As the temperature drops and winter blankets everything in white, homeowners often find themselves facing a myriad of seasonal challenges. Among these, garage door issues stand out, not just for their inconvenience but also for the security and insulation problems they pose.
Below are five of the most common garage door issues that occur during the winter season.
1. Frozen Garage Door
One of the most direct impacts of cold weather is the freezing of garage doors to the ground. This usually happens when water at the bottom of the door freezes, effectively gluing the door to the ground. Attempting to open a frozen door can cause significant damage both to the door itself and the opener.
Solution: Prevent water accumulation near the bottom of the garage door by ensuring proper drainage. If your door does freeze, gently chip away the ice or use a hairdryer to melt it. While it may be tempting to put icemelt on your weather stripping, Clopay recommends avoiding this method as it can damage the metal components of your garage door.
2. Contracting Metal Components
Cold temperatures can cause the metal parts of your garage door to contract, leading to issues with opening and closing. This is particularly true for the springs, screws, and tracks, which can become stiff and inefficient.
Solution: Regular maintenance, including lubrication of these parts with silicone-based lubricant, can keep your garage door operating smoothly. It’s essential to use products suitable for cold weather to ensure they don’t thicken and add to the problem.
3. Thickened Grease
The grease applied as a lubricant for the moving parts of your garage door can thicken in cold weather, leading to sluggish or stuck door operation. Thickened grease can also strain your garage door opener.
Solution: Clean off the old grease from the tracks and rollers with a solvent and apply a thinner, low-temperature lubricant designed for garage doors.
4. Broken Springs
Garage door springs are under constant tension and can become brittle and break in cold weather, especially if they are worn or of poor quality. A broken spring can render your garage door inoperable and pose a safety hazard.
Solution: Regular inspections can help catch worn springs before they break. If you’re not comfortable inspecting or replacing springs yourself, contacting a professional service like Doorman Services is a wise decision.
5. Weather Stripping Issues
The weather stripping at the bottom of your door plays a crucial role in keeping your garage insulated and free from outside elements. In winter, it can become hard and crack, leading to drafts and energy loss.
Solution: Inspect your weather stripping regularly and replace it if it’s damaged or has become too stiff. Silicone-based weather stripping performs better in cold temperatures, offering greater durability and flexibility.
Embracing Winter with Preparedness
Winter brings its set of challenges, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can ensure your garage door remains functional and efficient throughout the season. Regular maintenance, proper lubrication, and prompt repairs are key to avoiding the common pitfalls of winter weather.
At Doorman Services, we understand that your garage door is more than just an entry point; it’s a safeguard for your home, a barrier against the elements, and a part of your daily convenience. By staying ahead of common winter problems, you can keep your garage, and by extension your home, secure, warm, and welcoming, no matter how cold it gets outside. Remember, we’re here to help with all of your garage door needs. If you’re dealing with a winter garage door issue, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.