle to operate the garage door.
Another issue is the buildup of ice and snow. As the snow piles up around driveways and the door’s bottom seals, it can freeze the door’s track, preventing smooth movement. If there’s any moisture in the garage or on the door itself, it can turn into ice, making it harder for the door to move freely. In some cases, the door may become frozen in place, causing a major inconvenience during a busy day.
Even the garage door opener is at risk in the cold. Batteries tend to drain faster in colder temperatures, which can cause the opener to lose power and fail to function. If anyone has ever gone out to find a garage door opener blinking with no response, the temperature might have played a role in draining the battery.
Preventing Winter Garage Door Trouble
There’s nothing more frustrating than standing in the cold, desperately pushing buttons on the remote, trying to coax a garage door into motion. But preventing these issues in the first place is far easier than dealing with them once they’ve already occurred. Taking a few steps to prepare a garage door for the winter months can save the hassle of dealing with a stubborn door on the coldest days of the year.
Start by inspecting and maintaining the weather seals at the bottom of the door. These seals are designed to keep the elements out and keep a garage space insulated. Over time, these seals can wear down, crack, or become stuck in place. Replacing or fixing them before the temperatures drop can help prevent ice and snow buildup from freezing the door in place.
Another step is to lubricate the moving parts of the door well before winter hits. Using a silicone-based lubricant can keep the tracks, rollers, and hinges moving freely, even in cold weather. A well-lubricated door is less likely to freeze in place and is less prone to strain from thickened oils. Regular lubrication can extend the lifespan of a garage door and prevent early signs of wear.
Garage doors also need to be balanced and aligned to work properly. Cold temperatures can amplify any existing issues with alignment, so it’s important to have the door’s balance checked before winter. If someone notices a door is off-balance, it could strain the opener and cause it to malfunction during the colder months. Professional garage door installation services can help with these checks and adjustments, guaranteeing that the door is aligned and ready for the freeze.
When Ice Gets In the Way
Snow and ice are inevitable in many regions during the winter, and unfortunately, the garage door is not immune to the damage they can cause. Ice can build up on the tracks, making it impossible for the door to slide along smoothly. Snow can also collect around the seals, leaving an impassable barrier when trying to close the door.
The best course of action when ice or snow has already formed is to gently remove it using a non-metallic scraper to avoid damaging the door or its components. Try to remove snow and ice regularly to prevent buildup, particularly around the bottom of the door. Clearing away debris can prevent any obstacles that may cause the door to become stuck or malfunction.
Consider using a heated garage door if you live in an area that experiences prolonged cold spells. Some garage doors now come with heating elements that prevent ice from building up on the door or its tracks, keeping the door fully operational throughout the winter. While these options can be pricier, they’re worth considering if the area is known for harsh winter conditions.
When to Call a Professional
If someone has taken all the necessary precautions and the garage door still refuses to cooperate when the temperatures dip, it may be time to call in a professional. Sometimes, the problem goes beyond what can be solved with a little cleaning and lubrication. An experienced technician can inspect the door’s internal components and offer solutions such as replacing damaged parts, reprogramming the opener, or installing a more powerful system to handle extreme weather conditions.
While many homeowners are eager to tackle garage door issues themselves, there’s always the risk of making things worse without the proper tools or knowledge. Professional garage door installation services are worth the investment if someone wants long-lasting solutions that protect the home and wallet.
Stay Warm, Stay Safe
Winter doesn’t have to bring frustration along with the cold weather, even when it comes to a garage door. By staying ahead of potential issues with maintenance and inspection, you can enjoy a smooth-operating garage door no matter how cold it becomes outside. Plus, should the winter blues strike, anyone can be ready to call in the pros for a quick and easy fix. After all, a functional garage door helps everyone stay warm, keep belongings safe, and make winter life a lot easier.
