Rated My Garage Door won’t Close when it’s Cold – What do I Do?
Garages are so much more than another entryway in your home or a storage place for valuables. Your garage can be a haven from the cold, protecting your car from having a dead battery from the sudden drop in temperature, keeping your windshield free of ice, and creating a warm place to enter and leave your vehicle.
However, certain garage door issues are linked to the drop in temperature, leading to your haven turning into a winter nightmare. Automatic garage doors tend to stick in freezing temperatures, leaving homeowners frustrated and stranded. If your garage door is sticking due to the cold temperatures, here is what you can do:
Step 1: Check Your Garage Door Remote
One of the biggest issues our team of Garage Door Specialists faces when we come out to check a garage door sensor issue is that it isn’t the cold weather causing the problem but dead batteries. It is always best to check that your garage door remote is functioning properly by replacing the batteries in them and testing it out. If the garage door begins to function properly, then, the problem is solved! If it is still not working, then it is time to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Check Your Garage Door Sensors for Condensation
The sensors, which are installed about 6 inches above the ground on either side of the door, are the safeguards of your garage door opener. The sensors stop the door from opening or closing if it finds an object in its pathway. This helps prevent horrific accidents, such as a garage door closing down on some person or animal, or coming down on your car while you are trying to pull in or back out.
The garage door sensors could have accumulated condensation or ice due to the rapid change in temperature, which is causing them to read that something is in the way. Because of this, your garage door will not close properly. To remedy this issue, simply clean the condensation or the ice off the sensors with a soft cloth.
It is also important to check for any other common obstructions, such as boxes in front of the sensors, dust, spiderwebs, or other debris. Remove any dirt or debris with a damp cloth and ensure that no large objects, such as boxes, are stored in the pathway of your garage door sensor.
Step 3: Apply Lubricant
Cold weather can lead to parts of your garage door expanding or contracting, which can cause the parts to grind together instead of moving smoothly. You will need to add lubricant to your garage door’s moving parts to keep them from getting stuck. You should apply grease or oil to moving parts such as hinges, rails, springs, and cables. Make sure you are not adding too much lubrication as it will cause oil and lubricant to drip down onto your floor when your garage door opens and closes, leaving your floor slippery.
Action Garage Door Repair Specialist Pro-Tip: Always Check for Hardened Grease
While grease is a great way to ensure that your garage door opens and closes smoothly, it needs to be monitored during the cold weather. The cold temperatures can cause the grease to solidify, causing the garage door to stick and even harming the hinges by causing added resistance. Always clean out hardened grease before adding additional lubricant or grease.
Step 4: Check Your Garage Door Springs
Fluctuating temperatures cause the metal parts of your garage door to expand or contract. When those temperature changes are great, such as the freezing temperatures that have been plaguing Texas winters for the last two years, it can cause damage to your garage door springs. The cold makes the springs rigid and brittle. This will cause your garage door springs to experience cracks or even breaks as the strain of holding and distributing the weight of the door becomes too much.
If you notice that your garage door springs seem off or there are noticeable cracks or breaks, do not attempt to remedy the situation by yourself. Our team cannot express enough how dangerous it is to mess with garage door springs without adequate training and equipment. Serious injuries such as lacerations, disfigurement, and in worst cases, death can be the result of inexperienced hands working with this vital yet extremely dangerous part of your garage door. Always call in the experienced hands of the team of Action Garage Door Repair Specialists. Our knowledge and experience allow our technicians to safely repair or replace garage door springs, leading to faster, more thorough, and safer repairs.
What Are the Preventative Measures to Protect My Garage Door From Cold Weather?
The best offense is always a strong defense. When it comes to protecting your garage door from experiencing malfunctions during the winter, preparation, and prevention are key. Here are some preventative measures that can help keep your garage door withstand the colder temperatures.
Do a Physical Inspection of Your Garage Door
Usage and fluctuating temperatures can lead to some parts of your garage door becoming loose. Whether that is a screw or the tracks become misaligned, a quick visual inspection can alert you to a potential problem. It is highly suggested to check that all parts are in their place and working properly. If there are signs of a problem, it is best to call in the experts, such as the team at Action Garage Door Repair Specialists.
Examine the Cables
The cables of your garage door use high tension to help lower and lift the door. These cables need to be inspected at least once a month during the cooler months to check for signs of wear and tear, as the cold can leave the cables brittle. As with the garage door springs, never attempt to mess with the garage door cables by yourself as there is an elevated risk of injury. Instead, call in the experienced team at Action Garage Door Repair Specialists to replace or repair your garage door cables and keep disaster at bay.
Use Special Garage Door Lubricant or Spray
Some garage door lubricants are not made to withstand freezing temperatures. When the temperatures start to dip, make sure you are checking your garage door lubricant to see whether it is equipped to handle the colder temperatures or use silicone-based spray lubricant. These options typically work in both hot and cold seasons, allowing you to rest easy knowing that your garage door has the right tools to work smoothly.
Check and Replace Any Damaged Weather Stripping
The weatherstripping on your garage door is designed to help insulate your garage door and keep the cold temperatures and even little critters, such as bugs, out. When it is cracked or sections are falling apart, the protection for your garage door and garage is compromised, leading to the increased risk of breakdowns and unwanted insects and animals moving in. Always check the weatherstripping on your garage door and get it replaced if it is brittle, cracked, or falling apart.
Your Local Garage Door Experts Have the Answer
Your garage is one of the crowning jewels of your home and your garage door ensures that everything inside is protected from the elements. When your garage door is experiencing issues such as not closing due to cold temperature issues or damaged weatherstripping, its ability to protect your home significantly drops. The trusted team at Action Garage Door Repair Specialists has been faithfully serving the DFW, Austin, and Houston, Texas communities with all of their garage door needs. From repairs to new door installations, we work with you to ensure that your garage door not only looks its best but also performs its best. Contact our team today to learn more about our garage door winterization, maintenance, repair, or installation services or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping your garage door reach its full potential.
