You’re all set to tackle a cold winter morning, coffee and car keys in hand, only to find your garage door refuses to budge. It’s a frustrating problem that can disrupt your entire day.
Cold weather can cause problems with your garage door, leaving your car stuck and compromising your home’s security. Learn how to pinpoint the exact reason your garage door is stuck and when to call a pro for a quick, reliable repair.
Common Garage Door Problems When It’s Cold
Before you panic, let’s run through some easy-to-check issues that homeowners can often resolve on their own.
Dead Remote or Keypad Batteries
Cold weather is notorious for draining battery life faster. If your garage door opener won’t work when it’s cold, the problem might be as simple as dead batteries. Swap them out for fresh ones in both your remote and any keypads as a crucial first step.
Dirty Safety Sensor Lenses
Photo-eye sensors are vital for safety, preventing the door from closing on an obstruction. Frost, ice or condensation can build up on the lenses, blocking the beam and tricking the opener into thinking something is in the way. Gently wipe the lenses with a clean, soft and dry cloth to clear them.
Ice Around the Door’s Base
Melted snow or rain can seep under the bottom seal of your garage door and then refreeze, bonding the door to the concrete. Never force the door open in this situation, as you could damage the opener or the door itself. Pour lukewarm water along the seam where the door meets the ground, or use a blow-dryer on a low setting to melt the ice.
Mechanical Problems in the Cold
Cold temperatures can impact your garage door’s intricate system, causing parts to malfunction. Some common mechanical issues include:
Hardened Grease on Tracks and Rollers
Cold temperatures affect garage door openers when grease thickens, becomes sticky or even solidifies. This hardened grease forces the opener to work harder, leading to a strained motor sound and often causing the garage door to stick in cold weather.
Contracting Metal Parts
This is a primary reason why a garage door won’t open all the way in cold weather. Springs, screws and tracks can shrink in freezing temperatures. This contraction can lead to subtle misalignments, increased friction and added strain on the entire system. While lubrication can help with friction, significant contraction might require professional adjustment.
When to Call a Professional When Your Garage Door Sticks in Cold Weather
For your safety and to protect your home, here’s when it’s time to stop and pick up the phone:
- You hear a loud “bang” from the garage — this often indicates a broken torsion spring. Torsion springs and cables are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury if handled improperly.
- There’s a visible gap in a spring located above the garage door.
- The door feels extremely heavy or drops quickly after you’ve pulled the emergency release cord.
- The door has come off its tracks or appears crooked.
- The opener motor runs, but the door doesn’t move at all.
Whenever you notice these issues, don’t risk your safety. Schedule service with a trained technician right away.
Get a Fast, Affordable Fix for Your Garage Door
When your garage door malfunctions due to winter weather, rely on the expert technicians at AAA Garage Door to repair it. We can quickly and safely diagnose the issue to restore your home’s security and get your daily routine back on track. Tired of yearly winter frustrations? Consider our insulated garage doors and reliable openers that can withstand extreme temperatures.
Contact us now for fast, professional service, or to upgrade to a garage door that handles whatever winter throws at it.